A Message from Dan Clark, ICRI-NE President 2024-2025

The Scots phrase “Auld Lang Syne” translates roughly to “old long since” or more commonly, “for the sake of old times”. The song is essentially a call to remember old friends and the experiences shared with them as a new year begins.

That being said I would like to once again recognize and offer up a prayer for our brother, Jimmy Macozek. Jimmy was a true gentleman and champion in the concrete repair and restoration world. He supported this chapter for many years and we are forever grateful. I’m sure we all have a “Jimmy story”.  Let’s remember those moments and that smile as we begin a new year.

As we head into 2026 and my term as chapter president has come to a close I would like to thank the Board and our membership for the opportunity and privilege to serve. These past two years have been rewarding and productive. We hosted the 2024 National Spring Convention, we golfed at the historic Tedesco Country Club, and we upgraded our chapter website, bringing us into modern times and allowing us to streamline our communications.

We took a hard look at what we needed to do to serve our membership and support the ICRI mission. We developed a plan and put the right pieces in place. We expanded our Board of Directors, adding competent team members committed to the industry. Our work paid off as attendance at our Chapter meetings saw substantial growth, as did sponsorship interest and involvement. Our 2025 Holiday Social was by far the best one yet! The generosity and support of our sponsors and attendees allowed us to maintain our commitment to the Gavin Foundation, www.gavinfoundation.org as we presented them with a $5,000 donation.

We have great momentum as we head into 2026.  And here we GO!

I am excited to introduce Catherine Maloney Bugazia as our new chapter president. Catherine is the first woman president of our NE-ICRI chapter and I believe this worthy of celebration. Her dedication to the industry and attentive nature has been a vital asset to our board for many years. Catherine, alongside Treasurer Peder Hals, Director Steven Lockwood, and Kristie Janes of Business Marketing Innovators, was a major influence in guiding and shaping the development of our new website.

I have the utmost confidence that Catherine will continue to guide us forward. Our New England Chapter can also boast that we have a total of 5 women on the Board of Directors (Caitlin Daniels, Jennifer Grubb, Jamie LoConte, Catherine Maloney, and Cynthia Staats). ICRI New England continues to lead the way, and I’m proud to have worked alongside all of the talented professionals on our Board.

The first half of 2026 offers exciting and varied opportunities. We begin with our 1/20 Chapter dinner meeting, presentation and discussion of the Boston Façade Ordinance. Our 03/03 Boot Camp event, “Concrete Solutions: Protect, Repair, Sustain”, and our 04/08 Chapter meeting, “How AI Can Help Your Business”. Please check out our event calendar and secure your tickets.

It has been my honor to serve as chapter president these past two years.  I am proud of our accomplishments, and grateful for the opportunity and the trust that this chapter has placed in me.

With Gratitude and Appreciation,
Dan
Happy New Year, everyone!