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Alabama Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

Alabama Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA)
c/o Luke Spruiell, Chapter President
Spruiell Truss Co.
PO Box 635 • Sulligent, AL 35586
205/698-9800 • 205/698-8031 fax
Email Luke

SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)

SBC Industry News for December 4, 2009
At the chapter meetings this fall, members were able to review the latest news and information from SBCA: the new SBCA Products & Programs flyer, which takes the place of this year's annual report; the relaunch of Business Solutions Groups (BSG) for component manufacturers; and an update on the BCMC show in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, highlights from the meetings included:

Alabama Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA)
With a presentation on Leadership Essentials in a Down Market, the guest speaker at the October Alabama and Southern Nevada Chapter meetings was Randy Goruk of the SBCA Professional Leadership Academy (PLA). Focusing on the actions members should take now to survive while positioning for the recovery, the presentation objectives were: Emphasize the leadership attributes necessary to lead in a down market; Heighten the awareness of the mistakes leaders make in a down market; and Provide the meeting attendees with fresh immediately implementable ideas to properly position oneself, personally and professionally, for the economic recovery. Asked what value the attendees got out of the presentation, Randy scored 8.5 (Alabama) and 9 (Southern Nevada) out of 10. For more information or to schedule a presentation for your chapter, visit the Professional Leadership Academy (PLA) online or contact Anna at SBCA.

The complete update on the Alabama, Capital Area, Carolinas, New York and Southern Nevada Chapter fall meetings is posted on SBC Industry News, SBCA Chapters Discuss BCMC, Sealed Placement Diagrams, & New DOT Regulations at Fall Meetings.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN STRUCTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS MAGAZINE:

June/July 2008
In April, the Alabama Chapter gave its members a unique choice—attend the chapter meeting in person or online via SBC Connection. For those members who preferred to get together socially and have dinner, a meeting room was available that included a speaker phone, internet connection, laptop and projector. For members and speakers unable to travel to Birmingham, the chapter meeting was held online with a teleconference number and website link. Everyone in the meeting room could watch the web-based presentation and participate along with everyone attending via SBC Connection.

The meeting delivered a full agenda of topics, too. By request, a presentation was created for the chapter meeting on the new WTCA QC for Wall Panels program. Delivered by WTCA Executive Director Kirk Grundahl, the presentation demonstrated how, like In-Plant WTCA QC for trusses, QC Wall acts as a management information system that helps wall panel manufacturers monitor their wall panel production and quality, and it provides the plant with benchmarks to monitor. Kirk led an open forum discussion on the marketplace and current economic conditions. Members discussed how they are dealing with the economic climate and were given tips on thinking strategically in these challenging times.

The second guest speaker for the meeting was WTCA Legal Counsel Kent Pagel. Asked to discuss credit and collections issues, Kent reviewed how the stakes for component manufacturers have never been higher when it comes to how to extend/investigate a builder's credit and getting paid fully and on time. The members appreciated his insight on these matters.

September/October 2007
The announcement for the Alabama Chapter’s July meeting promised a program on today’s component industry and a look to the future. Incorporating marketplace expectations, the agenda aimed to help component manufacturers think about their businesses models and chart their course in an uncertain future. With the current economic downturn, the members were anxious to discuss new initiatives and avenues for growth and prosperity.

Under marketplace issues, the meeting attendees discussed the current situation with hurricane clips. The chapter is working with WTCA staff on an approach and language that will allow component manufacturers to fill the requests for hurricane clips without that inferring that they have picked up additional engineering and design responsibilities.

The date of the chapter’s fall meeting was moved to October 18 and a speaker on education in the community and developing the local workforce would be pursued.

June/July 2007
The Alabama Chapter welcomed John Wardle of Kuck Casablanca LLC as its guest speaker in April. Mr. Wardle’s presentation examined many facets of the immigration situation including: our unusual immigration laws, different kinds of temporary visas, the worker shortage, legislative bills in Congress, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), the importance of an I-9 self-audit, and “No Match” Rule changes. The attendees appreciated the excellent presentation and the opportunity to discuss the issues.

Following Mr. Wardle’s presentation, members reviewed the educational presentations that the chapter has been providing to building officials. They also discussed ways to expand their efforts and additional groups to invite to seminars and plant tours. Continuing education credit will be offered at events, too. An education committee was set up to coordinate these efforts.

Decmber 2006
Education was the watchword at the Alabama Chapter’s October meeting. The members discussed the importance of distributing literature to architects and engineers. They will be evaluating which WTCA publications they would like to distribute along with subscription forms for SBC. They also agreed to provide the seminar requested by Thompson Engineering. In addition, a recap was given of that day’s chapter presentation for the North Central Alabama Code Officials. Once again, the education provided by the chapter was very well received. It was suggested, and approved, that the chapter purchase its own screen for anyone to use when giving presentations in the future.

Looking forward to 2007, the members discussed the plan for the next Alabama/Georgia/Kentucky/Tennessee Joint Chapter meeting. The date of January 25 was approved and the general consensus was that the joint chapter meeting is a valuable process that should be repeated. Then for its April meeting, the Alabama Chapter would like to invite the immigration lawyer that spoke at the Georgia Chapter’s October meeting (see below). Special flyers will be created for this program for members to use when inviting their customers to the presentation, too.

April 2006
For the second year in a row, the Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee Chapters held a joint chapter meeting in Chattanooga, TN. The guest speaker for this January meeting was WTCA Legal Counsel Kent Pagel. Speaking on “Successfully Negotiating an Acceptable Customer Contract,” Mr. Pagel did not disappoint the audience. His presentation focused on the following elements:

In addition, a preview was shown of his new program for WTCA, ORisk: Online Risk and Liability Management. The meeting also offered the opportunity for members to discuss industry issues with neighboring chapters and share their experiences. For example, members of both the Alabama and Tennessee Chapters have encountered requests for sealed placement diagrams. The draft WTCA Tech Note for Alabama was reviewed and it was decided that a similar Tech Note would be drafted for Tennessee. Everyone in attendance agreed that the evening was time very well spent.

June 2005
At the Alabama Chapter's April meeting, Chapter President Michael Balliet delivered a dry run of "Truss Inspection Checklist," the WTCA Truss Technology Workshop program that he was using for his session on "Wood Trusses: What Building Officials Need to Know" at the Code Officials Association of Alabama (COAA) Annual Educational Confer-ence being held the following week. His presentation emphasized that all manufacturers should be able to explain how to inspect a truss. "All members should work toward developing better relationships with their local building and fire officials," Michael stated. "Anyone could give this presentation to building officials in their areas because it is one of the easiest and best ways to educate the market and show them that components, not stick framing, are the future of framing." Chapter members agreed to purchase a projector as an investment in the ability to provide future presentations at a moment's notice.

April 2005
The Alabama Chapter held a very successful Joint Chapter Meeting on February 11 in Chattanooga, TN. Approximately forty members from all four chapters participated in the meeting and dinner. Featuring a roundtable discussion on issues of interest to members, the evening could not have gone better. The discussion included the BSCI series of documents, sealed placement plans and electronic seals, the new Truss Load Guide, whole house design, contracts and warranties, and third party inspections. Chapter members were able to strengthen their relationship with WTCA staff and each other, and they may have begun an annual joint meeting tradition.

March 2005
The Alabama Chapter tried out a new location in Birmingham for its December meeting, John’s City Diner. Tim Feltman of USP Structural Connectors was welcomed as the evening’s guest speaker. Tim presented on the next generation of preservative treatments, the effect of preservatives on connectors and fasteners, considerations when using treated wood, general hanger designs and recent improvements, and the effect of the new ANSI/TPI regulations on hanger use. The chapter thanks him for an informative and educational program. Also discussed at the December meeting was the chapter’s participation at the February Joint Chapter Meeting of the Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee Chapters. Everyone present endorsed the innovative idea and looked forward to networking with neighboring chapter members.

August 2004
For its spring meeting, the Alabama Chapter took on transportation issues and trailer inspections with guest speaker Cpl Lewis Capps of the Alabama Department of Motor Carrier Safety. Cpl Capps discussed what to consider on a trailer inspection using an actual trailer for demonstration. Stringfellow Lumber Co. in Birmingham let the chapter use its facility to bring in a truck and go through this presentation. In addition to the actual inspection, the presentation included: rules and regulations of the Alabama Highways, licensing and legal times to be on the roads, oversize loads, log books, and what inspectors look for when they pull you over. Since transportation is a critical piece in the business of our industry, this presentation was informative and educational. The chapter extends it thanks to Cpl Capps and the Alabama Department of Motor Carrier Safety. Following the presentation and a barbeque dinner, chapter members then held a business meeting to discuss the latest publications from WTCA, the membership drive, and other issues of interest to the attendees. The chapter is now making plans to sponsor a Risk Management Seminar later this year.

March 2004
On January 29, the Alabama Chapter held its winter quarterly meeting at the Lakeview Oyster House in Birmingham. The meeting topic was third party inspection issues and the guest speaker was Gary Kellum, Senior Quality Supervisor for the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau. Mr. Kellum discussed third party inspection procedures for trusses and truss components. With many years of experience in this field, he shed light on typical situations and problems experienced by component manufacturers and described the procedures that the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau follows in conducting its third-party inspections. The chapter also welcomed J.R. Jessee of J&R Container Company who delivered a short presentation on wood waste and recycling. In addition to exploring the uses for recycled waste, Mr. Jesse demonstrated his SWEED Chopper that chops metal and plastic strapping into 3" lengths for recycling. The chapter thanks both of these speakers for their informative presentations. Finally, chapter members discussed outstanding business matters and reviewed the latest publication samples and flyers from WTCA.

December 2003
In September, the Alabama Chapter gave a presentation to the North Central Alabama Chapter of building and fire officials. Presented by Chapter President Michael Balliet, the program was structured so that there would be two presentations, lunch and a plant tour. The morning was spent discussing a broad overview of trusses and the industry as it relates to them. Following lunch, the group toured Bama Truss & Components in Shelby, AL. After lunch, selected sections of the Carbeck CD were presented and discussed. The chapter received a few requests for CDs which were sent after the meeting. The highlight of the day was when a fire official came up after the meeting to say that this information was completely different from what he had been taught, and he asked for a CD to use for training.

In other news, the Alabama Chapter has been addressing a couple of specifications issues which have been troublesome recently. There is one architect in the state that specifies much larger than normal loads for roofs with a 50% duration factor. There are several engineers in the state that require that the truss manufacturer supply permanent and temporary bracing plans with seals. Addressing these issues has taken a great deal of time.

November 2003
The Alabama Chapter held its summer meeting on August 14 in Birmingham. With the topic of IBC Issues Affecting Component Manufacturers, Mr. Marvin Strzyzewski, P.E., Manager of Technical Development for MiTek Industries, delivered a presentation on IBC 2000 and ANSI/TPI 2002 that included such items as: background and development, adoptions, referenced standards, occupancy and construction types, height and area considerations, design responsibilities, and design loads. Members appreciated the informative presentation and lively discussion. The chapter thanks Mr. Strzyzewski for traveling to its meeting. Also that evening, the chapter reviewed samples of the latest publications available from WTCA and discussed the upcoming BCMC show in Phoenix.

June/July 2003
The Alabama Chapter held its spring meeting in Birmingham, AL. Guest speaker Cathy Kaake of the Southern Forest Products Association discussed mold. While concern has mounted among builders, homeowners and insurance companies, the actions being taken are often determined by emotion not fact. The presentation centered on how mold concerns have been affecting the wood structural building components industry. Stan Sias of WTCA staff spoke on the products WTCA has developed to address the situation. The chapter thanks both speakers for the informative session. The chapter also held elections: Billy Carpenter stepped over to the role of Past President, Michael Balliet assumed the role of President and Alvin George was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Also endorsed for the Board of Directors were Luke Spruiell and John DeCourcey. Furthermore, chapter members voted to have WTCA-National handle its administration.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:

September/October 2000
ACMA held its summer meeting on August 10. Chapter President John De Courcey spoke on The Forklift and You, an NLBMDA training program available from WTCA. The meeting also featured the annual elections of chapter officers and board representatives.

August 2000
A quarterly meeting of the Alabama chapter was held on June 29. Chapter President John De Courcey spoke on The Forklift and You, a NLBMDA training program available from WTCA. The meeting also featured the annual elections of chapter officers and board representatives.

May 2000
The ACMA March Chapter meeting featured a presentation by John Hall with OSHA and focused on the subject of forklift safety. At ACMA's May meeting, chapter officers will be elected.

April 2000
The ACMA meeting held on March 2 included OSHA representative John Hall from the Birmingham office presenting on current OSHA topics of interest. He focused on forklift safety, but also touched on fall protection and ergonomics. WTCA also offers NLBMDA's Forklift & You products.

December 1999
The ACMA held a Chapter meeting on November 18, featuring a guest speaker from Southern Link who discussed phone systems. The next meeting will be held in January and new officers for 2000 will be elected at that time.

November 1999
The August 26 meeting focused on the current Alabama State Sales Tax procedure and the implications for the Truss Industry. Jim Thomas and Jerry Weeks from the Local Government Revenue Enhancement Consultants office (separate entity from department of revenue) were the guest speakers. Since this meeting, Chapter President John De Courcey discussed this issue with both Alabama State Representative Richard Lear and Alabama State Senator Dial and learned that the current Alabama State Sales Tax system won't be changing. The next ACMA meeting is scheduled for November 18, and will discuss the various phone services available (i.e., digital, wireless, etc.) and what are the best communication decisions for contacting contractors on-site.

August 1999
On June 30, the Alabama chapter hosted a Truss Technology Workshop in Birmingham. Approximately 80 building officials, builders and architects attended to learn about handling and field inspection of trusses. WTCA staff traveled to Alabama to give the seminar.

June/July 1999
Randy Braden from the Department of Transportation was the guest speaker at the last meeting, held on May 20. Mr. Braden addressed recurring questions regarding DOT regulations such as the issue of hauling more than one job per trailer. Future meeting topics include forklift training and new requirements for operators.