Bay Breeze

Beth Valdez, President

Dear Members of the CLCA SFBA Chapter,

As we step into a new year, I am honored and excited to serve as your president for 2025. This year marks not only the start of a new chapter for our association but also an opportunity to build upon the incredible momentum we’ve cultivated together.

First and foremost, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the outgoing co-Presidents Barry and Mary Cohen for their dedication over the past year. Their efforts have paved the way for us to continue fostering collaboration and professional growth within our industry. A special thank you to our members, whose participation and enthusiasm continue to be the heartbeat of this chapter.

This past year, we celebrated several successful events, including Topgolf, the PFS Appreciation Day,  Golf Tournament, Legacy Celebration and the AI Dinner Meeting, which demonstrated the strength of our community. These events, along with the Awards of Excellence, showcase the talent, innovation, and dedication that define our chapter.

I also want to recognize Craig Rapp, who has rejoined our chapter to revitalize our largest and most prestigious event, the Awards of Excellence. Thanks to Craig’s leadership, and the assistance of Jesus Bustos, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable evening of recognition and appreciation for the remarkable achievements in our industry.

To our newly installed board of directors—welcome! I am thrilled to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals. Together, we will strive to uphold the values of CLCA while introducing fresh ideas and initiatives to better serve our members and elevate our profession.

Looking ahead, I am excited to announce plans to revive the garden tours, led by Jackie Marsey, alongside a renewed focus on education and training opportunities to empower our members and their teams.

Our goals for 2025 are ambitious but achievable, especially with Scooter Wren’s energetic personality and enthusiastic talent for connecting our contractors and suppliers. These goals center on:

• Increasing engagement and membership to connect even more professionals.
• Providing meaningful programs that inspire growth and innovation.
• Continuing to strengthen partnerships within and beyond the landscaping industry.

Our chapter has always been a place where ideas flourish, connections are forged, and success stories are written. I’d like to encourage each of you, our members, to take an active role in our chapter—whether by attending meetings, sharing your expertise, or reaching out with your ideas for improvement. 

Here’s to an exciting, impactful and noteworthy year ahead! Thank you for your trust and support as we continue to grow and thrive together.

Beth Valdez
The Davey Tree Expert Company