ICC Board Considers New Education Strategy

To help ensure safety in the built environment, the Code Council provides training and education so building safety, fire, design and construction professionals are educated on how best to apply and enforce the International Codes. As part of ICC's ongoing commitment to deliver quality education to the building community, the Code Council Board of Directors is considering a plan to enhance the organization's training programs. Presented to the Board this summer by CEO Dominic Sims, the plan unveils a strategy that includes a focus on a preferred provider program, premium core training, enhanced online training, and a commitment to staffing the team for the future.

The plan implementation's first step was the appointment of Douglas Thornburg, AIA as Vice President of Education and Certification. Thornburg has been with ICC since 2004 and has a long history in the industry, including serving as a technical director and educator for building codes. He has been involved extensively in building code activities and education leadership since 1980. Today, Thornburg provides leadership in implementing strategy and delivery of technical content for educational materials and support products, educational activities, and certification programs for ICC. Receiving direct and full support from ICC senior staff members Mark Johnson and Hamid Naderi over the last few months, Thornburg and his Product Development team have been aligning their strengths with Training and Education staff to deliver high quality training throughout the country. Highly regarded for his in-depth code knowledge and dynamic training style, Thornburg's appointment demonstrates ICC's commitment to delivering the highest quality training.

Additional details and information on various parts of the new education strategy and progress on implementation will appear in future editions of ICC eNews. For more information on ICC's training options, including the on-site Hire ICC to Teach program, the in-person options offered through ICC institutes and seminars, and online training available through the ICC Campus Online, visit www.iccsafe.org/education.

It's Not Too Late to Join Us in Atlantic City

As a building safety professional, this is your opportunity to have a voice in the code development process. Your participation in the Group B Public Comment Hearings, Oct. 2–10, in Atlantic City, N.J., will help lead to safer construction, saved lives and reduced property losses. Click here for more information on the Code Council's 2013 Annual Conference and the Group B Public Comment Hearings.

Got Pins?—Pin Trading Reaches New Popularity at Annual Conference

by Paul Kowalczyk, Building Official for the city of South Euclid, Ohio, and President of the Building Officials Conference of Northeast Ohio

In 2005 I attended my first ICC Conference in Detroit. Upon registering at the conference desk, I was handed my first conference pin with a picture of an old car and the Detroit skyline. Little did I know, this would be the first of many pins to come.

I never could have imagined the culture of pin collectors at the conference. I saw individuals walking around with hats, lanyards and even vests covered in pins. A few individuals came up to me (since I was a "first timer") and asked if I wanted their chapter pins, to which I said "yes". I left the Detroit conference with a handful of pins.

It wasn't until my next conference in Minneapolis that I had some understanding of pin trading and what I needed to do to get some more pins. I had some extra pins from my state chapter to pass out and I collected some doubles along the way to trade.

By the time I ventured to future conferences in Baltimore, Charlotte and Phoenix, I was determined to collect chapter pins from every state in the nation. I also found that trading pins at the conferences was an excellent ice-breaker to meeting other code officials from around the country.

Between conferences, I still wanted to find a way to expand my pin collection. I ventured to the ICC website and began to visit each chapter website. I started sending out requests for chapter pins by emailing the chapter officers. Shortly after sending my first few emails, I was surprised to see pins coming my way in the mail. I tried a few more emails and the pins kept coming in.

The trading of pins did not start with the ICC but actually started with the older legacy groups of ICBO, BOCA and SBCCI. I began to imagine that there were probably many individuals that attended past conferences and probably had old pins sitting in their desk drawers at the office. This past year I started using the chapter websites to contact members in the organization to solicit chapter pins from the legacy groups. I found that I was correct; many individuals had pins lying around and were happy to send them my way. Through these emails, I have also had the opportunity to communicate with people around the United States about issues they are facing in their jurisdictions.

The pin collection continues to grow with over 425 pins representing chapters from all over the country. Currently, 375 pins have found a home in shadow boxes displayed on my office walls. Many visitors to my office marvel at the unique pins and the stories behind some of them.

Paul Kowalczyk is the Building Official for the city of South Euclid, Ohio. He is the president of the Building Officials Conference of Northeast Ohio (BOCONEO). If anyone reading this article has old pins taking up space in their drawers and looking for a new home or wishing to trade, they can email their information to pkowalczyk@seuclid.com.

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.

The BuildStrong Coalition Needs Your Help

As a member of the BuildStrong Coalition, the International Code Council supports the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, which is currently going through committee in Congress. This bill is not just about stronger buildings, but is also about saving the lives of first responders and residents in an emergency.

Please take a moment to support BuildStrong's grassroots mobilization platform by joining and responding to its call to action in support of this important piece of legislation.

Manufacturers and Industry Respond to ICC-ES Achievements in 2013

Manufacturers are endorsing the progress ICC-ES has made over the past year in the ESR, Building Product and PMG listing programs. Initiatives and programs launched as part of a commitment to respond to ICC-ES customers' needs to get their products swiftly into the marketplace has been well received by ICC-ES customers. That is why ICC-ES is experiencing a record year in the areas of building product evaluation, as well as Plumbing, Mechanical and Gas Product evaluation.

"I have noticed a significant and marked increase in the response of ICC-ES," said Aaron Wood, Marketing and Innovation Manager, BASF Corporation. "I have the feeling there is a renewed focus by the organization on supporting the applicant's interest to bring innovation to the market, and it's great to see that at the same time there is no loss of the principles to strict protocols governing the quality of the ESR." Continue reading story

2013 Call for Nominations to the IAS Board of Directors

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) a subsidiary of the International Code Council, invites candidates representing current ICC member jurisdictions who are interested in serving on the IAS board of directors for a one-year term commencing December 2013. Two vacancies exist currently. Interested candidates should forward a letter of interest to IAS c/o Chuck Ramani, PE, CBO, president at the following email address: cramani@iasonline.org along with their current resume, references and any other information they feel necessary to support their candidacy.

Under the IAS Bylaws, appointments to the IAS board are made by the ICC board of directors.