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Code Council CEO Rick Weiland tells delegates during the Annual Business Meeting that the Council was able to overcome challenges of the past year while maintaining the organization's mission and its role in supporting members. |
"In many ways, we have moved the ball forward," Weiland told delegates during the 2010 Annual Business Meeting, "even in the face of a difficult economy that has especially impacted local and state governments and the entire construction industry.
"We restored member benefits in a more cost-effective and sustainable fashion, including chapter training benefits and the redesigned electronic version of the Building Safety Journal," Weiland continued. "As we bring the year to a close, we remain cautious regarding projected revenues and accordingly are keeping a close watch on spending."
Weiland pointed to recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile as ongoing evidence of the importance of code adoptions and enforcement worldwide.
"We only need to compare the 230,000 deaths in Haiti last January to 500 deaths a few weeks later in Chile to see that good codes and good code enforcement save lives," Weiland said. "As I travel across the country, and as our staff interacts with you, we continue to be inspired and humbled by your contributions to the safety of our communities, your dedication to professionalism and customer service, and the belief in your mission regardless of public recognition."
Looking ahead, Weiland said the Code Council will be responsible for equipping its members with the best products and services in an ever-changing world:
• A code development process that will remain dynamic with the best approach to provide a transparent, public/private collaboration that is driven by those who are charged with enforcement.
• Professional development opportunities that will evolve into a more diverse menu of options for new and old members alike, along with new audiences.
• New products that will be increasingly available electronically to expedite decisions in the field and at the counter.
• Best efforts at the federal, state and local levels that will focus on the promotion of the Code Council's process and the protection of the International Codes.
• And, ICC's staff that will continue to develop new efficiencies in delivery and service to keep pace with the changing times.
"The truth is, we are moving forward," said Weiland. "With the development of International Green Construction Code, we've set new records in how we are engaging with professionals, advocates and ordinary citizens; with thousands of downloads of the code, hundreds of individuals and organizations pledging their support, and record numbers tuning in to our webcasts and participating in social media.
"We are finalizing the overhaul of our IT and financial systems to bring our internal operations up to the levels we expect and you deserve," Weiland continued. "Federal funding for states to promote training and enforcement around the International Energy Conservation Code has increased the opportunity to realize the benefits of codes to sustainability efforts. And around the world, engagement with the products and services of the Code Council reflects on your expertise—and it provides additional financial resources for us to continue to do our important work both domestically and globally."
Despite this momentum, Weiland said the key is and will remain establishing and maintaining relationships at events such as the Annual Conference and capitalizing on changes in technology.
"Frankly, despite the economic challenges and even with our forward momentum, it all comes down to relationships," Weiland said. "Recognizing this, we've really upped our efforts to communicate with you this past year—from our new CEO Quarterly Report—to an increased emphasis on member outreach.
"But sometimes, we just don't have enough money or the time to meet as often as we would like," Weiland added. "As the world moves faster we all are experimenting with how technology can keep us engaged. An exciting development that will help our members to access critical information at the tap of a finger is now available through the magic of the iPad."
An evolving organization will serve its members better in the future, Weiland said. "You have our commitment that we will continue to refine our ability to make our products and services available by electronic means as well as by the traditional approaches that many of you still rely on.
"Thanks for all you do. Thanks for your passion and thanks for your continued dedication to building a safer and more sustainable world."