Annual Conference in Charlotte
International Code Council chapters provide a means for industry professionals to stay current with building safety industry news, network with colleagues, increase knowledge, continue their education and gain opportunities to enhance their reputation in the local community. The Code Council has more than 340 chapters worldwide, with new chapters formed each year.
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The Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council was presented the Chapter of the Year Award by ICC Board member and Awards Committee Chair John LaTorra (left) and Board Immediate Past President Ron Lynn (right) during the Awards Luncheon at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte. |
The Southern Nevada Chapter undertook a program to reduce the high number of child drowning deaths in swimming pools. Results of the initiative included the drafting of the Nevada Child Drowning Prevention Act, which if enacted by the state legislature would make Nevada eligible for federal funding through the Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, and the Toddler Swim Lesson Grant program that awarded $12,000 to parks and recreation departments in Southern Nevada jurisdictions to provide free swimming lessons.
"The work the chapter accomplished this year would not have been possible without the outstanding support we received from the Southern Nevada building officials," said Southern Nevada President Neil A. Burning. "I would also like to thank our board members and each one of our community volunteers for their outstanding leadership and dedication in the community. We also are very proud of our efforts to increase the awareness of the vital public safety role all code officials play in the built environment."
Chapter Merit Awards were presented to the Cumberland Region Codes Association in Tennessee, the Laney College Chapter, the Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials, and the Virginia Building Code Officials Association. Merit Awards are presented to chapters that distinguish themselves through activities that demonstrate the goals and objectives of the Code Council.
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Cumberland Region Codes Association Chapter President Karen Smith (center) with ICC Board member and Awards Committee Chair John LaTorra (left) and Board Immediate Past President Ron Lynn (right) during the Awards Luncheon at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte. |
The Chapter donated funds to the American Red Cross for Haiti Disaster Relief and contributed door prize cash awards from its annual conference to a local agency in need of support.
The Cumberland Region Codes Association created the "From the Ground Up" initiative to emphasize the requirements and benefits to public safety of inspections during the construction process. It benefits builders, contractors, engineers and architects, providing a better understanding of what building and fire inspectors are looking for when they inspect to ensure a structure meets code. The program provides valuable information to new and prospective code enforcement inspectors.
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Laney College Chapter Faculty Advisor Harry Attri (center) with ICC Board member and Awards Committee Chair John LaTorra (left) and Board Immediate Past President Ron Lynn (right) during the Awards Luncheon at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte. |
Faced with state budget cuts, the Chapter successfully advocated to keep all of its courses in the building inspection curriculum. The College Chapter with approval from the state worked with six area high schools to interest students in building safety.
The activity also was aimed at reducing the high school dropout rate. High school students who pass the Laney College code courses also receive high school credit for their efforts. Chapter members continue to visit the schools encouraging students to pursue a college education and a career in code enforcement.
The Chapter's community involvement includes ICC Build Day where members made an impressive showing at Habit for Humanity projects, and spent several weekends and weeknights repairing, painting and doing just about anything necessary to fix several older homes.
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Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials Chapter President Todd Cunningham (center) with ICC Board member and Awards Committee Chair John LaTorra (left) and Board Immediate Past President Ron Lynn (right) during the Awards Luncheon at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte. |
The Chapter developed "Building Department 101" to enhance the knowledge of entry-level building department staff. The curriculum covers 30 subjects from front counter operations, to customer service, contractor licensing laws, owner-building law, occupancy classifications, structural and the state's energy code. The Sacramento Valley Chapter offers education to small businesses on the California disabled access provisions and the Americans with Disability Act.
The Chapter's outreach committee and foundation offer free construction repairs, for those who cannot afford it. One recent project rebuilt a playground, access ramp and tenant improvements at a women and children's shelter. Several members helped out with labor and donated goods.
The Chapter advocates at the state level for construction safety legislation, participates in I-Code development and works with the League of California Cities to educate local officials. Other programs include attending career days and an intern program building inspection technology program students.
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Virginia Building Code Officials Association Chapter President James L. Collins with ICC Board member and Awards Committee Chair John LaTorra (left) and Board Immediate Past President Ron Lynn (right) during the Awards Luncheon at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte. |
It is also no stranger to public service and code development. VBCOA is well represented on ICC committees and throughout Virginia. A primary focus of its revised strategic plan is image and outreach emphasizing building safety professionals, ranging from teaching local government officials the importance of building safety to developing a comprehensive pool safety inspection program and promoting Building Safety Week through hosting informational booths in hardware and building supply stores, and at governmental complexes.
Its members write articles for local magazines, newspapers and trade publications; develop and distribute common building code issues and safe building techniques flyers; are interviewed on radio and television; and produce public service announcements.
VBCOA members provided funding to install a sprinkler system in a Department of Housing and Community Development replacement project. The Chapter participates in building-related humanitarian programs such as 24-hour Habitat for Humanity building blitzes and HUD's "Continuum of Care" to end homelessness. Members participated in a fund-raising effort for Walter Reed Army Medical Center, raising $2,500.