Hooker Creek hosts free seminar in Bend addressing challenges with new standard concrete material

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Construction professionals across Central Oregon will have an opportunity to learn how to navigate a major industry shift at a free, full-day seminar hosted by Hooker Creek Companies on April 13.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend, followed by a complimentary social hour from 3 to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.

The seminar focuses on Type IL cement, also known as Portland Limestone Cement, which has fully replaced traditional Type I/II cement in Oregon and now makes up more than 60% of the U.S. cement market. While the material meets ASTM standards and delivers comparable strength, industry professionals say it behaves differently in real-world conditions.

Those differences have created challenges for contractors and finishers, particularly in Central Oregon’s hot, dry, and windy climate. Reported issues include surface crusting, crazing, delamination, plastic shrinkage cracking, and faster setting times.

Organizers say the seminar is designed to provide practical, field-tested strategies to help professionals successfully work with Type IL cement in both public and private projects, especially as the region continues to experience significant growth.

The keynote speaker will be Chad White, a senior concrete consultant with Structural Services Inc., who brings more than four decades of hands-on experience in concrete construction. White began his career as a cement mason apprentice and went on to lead a successful construction company for more than 15 years. He is a member of the American Concrete Institute, a published author on concrete slab installation, and a featured speaker at the World of Concrete conference. He also co-authored a widely used 2025 field guide on placing and finishing Type IL cement mixes.

The seminar is open to a wide range of industry professionals, including engineers, inspectors, contractors, construction managers, developers, and public agency staff. Officials from the City of Bend and Deschutes County Public Works departments have already registered to attend.

The event has been approved by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board for continuing education credits for both residential and commercial license holders.

Registration and additional details are available online at cementseminar.com.