Update from ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims Developing a Framework for the Next Generation of the I-Codes An underlying element from the Code Council's Vision 2023 strategic planning initiative is establishing an appropriate framework for the development of the International Codes (I-Codes). Eleven years ago such a task would have seemed unrealistic and unnecessary due to the crowded hearing rooms and provisions of the I-Codes being decided by hundreds of Governmental Member Voting Representatives. As the size of ICC's family of codes quickly grew to 15 publications, so too did the number of code change proposals and code development committees. Since those early years, however, hearing participation — one of the barometers used to determine the overall success of ICC's code development process (CDP) — has changed due to several reasons, including the economic downturn, tight budgets and travel restrictions, plus the actual duration of the hearings. Despite this change in attendance at the hearings, participation in other facets of ICC's CDP continues to increase, with an estimated 5,000 code changes being considered by 19 committees during the current code development cycle. While cdpACCESS is expected to significantly increase Member and industry representation in the future, the fact remains that the size, scope and scale of today's I-Codes has far exceeded the goals of our association's long-term strategic planning. Taking this into consideration, the ICC Board of Directors has tasked staff with exploring and designing a new framework for developing the next generation of the International Codes. In an updated Strategic Plan approved by the Board, the Code Council will sharpen its focus on our codes and standards development model to include greater emphasis on partnerships and technology sharing, in an effort to find new avenues and additional opportunities for the association. With these parameters in place, the Code Council will continue to maintain our "primary" codes through the ICC Governmental Consensus Process; look at "secondary" codes for partnership opportunities that could also include use of ANSI accredited standards; and explore a third level that would invite partner organizations to assume complete responsibility for maintenance. ICC's new framework for code development will continue to be consistent with the association's vision and mission, and over time will allow our Members to focus even more on our core function of facilitating health, safety and welfare in the built environment. Shannon Retirement Last month, NFPA President Jim Shannon retired after a decorated career in the building safety industry. Shannon served as NFPA president since 2002 and had been with organization for 23 years. With a leadership style described as "soft spoken but sincere, passionate and extremely powerful," Jim is credited with spearheading several major NFPA accomplishments during his tenure, including the Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Fire-Safe Cigarette Act. He also is lauded for NFPA's advocacy efforts, which include the Coalition for Current Safety Codes that was co-founded with the Code Council. Over the years I had the pleasure to work with Jim on matters of mutual interest to NFPA and ICC. Jim was always the consummate professional and a great advocate for the codes and standards community. When asked to reflect on his career, he said the most rewarding aspect was working with people who cared deeply about "changing the world for the better." Well, the building safety and fire prevention world is better because of Jim Shannon's time spent in it. 2014 Conference, Group C Hearings and Expo By now I am sure you have read or heard about ICC's 2014 Annual Conference, Public Comment Hearings and Expo Sept. 28-Oct. 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In addition to the hearings, training and certification opportunities, companion events, the Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon, this year's conference features several special events, including the Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride, a deep-sea fishing trip, special professional development clinics, an off-site building tour of the International Hurricane Research Center, and special appearances by David "The Cobra Kid" Weathers from America's Got Talent and Jimmy Riffle from Gator Boys. Florida's host Chapters have worked extremely hard to make sure this year's conference is professionally rewarding and an enjoyable experience for everyone. I look forward to seeing you there! Best regards, Dominic Sims, CBO Chief Executive Officer International Code Council