Dear Southern California CMAA Esteemed Colleagues,

In this first quarter of 2022, optimism is overtaking uncertainty in the construction industry, presenting a different set of challenges than those we faced in 2020 and 2021. On behalf of the CMAA Southern California Chapter Board of Directors, we are grateful to play a part in your continued success.

During our Strategic Planning gathering at the end of 2021, we were reminded that our mission is to further the profession of construction management by adding value to our members. At each Board meeting, when we review the status and accomplishments of each Committee, I am proud to say that your Directors are focused on accomplishing this mission. They devote many hours and take tremendous responsibility in the volunteer positions they hold at CMAA. Our goal is to feature topics that are timely and valuable to you and your employer.

As many of you would know, the Southern California Chapter works together with the CMAA Southern California Foundation to raise money for scholarships and internships. Companies are aggressively hiring right now, and we are seeing a shortage of qualified new people in our profession. Supporting the next generation of CM practitioners is critical to our success as an industry.

Every time you attend or sponsor a CMAA Chapter event, money goes to these programs. So far this year, we have held 10 virtual events, with more than 1,000 attendees and 50 sponsors, raising nearly $60,000 for CM students to further their education. We received more than 80 scholarship applications, and plan to award more money than ever.

Many have asked when the Chapter will be back to in-person events. We will decide this on a case-by-case basis. Some will remain virtual for the sake of convenience, travel, and increasing costs at our venues. But we recognize the importance of reconnecting, too. In the next few months, look forward to attending:

• Owners’ Night on 3/21 at The Grand in Long Beach
• 29th Annual Gala on 6/30 at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach
• Golf Tournament on 9/12 at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach

As we, your Board of Directors, endeavor to support you, we want to thank you for supporting us, too. I encourage you to get involved in the Chapter, and please reach out if you’d like to participate more.

Respectfully,
Garrett Terlaak
CMAA Southern California Chapter President