Dear CLCA East Bay Chapter Members,

As we move through the middle of the first quarter, many of us are navigating a dynamic trade and construction market here in the East Bay. While conditions continue to shift, one thing remains constant: the value of staying informed, connected, and supported as professionals in our industry.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the CLCA State Leadership Conference in Santa Ana, where I met with fellow chapter board members and presidents from across California. The state administration team put together focused, practical trainings designed to prepare us for our leadership roles and the year ahead. It was a great reminder of the depth of resources available to us—not only to support the success of our chapter, but also to help address the real-world challenges many of us face in our own businesses, including knowing who to call and where to turn for support.

I was also reminded how fortunate the East Bay Chapter is to have a dedicated chapter administrator supporting our day-to-day operations and reporting requirements. That level of support allows our board to stay focused on what matters most: delivering value to our members.

This month, we hosted a Field Irrigation Training led by Lorin McIrvin of Allied Landscape. The training covered practical, hands-on topics including installation, repairs, and layout concepts that our field professionals encounter every day. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this training a success.

As we continue through the year, I’ll be looking for additional opportunities to support growth and education—especially for our design-build professionals. Be sure to keep an eye out for details and sign-ups for our upcoming Lunch & Learn events.

As we plan future trainings and events, your feedback is essential. We are only as strong as the input we receive, so please continue to share your ideas and suggestions. 

Together, let’s keep the momentum going and make 2026 our best year yet.