Still time to register for ICC Annual Conference.

Registration remains open for ICC's 2015 Annual Conference, Group A Public Comment Hearings, and Building Safety & Design Expo, Sept. 27-Oct. 5 in Long Beach, Calif. With the theme, "Leading the Next Generation of Building Safety Professionals," this year's conference includes two special presentations — the "Journey to Leadership" education session and "Partners for Future Success" Chapter program — that address our industry's future workforce, as well as several other events that will make it a professionally rewarding and enjoyable experience. The California host committee has worked hard to offer an exciting week in Long Beach. We look forward to seeing you there!

2015 ICC Annual Conference App available now.

Get connected and stay up-to-date by downloading the new app for the International Code Council's 2015 Annual Conference, Public Comment Hearings and Expo, Sept. 27-Oct. 5 in Long Beach, Calif. With ICC's conference app you can create a personal schedule, check out keynote speakers and exhibitor profiles, download conference education materials ahead of time, and much more! The app is available for Apple, Android, BlackBerry and Windows devices (it's also available online).

Stay connected and up-to-date with the 2015 ICC Conference app. It's free and easy! Download it now! App sponsored by Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc.

ICC's cloud-based plan review submittal system goes live.

ICC's new cloud-based ProjectDox plan review submittal system, powered by Avolve, is proving to be a more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective plan review document submittal, storage and review option for busy jurisdictions and their constituents. Sal Pennelle, building and fire inspector for the town of Mount Pleasant, N.Y., was the first to take advantage of the ProjectDox cloud-based submittal platform and confirms its benefits. "The cloud-based submittal process has streamlined our communication with the ICC Plan Review staff, provided a better digital record of our plan reviews, and will save considerable money that would normally be spent on printing costs."

Support grows for the HSTTP in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Building Officials Association President Wayne Pimental recently received a letter that could go a long way toward growing ICC's High School Technical Training Program (HSTTP) in the state. The Chapter has spearheaded efforts to have the HSTTP offered in nine vocational schools, and has set its sights on having the program adopted as a statewide curriculum by the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Significant changes to the 2015 IPC.

In Section 503.6.9.3 of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the code previously spoke only of vents that are defined as listed and labeled factory-made products. The code is no longer silent on the sizing of vents that do not fall under the definition of "vent." This section has been modified to address both listed vents and unlisted materials used as vents.

(This information is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2015 International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.)

ICC Chapters among Preferred Providers.

Twenty-five ICC Chapters participate in the Preferred Provider Program, offering code, standards and materials training opportunities. View the participating Chapters and see the training topics offered now. For more information regarding the Preferred Provider Program, please visit http://ppp.iccsafe.org.

Austin's Kerr installed as first woman to lead the IAFC.

Austin, Texas, Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr was installed as president and chair of the board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) during Fire-Rescue International 2015 held in Atlanta. Pledging to focus on reducing firefighter deaths and related firefighter safety and health issues, she becomes the first woman to lead the IAFC in its 142-year history. The city of Austin is an ICC Governmental Member.

ICC was an exhibitor at the annual event and IAFC is a supporting organization of the Code Council's mission to improve safety in the built environment. ICC and the Fire & Life Safety Section of the IAFC annually present the Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award that honors individuals who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through their work on building codes, fire-prevention practices, legislative efforts and strong leadership.

New Jersey Chapters donate to K9s for Warriors project.

The New Jersey Building Officials Association and Central Jersey Code Officials Association recently made a $1,250 donation to the K9s for Warriors project that is dedicated to providing service canines to warriors suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury and/or other trauma as a result of military service post 9/11. The project's goal is to empower them to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. Disabled Veteran Mike and K9 Bruce benefited from the Chapter's donation and recently graduated at a ceremony in Cape May, N.J.

Former BOCA President Holcomb was a quiet leader who left a visible legacy.

The city of Lexington, Ky., lost a key part of its historic fabric when Billy Holcomb passed away Aug. 17. An unassuming, yet highly effective leader, he was personally and integrally involved in shaping the redevelopment of Lexington's downtown and in overseeing building construction throughout the community, serving as the city's building inspector for many years. Holcomb's commitment to quality and safety and his embrace of progressive and modern construction standards is his true legacy, which led him to serve as president of the legacy organization Building Officials and Code Administrators International.

Federal government still hasn't heeded Katrina's lessons.

Ten years after Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, the communities that bore the brunt of the storm have been taking time to reflect on the aftermath. Just two weeks after the storm made landfall, President Bush tasked R. David Paulison to lead the recovery as acting administrator of FEMA. He witnessed firsthand the destruction that claimed 1,833 lives and caused $108 billion in property damage. That tragic experience, however, offered some important lessons that we now have a chance to act on for the future.

Last chance to register for World Standards Week activities.

Tomorrow, Sept. 18, is the deadline to register for World Standards Week 2015 activities that are scheduled for Sept. 28-Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. Conducted by the American National Standards Institute, highlights of the week include a keynote address by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews, a free conference on Standards and the Service Economy, a Legal Issues Forum, and the presentation of Leadership and Service Awards. Register today.

Government Relations profile: Bill Nash.

When you talk to Bill Nash, you immediately get the sense of passion he has for whatever he's talking about — whether it's his current job, the rewards and challenges of being a code official, or New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's innocence — and you know he's not the kind to say anything but what he thinks.

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