Greetings ACI Supporters!
In the time since So Cal ACI’s last communication, COVID cases are down and testing lines have been replaced by people queuing for vaccinations. With the arrival of spring, I am optimistic that this year-long pandemic has an end in sight. As we continue to contend with the destructive economic impact in our personal and professional lives, I encourage everyone to continue to be vigilant in doing our part to stop the spread and protect yourself and your community.
I am pleased to announce that the pandemic did not stop one of our key January traditions – our Annual Chapter Meeting including the Sam Hobbs Award. Josh Cavender, the well-deserved awardee, was honored with a presentation by last year’s recipient, Robert Cleeland. We also celebrated the memory of three exceptional members who sadly passed in 2020 – Rod Elderton, Terry Dooley and Reid Briley. Another piece of business covered at the annual meeting was the announcement of a proposed revisions to the chapter by-laws and held a nearly unanimous vote to advance the process. To ratify the new document, an email will go out to all members soon with a choice to approve or reject the new by-laws and that ballot will remain open through the end of May. Thank you to all who participated in the meeting planning efforts and to all who attended and participated in the Zoom meeting.
The Programs committee has been working hard to plan chapter events for this year. In collaboration with SEAOSC, we are planning technical seminars for May to cover the relevant topics related to Modulus of Elasticity testing and local supplies of cement and SCMs. We are also working with the NRMCA and the Tall Wood Design Institute to educate our members on the growing mass timber industry. In-person jobsite tours are also being arranged for the summer. Please keep an eye out for more details in your email inbox.
The annual golf tournament has sold out, which speaks to our members’ excitement to see each other in person, however there are still sponsorship opportunities available. This annual event includes a $2,500 scholarship opportunity for local University students. Please visit our website for the more info. I look forward to seeing you at the Black Gold Course on May 13th!
Last April, the Board decided to extend all current memberships one year at no cost to our members. This was done due to the very limited in person events resulting from the pandemic. With things slowly progressing towards a return to normalcy, we are reinstating membership dues for 2021 starting May 1st. With that being said, we revamped and streamlined our membership categories. Most members will now fall into the Associate/Local Chapter member category. An Individual member will be both a member at the local and national level. The Organizational membership includes numerous certification discounts as well as company recognition on our website. Lastly, those currently enrolled in college or university will fall under the Student membership category, which will remain free of charge. Please see the website for details and benefits of each category. If you are not a member, please consider applying!
Lastly, I would like to congratulate our chapter as we have once again been recognized as an Excellent Chapter by ACI International for the year 2020.
Sincerely,
Chris Garcia
Chapter President 2021
