While professionals in the pile driving industry gathered to learn about technical developments and supplier solutions related to modern day deep foundation construction, they were also treated to the formal introduction of a new scholarship program designed to attract current students into careers involving pile driving and geotechnical engineering. The PDCA Texas Chapter hosted a Lunch & Learn on April 22nd in Mont Belvieu, near Houston, which attracted contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and engineers who work in foundation construction throughout the state.
Chapter President Condon Verble (pictured above) opened the program in which he discussed the significant strides the organization has made since its rebirth in 2022. He credited the growing membership for positioning the Chapter into an industry resource that provides regular educational opportunities, strategic networking events, a widely-popular annual golf tournament, and now an impactful program to promote the industry to an upcoming generation of young people.
Chapter President Condon Verble (pictured above) opened the program in which he discussed the significant strides the organization has made since its rebirth in 2022. He credited the growing membership for positioning the Chapter into an industry resource that provides regular educational opportunities, strategic networking events, a widely-popular annual golf tournament, and now an impactful program to promote the industry to an upcoming generation of young people.
Verble credited several sponsors for their support of Chapter's growth, including those who helped underwrite the April Lunch & Learn. Those included OTTO Fabricators, CPS Houston, McCarthy, JD Fields & Co., Aggregate Technologies, and Russell Marine.
He also thanked the Texas Chapter leadership team, which includes VP Mickey Thatcher, Secretary Jene Adler, Treasurer Erica Parker, Planning Committee Director Matthew Knight, Chapter Administrator Shiri Foster, and Scholarship Committee Director John Burns.
Later in the program, Burns would detail the new Chapter Scholarship Program.
He also thanked the Texas Chapter leadership team, which includes VP Mickey Thatcher, Secretary Jene Adler, Treasurer Erica Parker, Planning Committee Director Matthew Knight, Chapter Administrator Shiri Foster, and Scholarship Committee Director John Burns.
Later in the program, Burns would detail the new Chapter Scholarship Program.
Lunch & Learn Presenters
Following registration and networking, Lunch & Learn attendees dined together on a catered lunch from Eagle Point Golf Club which has the meeting room that served as the event venue. As lunch was finishing, the two segment, educational program began.
The first presenter was Kyle Yarborough from CPS Houston who informed attendees about expanding options that are available to pile drivers such as mobile splicing, advanced coatings, customized services, and more. He was joined by colleagues from the Houston-based company to provide a thorough presentation of their competencies.
Next, Brandon Phetteplace, PE from GRL Engineers, Inc. in Houston presented an overview of static load testing, complete with photographic imagery and charted data. His content served as a good reminder to some of the industry veterans in the room, but also generated audience questions stemming from a practice that embraces evolving technologies.
The first presenter was Kyle Yarborough from CPS Houston who informed attendees about expanding options that are available to pile drivers such as mobile splicing, advanced coatings, customized services, and more. He was joined by colleagues from the Houston-based company to provide a thorough presentation of their competencies.
Next, Brandon Phetteplace, PE from GRL Engineers, Inc. in Houston presented an overview of static load testing, complete with photographic imagery and charted data. His content served as a good reminder to some of the industry veterans in the room, but also generated audience questions stemming from a practice that embraces evolving technologies.
New Scholarship
Once the presentation concluded, Planning Committee Director Matther Knight invited Chapter members to get involved in the various initiatives that are scheduled for 2025. He was excited to report that volunteers have been coming forward to assist and help enhance various programs.
Then, Scholarship Committee Director John Burns (pictured), announced the creation of a new Scholarship Award that is now open for entry. It is limited to high school and college students in Texas who are pursuing college and/or trade school education with a construction and/or engineering focus. Four awards will be presented in September during the Chapter golf event. Applicants must submit their materials by August 1st. Four awards of $2,500, each, are available.
Then, Scholarship Committee Director John Burns (pictured), announced the creation of a new Scholarship Award that is now open for entry. It is limited to high school and college students in Texas who are pursuing college and/or trade school education with a construction and/or engineering focus. Four awards will be presented in September during the Chapter golf event. Applicants must submit their materials by August 1st. Four awards of $2,500, each, are available.
Click the button below to be redirected to the Texas Chapter Scholarship Award webpage which list rules and parameters for this program.
Seen at the PDCA Texas Chapter April Lunch & Learn
Chapter VP Mickey Thatcher gave concluding remarks at the end of the program. He reiterated sincere appreciation to all supporters and participants of Chapter initiatives. He also shared dates about upcoming events for the organization.
Thatcher had also arranged for an informal golf outing for interested attendees. Once the meeting ended, nearly two dozen stayed to play a round of golf.
If you are interested in joining the PDCA Texas Chapter, you may enroll as a member by completing an online application. Click the button below to JOIN PDCA TEXAS Chapter.
Thatcher had also arranged for an informal golf outing for interested attendees. Once the meeting ended, nearly two dozen stayed to play a round of golf.
If you are interested in joining the PDCA Texas Chapter, you may enroll as a member by completing an online application. Click the button below to JOIN PDCA TEXAS Chapter.
