Our Story

Professional Construction Estimators Association of America, Inc. (PCEA) was chartered in 1956 with 35 members from various construction disciplines in Charlotte, NC.  Some of the charter members remain active today.  

During our early years, members rallied together to exchange ideas, promote educational endeavors and high ethical standards, while simultaneously developing new friendships. Under the leadership of Charlotte’s early presidents, the members set forth many goals to promote and support the industry while expanding the voluntary association. As a result of these efforts, a second chapter was formed during 1958 in Greensboro, North Carolina (now called the Triad Chapter). The Raleigh-Durham Chapter (now called the Triangle Chapter) followed behind in 1963. Subsequent chapters were formed in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Vern W. "Bill" Helms of the Charlotte Chapter was elected as our first National President in May 1975 during the first annual convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since then, PCEA has grown to almost 1,000 members with twelve chapters in five states. Current goals include active expansion to other market areas.

PCEA members have always been active in the promotion of construction education for the betterment of the industry. Each chapter individually coordinates, develops and establishes programs to assist and enhance the educational endeavors in their community while pursuing the educational goals of membership. PCEA chapters support educational programs ranging from, but not limited to, scholarships to local students, endowed scholarships at several universities, providing construction instructors, purchasing equipment for use in technical training and introducing construction as a trade to "at risk" students.

In 1988, PCEA established the National PCEA Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. named in honor of our first Executive Director who passed away in 1987. The Foundation is funded through donations from the chapters, companies, individual members and through the Order of Isosceles Fellowships. This Foundation awards annual college scholarships in each of the states served by PCEA.