TX Chapter Lunch & Learn Does Deep Dive on Marine Geostructures

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(L-R): Presenters Dean Abbondanza, Lina Garcia-Martin
 
Members of the PDCA Texas Chapter gathered in Houston on June 16 for a successful Lunch & Learn that combined technical education, networking, and a little friendly competition.

During opening remarks, which began with a blessing from Chapter Planning Committee Director Matthew Knight and a Pledge of Allegiance from member Daryl Wingo from Mustang CAT, Chapter President Mickey Thatcher encouraged attendees to make note of the August 14th deadline for Texas Chapter Scholarship applications. He also previewed the upcoming annual golf tournament, taking place this year on September 22nd. Following the formal welcome, the buffet-style lunch was served.

Once everyone was seated, the education program began. Attendees heard two informative presentations, including Dean Abbondanza of JD Fields & Co., who discussed high modulus steel piling for marine geostructures, and Lina Maria Garcia Martin, PE, MSc, of Orion, who explored engineering and construction challenges associated with seawalls. Participants earned valuable PDH credit while enjoying lunch and connecting with industry colleagues.

The afternoon concluded with a Networking & Cornhole Tournament, providing a relaxed setting for members to strengthen relationships and continue industry conversations.

This event was made possible through the generosity of the sponsors, PACO Equipment and CPS Houston.
 
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Event Sponsors: CPS Houston, PACO Equipment

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Cornhole!

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Posted in Chapter News Texas.

Successful in 2025, Texas Chapter Resumes Facility Tours Series in 2026

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Visits to industry partners began in 2025, and on May 21, 2026, members and friends of the PDCA Texas Chapter gathered in Houston for a successful facility showcase hosted by Mustang CAT. The event gave attendees an inside look at equipment, operations, and services that support the driven pile industry while providing valuable networking opportunities with fellow professionals.
 
Chapter President Mickey Thatcher and Planning Committee Director Matthew Knight (pictured) each welcomed the guests and highlighted upcoming chapter activities and events. When they turned the floor over to Daryl Wingo, the strategic accounts manager and his Mustang CAT colleagues shared insights on Caterpillar equipment, Southeast Texas service locations, equipment rentals, tractor sales, and the power division's generator and marine engine offerings. Representatives from SITECH also demonstrated GPS technology for heavy equipment, including pile driving applications. Food, refreshments, and industry camaraderie made the event a memorable success for everyone who attended.

PDCA thanks Mr. Knight and Mustang CAT marketing for providing the event photography:
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Posted in Chapter News Texas.

Texas Chapter Announces Opening of 2026 Scholarship Program

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Members of the Texas Chapter leadership team announce 2025 winning students, (L-R):- Shiri Foster, Jene Adler, Mickie Thatcher, Matthew Knight, John Burns, scholarship recipient Taylor Darling, Erica Parker
 

Students pursuing careers in deep foundation construction, engineering and related fields have an exciting opportunity through the PDCA Texas Chapter. The chapter will award four scholarships of $2,500 each for the Spring 2027 academic year, supporting students committed to careers connected to the pile driving industry. Eligible applicants include Texas high school seniors and current college students enrolled in construction, engineering, safety or trade-related programs at accredited U.S. institutions.

To apply, students must submit a completed application along with transcripts, a faculty recommendation, a letter of sponsorship from a PDCA member, and a photo. All materials must be emailed to Scholarship@pdcatexas.com by August 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed through a blind scoring process, with awards announced in September 2026.

This scholarship not only provides financial support, but also helps connect students with industry professionals--making it a valuable step toward building a successful future in construction.

Students interest​ed in pursuing a 2026 award from the PDCA Texas Chapter can learn more about the program by clicking the Criteria & Guidelines button below. Or, click the second button to jump directly to the 2026 application. Good luck to all student applicants!​​​​​​

Posted in Chapter News Texas.

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