Charleston, SC (November 12, 2021): The South Carolina Chapter of PDCA names Cadet Richard Milling as the recipient of the prestigious "Mac" Nigels Scholarship. A sophomore student currently carrying a 4.0 grade point average at The Citadel, Milling was recognized before the audience gathered for the Chapter's fourth quarter dinner meeting on November 11th at the Town & Country Inn and Suites. Each year, the Chapter presents this scholarship to a civil engineering student from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina who, according to his/her professors, demonstrates "strong character, integrity and exemplary grade point average."

Mr. Milling, accompanied by Citadel Professor and PDCA member Dr. Simon Ghanat, was introduced by Scott Nigels, son of the late McLeod "Mac" Creighton Nigels. Those gathered for the event learned about Milling's impressive credentials as an accomplished student; he was warmly applauded as Nigels presented him with the award consisting of a commemorative plaque and a $2000 monetary gift. The annual scholarship dates back to 2007 and is presented in the name of "Mac" Nigels who was a highly respected civil engineer in Charleston following his 1955 graduation from The Citadel.

Also from the PDCA of South Carolina Chapter's quarterly dinner meeting on November 11th, the 2022 Slate listing the newly-elected Chapter leadership was revealed. Effective January 1, 2022 the Chapter President is John King of PileDrivers, Inc., VP is Susheel Kolwalkar of Insight Group, Secretary/Treasurer is Andrea Edwards of Koppers, and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer is Jason Moore of Palmetto Pile Driving. Directors include Jim Challenger of Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Jordan Houston of Cape Romain Contractors, Greg Canivan of S&ME, Inc., Scott Nigels of Palmetto Pile Driving, Peter Adams of Parker Marine and Simon Ghanat. 

The dinner program concluded with a rousing presentation by Ben Fanning, a best-selling author, podcaster and career coach who took a deep dive into many of the dangers employers face when their employees experience 'burnout.' The timely address keyed-in on COVID-19 pandemic-related workplace alterations which have brought negative impacts to workers in nearly every career sector. Mr. Fanning offered the group tips and advice to not only mitigate workplace burnout but also overcome the challenges from the pandemic and other root causes. The presentation included humor, audience participation and access to available resources for burnout prevention.

Don't miss the final meeting of the PDCA of South Carolina, coming Thursday November 11th at 6:30 at Town and Country Inn in Charleston. In addition to networking and social time, great dinner and industry fellowship, attendees will be treated to the following:

• A presentation from #1 bestselling author, Ben Fanning
• A reveal of The Citadel student who is selected as the PDCA of SC, 2022 Mac Nigels Scholarship winner
• A Membership election for your 2022 Board of Directors.

The Board is now accepting nominations. If you're interested in serving on the PDCA of SC Board, please contact current President, Jason Moore, at 843.577.0545 or jason@palmettopiledriving.com.

Ever experience burnout as it relates to work? Ever had to coach a coworker or employee through a period of frustration in their career? Given the pandemic, election season, political and civil unrest, and the cyclical nature of our industry relative to all of the above, each of us has experienced some level of fatigue and burnout over the past 18 months! Please plan to join us for an engaging and energizing experience to help you avoid burnout and boost your motivation. Our speaker is #1 bestselling author, Ben Fanning:
 
3 Strategies You can Use to Prevent Burnout in 2022
- The Alarming Truth about COVID Fatigue and How to Avoid It.
- The One Word that Energizes and Ignites Your Career.
- A Simple Way to Use Burnout to Your Advantage.

Special thanks to keynote speaker sponsor: Insight Group

Given the ongoing health concern, we will be following all local, state, and CDC guidelines for meeting attendance and process.

DETAILS:
$45 per person includes dinner and beverages
Thursday, November 11th @ 6:30 pm

The PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter gathered for the regularly scheduled Third Quarter 2021 Membership Meeting in Baton Rouge. This is a popular event from the Chapter each year because it is held at the L'Auberge Casino Hotel on the scenic waterfront of the mighty Mississippi River.

Attendees enjoyed a social hour prior to a dinner and program. Chapter President Kirt Jackson presided over a short business meeting of the Chapter membership. PDCA Executive Director Frank Peters  attended and briefed members on news and upcoming event information for the pile driving industry. The event was sponsored by American Piledriving Equipment (APE) and Nucor Skyline. Andres Buritica, a Business Development representative from Skyline gave a short program.

PDCA thanks the Gulf Coast Chapter for continuing to provide a strong and active, local presence in Louisiana and beyond. Additionally, the Chapter has assisted PDCA in coordinating a special site visit at member company Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Partners (Pass Christian, MS) as an optional field trip during the upcoming DICEP technical conference to be held September 15-17 in New Orleans. 

The PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter has scheduled it's fourth and final meeting of 2021 for November 18th; it will take place at Messina's Restaurant in Kenner, LA. More information and registration will be available closer to the event.

PDCA E.D. Frank Peters updates Gulf Coast Chapter during Q3 meeting

Andres Buritica of Nucor Skyline presents technical program to Chapter

 

The Pile Driving Contractors Association of South Carolina Chapter hosted a 'Night at the Joe,' a social outing for Chapter members and friends to watch minor league baseball at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park where the host the Charleston RiverDogs (Tampa Bay affiliate) held off a spirted challenge by the Columbia Fireflies (Kansas City affiliate) with a final score of 4-3.

The family affair delivered an evening of fun, fellowship, and a little shop talk for all attendees. Prior to the first pitch, the group indulged in a ballpark picnic at Doby's Deck (upper deck behind third base) then settled in to their designated block in Section 208 (just below Doby's Deck). 

Thanks to all members and friends who attended 'Night at the Joe;' the PDCA-SC reconvenes for a business and dinner meeting on August 12th at Charleston's Town and Country Inn & Suites.

 



 

Charleston, SC (May 20, 2021): For nearly a decade when preliminary studies began, the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal serving the South Carolina Ports Authority operations in Charleston has remained one of the highest profile port projects on the U.S. East Coast. While Phase 1 of the terminal opened in March 2021, the full project continues to take shape thanks to ongoing work by the numerous contractors, suppliers, equipment manufacturers and engineers who have been involved with various facets of the complex facility.

Insight Group of North Charleston, SC is one of the geotechnical engineering firms that has contributed to this massive project. On Thursday, May 20, 2021, professionals from the firm shared the presentation 'Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal - BUILDINGS & CANOPIES - VALUE ENGINEERED FOUNDATIONS'  before an assembly of the PDCA of South Carolina Chapter membership during their quarterly dinner meeting. Presenting on behalf of Insight Group were Dr. Susheel Kolwalkar, PE and Ryan N. Keiper, PE.

In addition to the technical presentation, members gathered for a social/networking hour before a buffet dinner and brief membership meeting. During a raffle sponsored by the Pile Driving Contractors Association, Brad Glover and Bill Thomas each won a $50 PDCA BUCKS voucher, good for use on logo merchandise or educational resources available at The PDCA Store. The event took place at the Town & Country Inn on Savannah Highway in Charleston; event sponsors included; Koppers, Consolidated Pipe & Supply, Van-Smith Concrete, Nucor Skyline, ICE-International Construction Equipment, Junttan, Pile Master, SJ Hamill Construction, Terracon, Insight Group, Palmetto Pile Driving, Cape Romain Contractors and Parker Marine Contracting Corp.

See below for photos from the Second Quarter Dinner meeting of PDCA of SC, the group will gather again for the third quarter on August 12th, watch your inbox for more details as the event draws closer.

   

Virtual Quarterly Meeting Draws Big Crowd

The PDCA of South Carolina Chapter has been able to get an answer to a question shared by many in the construction association world; "can a Chapter that has a strong tradition of regular, live meetings host an event that is 100% virtual?" The question was answered with a resounding "yes" after the February 4th Quarterly Meeting of the Chapter.

Based on a widespread, positive response to the initial meeting announcement, then more than 85 participants accessing the two-hour meeting and technical presentation through the Zoom platform, it was clear that the paramount function of a Chapter executing meaningful engagement with its members is possible through a web-based format. While a live, in-person event which brings important networking and social interaction in addition to general meeting components and a presentation, is a preference for many who participate in Chapter functions, ongoing health concerns have forced the pivot. And South Carolina's PDCA Chapter has successfully pivoted.

The event took place from 3:00-5:00 PM EST on February 4, 2021. Using technical and organizational resources from the PDCA national office, Chapter President Jason Moore convened more than 85 Chapter members and other friends from the Southeastern U.S. region for a business meeting followed by a popular technical program (which provided PDH credit). Presenter Mohamad Hussein (pictured), EVP and Principal Engineer with GRL Engineers, gave a 90 minute program entitled Dynamic Pile Testing: Basic Principle, Capabilities and Effective Applications. Thanks to generous sponsorship, this program was offered to participants at no cost.

If you are involved in a PDCA Chapter and are interested in learning more about resources available to you to host a virtual program, please contact the PDCA offices.