As Christmas approaches and the year closes, I always like to take a few moments to reflect on the past year's activities in the region. The manner in which PCI Gulf South and its members collaborate within the region is something to be proud of. Whether it is presentations at the Miss State studio program (or Auburn, Alabama, or Tulane University), USM’s School of Construction, the corn hole tournament at the summer meeting, DOT meetings, plant tours during Precast Days or throwing axes during a rained out golf event, I truly appreciate all of the hard work members put into this association and their willingness to step up time and again when a need arises. I count my blessings this holiday season and feel grateful for all the wonderful people I interact with daily.
Have a safe and joy-filled holiday season.
Meet Our Associates:
M2 Solutions
M2 provides solutions to help build, repair and maintain stronger, more durable buildings, infrastructure, and products. It is committed to providing superior service based on its core values of honesty, trust, and integrity. M2 is also committed to working with our customers to offer the highest quality solutions, including corrosion inhibitors, internal cure, liquid fly ash, and waterproofing and hardening admixtures. M2 supplies your project with the most technologically advanced materials to protect, preserve, and strengthen your structures.
PCI Gulf South Winter Meeting
PCI Gulf South held its annual Winter Meeting in Biloxi, MS, on November 19th and 20th. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate for our annual golf competition, so we found an alternative: throwing sharp instruments of war for entertainment! A huge shout out to Skal Axe Throwing in Biloxi for accommodating our group at the last minute. We would also like to thank all associate members who helped to support our winter meeting by sponsoring the reception and the event overall. We had so much support that we were able to donate $ 5,000 to the PCI Foundation. A special thanks to Brian Miller from Chryso/Saint Gobain and Jeff Johnson from Summitville Brick for presenting to our group. Brian gave the group a presentation of PCI’s marketing survey and Jeff gave an overview of PCI’s updated thin brick requirements.
Precast Days Plant Tour
As part of the National Precast Days, celebrated by PCI and NPCA, Tindall Corp in Moss Point, MS, hosted a tour for local schools, designers, and political leaders. A special thanks to Congressman Ezell for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the plant and talk to Tindall leadership about job creation and the importance of the precast, prestressed concrete industry to the nation's infrastructure. The team at Tindall did an exceptional job with this plant tour and open house. I’m sure many attendees will remember this for a long time.
USM Presentation
Back in the classroom again! On October 17th, 2024, Dave Tomley, P.E. Gulf Coast Pre-stress presented to the University of Southern Mississippi's soils and foundation class on precast, prestressed concrete piles. A special thanks to Dave for presenting and Dr. Fan Zhang for allowing us into her classroom to have these types of discussions with her students.
Auburn Studio Presentation
Students from Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Sciences showcased their precast concrete projects, from mixing concrete to successfully casting a 2’ x 2’ wall panel with thin bricks. Big thanks to Steve Kegley from Endicott Brick for guiding them through the process and to Gate Precast for providing detailed drawings
PCI members and guests are in for an exceptional experience at the 2025 PCI Convention, taking place in vibrant Indianapolis from February 3-7.
The week kicks off with the PCI Welcome Reception on Tuesday, February 4, where you can mingle with fellow members. Throughout the convention, participate in PCI council and committee meetings, attend valuable educational sessions, and don’t miss the Women in Precast Luncheon (open to ALL) and the PCI Student Job Fair. We’ll also celebrate excellence at the 2025 PCI Design Awards Reception Thursday evening.
Be sure to visit the PCI Booth at The Precast Show to connect with PCI staff and discover all that PCI has to offer.
Have You Seen the Fall 2024 Issue of ASPIRE?
Highlights from the Fall 2024 issue include:
"Marine Trestles for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion," by Kenneth J. Wright, HDR Inc.
"BIM for Bridges and Structures Pooled-Fund Program," by Julie Rivera, HDR Inc., and James Hauber, Iowa Department of Transportation
"Bridge Engineering Education: Access and Excellence," by Dr. Caroline Bennett and Dr. William Collins, University of Kansas
