Time Is Running Out to Ensure Voter Eligibility — Register or Revalidate Voters Online Today

The International Code Council requires that all Governmental Member Voting Representatives are registered and validated to be eligible to vote on code changes. All Primary Member Representatives need to designate or revalidate their Governmental Member Voting Representatives (GMVR) online by August 30, 2013, to be eligible to vote at the Annual Business Meeting or Public Comment Hearing. Check your GMVRs' status online today!

Code Council States Support of NFPA, ASTM
and ASHRAE Lawsuit to Protect Copyright

As a codes and standards development organization (SDO) with more than 100 years of ensuring the safety of buildings in the United States and around the world, the International Code Council supports recent action by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ASTM International (ASTM) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to protect their copyright from illegal use. The plaintiffs seek to stop the unauthorized posting of copyright protected materials published by NFPA, ASTM and ASHRAE that undermines SDOs' ability to continuously improve public safety.

"Voluntary, independent consensus-based SDO's develop codes and standards through balanced processes that bring together relevant stakeholders," said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims. "The result is high-quality codes and standards that help build safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient communities. Protecting the copyright of codes and standards allows SDOs to offset the costs of the process while reducing the financial burden of government, facilitating building innovation and retaining their independence from special interests."

Click here for more information.

Standards Boost Business Campaign Targets Fortune 500 Executives

The International Code Council is a partner in this initiative that informs and educates executives and senior public policy officials about the ways standards and conformity assessment activities boost business performance and innovation, lower costs and help U.S. industry to be more competitive globally.

Tour the Rebuilding of the Jersey Shore after Sandy

As New Jersey continues the massive task of rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, attendees during the Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference in Atlantic City can visit shore towns and tour several residential properties that are various stages of reconstruction. Local code officials will discuss the storm damage and challenges encountered during the rebuilding process. An ICC Code expert also will discuss the code implications. Attendees will receive CEU's for the tour. Continue reading story

10th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride Ready to Rumble through New Jersey

Mark your calendar for two days of fun during the 10th Annual Bob Fowler Memorial Motorcycle Ride that will precede the Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference in Atlantic City, N.J. On day one, participants will ride through the New Jersey Pine Barrens, by the cranberry bogs, and to Washington Crossing Park. Day two riders will head toward Cape May for a "lighthouse tour." Each day will include stops for some good Jersey food and produce. Weather and participation will determine the Ride route each day. Registration fees are $50 for one rider, one day; $75 for one rider, two days. A commemorative tee shirt is included in the registration fee. Forms are available for your use.

ICC Board of Directors Candidates Information Available Online

In accordance with CP20-03, the International Code Council is providing a candidates webpage where candidates may pre-file information to be made available to the membership and the Nominating Committee. The Committee's report will be posted there after nominees are determined. A Candidates Forum will be held in conjunction with the Opening Session at the Annual Conference.

ICC Accepting Applications for Membership Council Governing Committees

The International Code Council is accepting applications for various openings in the Governing Committees for each Membership Council. The Membership Council Governing Committees act as liaisons between the Councils and the ICC Board of Directors, providing feedback and recommendations to the Board regarding various ICC services, helping build and improve relationships with stakeholders, and act as advocates for areas of professional or technical interest importance to the Council Members. Click here for an application.

ICC-ES, Beijing Building Materials Testing Academy to Expand
Services to Chinese Building Materials Manufacturers

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and Beijing Building Materials Testing Academy (BMT) have signed an Agreement of Strategic Alliance to encourage evaluation of Chinese manufacturers' building, plumbing, mechanical and fuel-gas (PMG) products to the International Codes and related standards. Chinese manufacturers that work through BMT and obtain ICC-ES evaluation reports or listings will benefit from the long established reputation of ICC-ES standing behind their products that will help them gain entry in the U.S. construction sector.

First row, left to right: BMT Vice President Xin Luo and ICC-ES President Shahin Moinian. Second row, left to right: BMT Deputy Manager Wei Wang, BMT Standing Vice Director Chunli Tan, BMT Vice Director Guoru Ma, and ICC-ES Staff Engineer Ping Cheng.

Risk Management Training for Municipal
Building and Fire-Prevention Departments

The International Accreditation Service (IAS), a subsidiary of ICC, will be presenting training on how government and fire-prevention departments can systematically understand the risks to the public's health, safety and welfare—which are inherent to building construction—and then allocate available resources in the most effective way to minimize these risks. This training program will enable your department to be more effective by focusing efforts on mitigating the highest risks that are identified in your municipality. The training will be offered September 16-17, in La Habra, Calif. For more details, click here.

Special Inspection Training at ICC Annual Conference

A training course—Special Inspections: Implementing and Managing IBC Chapter 17 Requirements for Building Departments—will be offered by IAS on Oct. 2 at the ICC Annual Conference in Atlantic City, N.J. For more details about the conference education program and a complete description of this course, click here, or email info@iasonline.org.