ICC's Preferred Provider Network continues to grow.       

More than 80 Chapters, associations, educators and industry have been approved as Preferred Providers through ICC's new education Preferred Provider Program (PPP). Beginning this year, 20 percent of the CEUs required for certification renewal must be earned from training by ICC or an ICC Preferred Provider. As the PPP continues to expand, beginning in July 2016, 50 percent of CEUs will then be required through the program. Through the PPP, ICC intends to collaborate with ICC Chapters and other partners to expand the high quality educational opportunities for those seeking building codes and standards, construction materials and products, and other building safety, legal and administrative related education. For a complete listing of Preferred Providers visit the PPP website and go to Provider Directory. You can easily access information about educational offerings and other services of Preferred Providers through the online listing of available onsite and online educational courses.

Registration open for the Group A Committee Action Hearings.       

Registration is now open for ICC's 2015 Group A Committee Action Hearings April 19-30 in Memphis, Tenn. Participation by ICC Members and other stakeholders ensures diverse opinions are represented in the development of the 2018 I-Codes. Those who partake in person at the hearings or online through cdpACCESS help to make sure the next generation of codes benefit public safety. Register today.

Memphis hearings schedule due next month.       

The Code Council extended the deadline for proposed changes to the Group A International Codes through Jan. 14. ICC wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to submit their code changes through cdpACCESS. After the Code Correlation Committee considers editorial changes to the proposed changes, the schedule for the 2015 Group A Committee Action Hearings in Memphis, Tenn., will be available in February.

Mineola, N.Y., inspector gives the gift of life.       

Village of Mineola Building Inspector John Chilcott gave a local mother an unexpected gift just days before Christmas—saving her infant son's life. A mother came with her eight-week-old son to Village Hall to pay a parking ticket, but realized the village court was temporarily closed and left. As she was leaving the building her son stopped breathing, and Chilcott used his CPR training to revive the child. "It was a matter of common sense and a little bit of luck," he said.

ICC 700 NGBS approved for military housing in NDAA.       

The ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) has been authorized for all military residential construction, which represents 16 percent of the federal real estate portfolio. Passed by the U.S. Senate and House, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will provide affordable choices in meeting military energy and water reduction goals.

ICC comments on EPA Clean Power Plan,
recommends state plans include energy code.       

ICC submitted comments to the proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Power Plan recommending the federal agency strongly encourage state building energy code adoption and compliance as a proven means of end-use reduction. The EPA plan will establish a structure for each state to reduce emissions from existing power plants, through a combination of end-use reduction, cleaner generation, green power production and shifting of fuel sources. ICC also suggested the U.S. agreement with China to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is another reason to include a strong endorsement of building energy codes in the EPA's final rule.

Permit Technician Institute coming to L.A. area next month.       

ICC's Permit Technician Institute is coming to the Los Angeles area Feb. 10-11. This two-day training program is designed to ensure that permit professionals are at the top of their game and armed with the tools to take on today's challenges.

Trinidad eyeing IBC to get ahead of "Wild West" mentality.       

Many people likely would be surprised to learn the tiny, south Caribbean island of Trinidad is a relative industrial giant, a significant world player in oil and natural gas. Jay Woodward, senior staff architect with ICC's Business Development Department, was shocked to hear that with all that industry, Trinidad has no official building codes or enforcement.

Auto renewal guarantees ICC Member benefits are always active.       

Renew your ICC Membership automatically from one year to the next when you sign up for ICC's Auto-Renewal Membership program. Auto-Renewal gives you peace of mind that you'll always have access to your Membership benefits. To sign up or to learn more, call an ICC Member Service Representative at 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 33804.

Building supplies titan
Simpson passes away.       

Walter Barclay Simpson, who dropped out of college to take over his father's tiny window screen company and built it into Simpson Manufacturing, passed away. He was 93. Known to everyone as "Barc," the World War II veteran converted his father's company into a manufacturer of joist hangers. Today, Simpson Strong-Tie is the leading manufacturer of structural connectors in the U.S. and Europe. Read more.

Southwest Ohio Building Officials
install new officers.       

The Southwest Ohio Building Officials Association held its Annual Meeting last month in Cincinnati. ICC Government Relations Senior Regional Director Corey M. Roblee was on hand to swear in the new officers: President Gerry Stoker, city of Norwood; Vice President Greg Wiles, city of Cincinnati; Treasurer Mark Heckenmueller, city of Mason; and Secretary Claude Noe, city of Sharonville. Pictured, Roblee places the Past Chapter President pin on David Lockhorn.

CJCOA elects new officers
during Annual Meeting.       

The Central Jersey Code Officials Association held its Annual Meeting last month. ICC Board of Directors Immediate Past President Stephen D. Jones was on hand to install the new Chapter officers: President Rich Soltis, Immediate Past President Michael Rodgers, Vice President Randy Bannerman, Secretary Rich Pearlman, and Treasurer Frank Oliveti. Pictured, Jones also presented a plaque recognizing the service of retiring Chapter Past President Lisa LaRue.

ICC supports Design & Construction Week,
prepares for special industry events.       

ICC has joined more than 20 associations and industry groups as Supporting Organizations for Design & Construction Week for the second annual gathering of the largest-ever residential construction exposition in the nation. During the exposition, the ICC and ICC Evaluation service will host a special industry event to talk about how ICC and ICC-ES benefit the industry. Read more.

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