Members of the new ICC Membership Councils held their first face-to-face meetings during the 2011 Annual Conference in Phoenix to discuss their charters, future plans and issues pertaining to their specific disciplines. Items such as future involvement in the ICC from young professionals, use of technology and social media, and how the Councils will facilitate Membership growth were discussed in the two-hour meetings.

The Building Official Membership Council, led by Chair Steve Shapiro and Vice Chair Becky Baker, has 479 ICC Members covering 339 jurisdictions. "This brings a lot of different viewpoints and opinions," Shapiro said. "All of these different voices now have a place to speak, and this make us all better at what we do."

The same benefit of differing viewpoints was also expressed in the Global Membership Council meeting. "We need to understand that there are different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds," ICC staff liaison Drew Azzara said. "We have to listen to the global community. Because things are different everywhere."

The Global Membership Council, headed by Chair Lynn Underwood and Vice Chair Martin Reiss, echoed this idea, as having many voices in an open forum is a key initiative all of the Councils will have in common.

Fire Service Membership Council Chair Fulton Cochran and Vice Chair Jackie Gibbs led discussions on making certifications more viable to the ICC Membership as well as mentoring opportunities while increasing fire service participation within ICC at all levels.

The Sustainability Membership Council, led by Chair Ayla Erfingen and Vice Chair Douglas Wise, went over many items on its agenda, including the significant changes in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, and held an open forum with all attendees discussing the courses of actions the Council will take in the future.

The PMG Official Membership Council, led by Chair Jim Olk and Vice Chair McKenzie James, discussed important topics pertaining to the PMG industry, and how the Council will be a positive influence on the industry as well as ICC's Membership.

The ICC Membership Councils will hold more meetings in the near future. Any updates, announcements or additional information can be found on the Membership Councils webpage. The Membership Councils will also continue their discussion in the Membership Councils Blogs, which can be read by all ICC Members.