SCORE


Unparalleled Protection
for Your Business


Jobsite Bracing and Safety


SBC Magazine




BCMC Show

Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA)

Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA)
c/o Engineered Building Design, L.C.
David Mitchell - President
230 Hwy 1 & 92 N • Washington, IA 52353
319/653-6235 •319/653-6154 fax
Email David

SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)

SBC Industry News for September 20, 2010

SBCA’s Professional Leadership Academy and the Iowa Chapter Team Up at BCMC
The BCMC show is less than two weeks away and the excitement continues to build! If you need one MORE reason to attend – please consider joining the Iowa Chapter as it welcomes a special guest speaker for its annual chapter meeting at BCMC.

On Thursday, Sept 30 in Charlotte, Randy Goruk of SBCA’s Professional Leadership Academy will present “Positioning for the Economic Recovery – Leadership Actions That You Must Do Today To Be Ready For Tomorrow.”

The recession has been hard on all of us. In many cases we were not prepared for the changing environment. However, we implemented plans to deal with the challenges we were faced with and we’ve survived. When things return to normal, normal will be different. Therefore, properly planning and preparing today to maximize the opportunities that will be available when the economy comes back should be one of our highest priorities as business leaders.

Drawing upon his past professional experience and relevant examples of best practices, leadership speaker Randy Goruk has put together an informative and upbeat leadership presentation intended to enlighten, educate and inspire attendees to help position their organizations for the economic recovery.

If you would like to attend this Iowa Chapter meeting at BCMC, please let us know by Sept 24 – thank you!

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN STRUCTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS MAGAZINE:

An afternoon of golf was enjoyed following the meeting. A special thank you was given to the associate members for their generous support of the event: ITW Building Components Group, MiTek Industries, Simpson Strong-Tie Co., USP Structural Connectors and Wasserman & Associates.

The 2009 Iowa Chapter meeting dates were confirmed for February 26 in conjunction with the Legislative Breakfast, June 10 membership meeting and golf outing, and October 1 membership meeting at BCMC in Phoenix, AZ.

Following the tour, the meeting was held at the Washington Golf and Country Club. Ray Noonan gave the Education Committee Report. Andy Green and Al Esch presented a Fire Performance of Wood Trusses Workshop to the Monticello, IA volunteer Fire Department in March with favorable evaluations. Given industry economics, however, the chapter will not seek further education opportunities this winter, but it will consider any requests as they arise.

Under new business, several items were discussed. The importance of attending BCMC was emphasized. Information from the Cedar Rapids HBA, “The Evidence Is In: Housing Pays for Itself,” was distributed by Mike Farr and discussed. Also, a special recognition was made of Rick Terbrock who is retiring and was present for his last chapter meeting. Best wishes, Rick!

The afternoon of golf was enjoyed by most all who attended the tour and meeting. A special thank you was extended to the associate member sponsors. Rick Terbrock of MiTek Industries and Leonard Wasserman of Wasserman & Associates provided hole sponsorships. Prizes were contributed by Ted Alward of USP Structural Connectors, Josh Fitzgerald of Simpson Strong Tie, and Kari Cooling and Jim Kapsch of Holmes Murphy & Associates.

Later that morning, the chapter held a membership meeting at a nearby hotel and welcomed Becky Coady of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and Dennis Larson of the Department of Labor. Giving a presentation on the history and purpose of the ESGR, they explained that federal law and ESGR activities are a response to an all-volunteer military and are intended to represent the interests of both employees and employers. Many regulations were discussed and follow-up information resources distributed to members.

Ray Noonan delivered the Education Committee Report. On one day’s notice, Rick Parrino presented a Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) to the Des Moines HBA Remodelers Council on January 18. Due to weather, the Fire Performance of Wood Trusses (FPoWT) presentation to the Monticello, IA Fire Department had to be rescheduled to March 24; Andy Green and Al Esch would deliver that presentation. Given industry economics, the chapter will not seek out further education opportunities this winter but will continue to respond to requests.

A motion was made to send a $2,000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and once again challenge other local chapters to support this important research and education initiative. With no objections, the motion carried.

Even with the downturn this year, Iowa is committed to continuing its annual Carbeck contribution and urges all chapters to do the same. For 2008, Iowa has pledged $2,000.

Now more than ever, Carbeck is gaining recognition in the fire service community for its exceptional educational material. Several requests come in each month via the Carbeck website for copies of the “The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” CD. Interest in truss plant tours is gaining momentum too, with several scheduled each month. Some of these tours are combined with actual fire demonstrations, too.

Furthermore, Carbeck’s educational material continues to expand. Soon there will be another educational presentation which you may review and forward, based on (and made possible by) the Iowa Chapter’s Live Fire Demonstration – Test Burn and Truss Plant Tour, held in conjunction with WTCA and the Fire Service Training Bureau in Ames and Story City, IA last August. There were over 100 attendees including the engineering research group at Harvey Mudd College (in Claremont, CA). The data it obtained from instrumenting the floor assembly demonstrations will used in a new Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) presentation as well as several technical articles. The Iowa Chapter generously sponsored this event, too!

For chapters that have contributed in the past, we don’t need to tell you about the value of Carbeck. To chapters that have not yet invested in Carbeck, please discuss an annual contribution at your next chapter meeting. The value of providing accurate information on the performance of our products to fire professionals across the country cannot be overstated. More information leads to better understanding, and it can only help protect and grow the market for structural building components.

Tom Lambertz delivered the report summarizing the two Truss Technology Workshops (TTW) and two Fire Performance of Wood Trusses seminars held in 2007. One hundred percent of the evaluations received at the TTW for Builders in Iowa City and the Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association said the presentation was good or excellent. With a significant turnout of 135 attendees for the TTW for Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance in West Des Moines, the evaluations again documented the success of the presentation and emphasized the attendees’ appreciation of the course content as well as the WTCA publications distributed. The Workshop for the Bernard, IA Fire Department was also a success, with every attendee reporting on the evaluations that their questions were answered very well.

Al Esch gave a report on the Live Fire Demonstration and Truss Plant Tour held in conjunction with WTCA and the Fire Service Training Bureau in Ames and Story City, IA in August. There were over 100 attendees and the information recorded will prove to be invaluable to our industry. Kirk Grundahl of WTCA also addressed the important learning opportunity presented by the fire demonstration and he emphasized the need to provide the information gathered to fire service associations throughout the country. Kirk and Al both expressed thanks to those ITMA members who contributed to the success of this event.

For 2008, the Iowa Chapter looked forward to its return to the State Capital Building for its annual Iowa Legislative Breakfast in Des Moines in late February. Chapter members invite their State Senators and Representatives to attend this annual function, and members of the Iowa Lumber Association and Iowa Homebuilders Association are invited to participate also.

Ray Noonan, Alan Esch and Andy Green gave the Education Committee Report. Certificates of Attendance have been mailed to the attendees of all of the winter session TTWs. It was reported that a controlled wood truss demonstration fire will be held in conjunction with a plant tour on August 25, co-sponsored by the chapter and the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau. A special thank you was extended to all of the members of this year’s Education Committee: Andy Green and Craig Thier of Cascade Mfg Co, Alan Esch of Lumber Specialties, Bruce Kinney and Scott Baker of Timber Roots New Hampton, Dave Mitchell and Jim Gach of Engineered Building Design, Rick Parrino of Plum Building Systems, Tom Lambertz of Roberts & Dybdahl, and Tod Hennessy of ITW Building Components Group.

The next chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, October 4 at the BCMC show in Columbus, OH. The members were also urged to mark their calendars for February 26, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. when the Iowa Chapter will hold a Legislative Breakfast at the Capital Building Legislative Dining Room. This will be a timely opportunity to lobby on any issues then being debated in the House and Senate. The Iowa Homebuilders and Iowa Lumber Associations are invited to participate, too.

During the regular meeting, the WTCA update included news on the SBC Legislative Conference in Washington DC, ORisk, WTCA QC and the membership drive. To increase the chapter’s involvement with the Home Builders Association, Mike Farr of Cascade Mfg was volunteered. Al Esch of Lumber Specialties was recommended to chair the chapter’s efforts on plant tours.

Ray Noonan and Andy Green delivered the Education Committee report. “Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” workshops continue to be the focus for 2006/2007. Plans are underway to conduct a plant tour with the Fire Service Training Bureau later in the year; Al Esch is chairing this project. Representatives of the Iowa insurance industry are interested in participating and will be kept informed. In addition, there was one TTW for builders held in January 2007 for the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Iowa HBAs. The presentation panel used the new BCSI resources, and the evaluations all rated the program as good or excellent with 100 percent of their questions answered.

The Education Committee Report followed. Its recent activities and plans included: providing a Carbeck Binder to the Fire Service Training Bureau in Ames, IA; presenting a Fire Performance of Wood Trusses workshop to the Solon, IA volunteer Fire Department in November; planning truss plant tours in February for the Solon Fire Department and for Senator Tom Hancock; sending invitations to 12 HBA local chapters to co-sponsor TTWs for Builders; preparing for the January TTW for the Iowa City Area and Cedar Rapids HBAs. It was decided that invitations to sponsor TTWs would be sent to the Iowa Association of Building Officials. A hearty thank you was extended to this year’s Education Committee members: Ray Noonan, Jr., Andy Green and Craig Thier of Cascade Mfg Co; Alan Esch of Lumber Specialties; Bruce Kinney and Scott Baker of Timber Roots New Hampton; Dave Mitchell of EBD; Jim Gach and Rick Parrino of Plum Building Systems; Tod Hennessy of Alpine Engineered Products; Tom Lambertz of Roberts & Dybdahl; and Wes Parker of Christensen Lumber Co.

The meeting’s guest speaker was Steve Cabler, P.E., VP of Engineering and Technical Services, MiTek Industries. Steve gave a two-part presentation on “Truss Collapse Investigations, Construction Loads and Effects.” Truss Collapse Investigations consisted of a presentation of recommendations to consider before, the day of and the day after a collapse. Construction Loads and Effects utilized data from BCSI 2006, Section B4. The attendees thanked Steve for his very informative presentation.

In other business, the members again pledged $1,500 to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and re-issued their challenge to other local chapters to support this important research and education initiative.

Under old business, Ray Noonan, Rick Parrino and Tom Lambertz reported on their attendance at the State Fire Marshall’s Fire Code Advisory Committee meetings as “persons of legitimate interest.” A letter on behalf of WTCA and the Iowa Chapter with comments on the proposed adoption of the International Fire Code (IFC) and portions of the International Building Code (IBC), 2006 editions, as proposed in Public Safety Department (661) Notice of Intended Action (PSD 661) was reviewed. The letter describes how the adoptions proposed in PSD 661 are problematic. In contrast, WTCA and ITMA suggest that the State of Iowa adopt the entire IBC 2006 statewide as well as the 2006 IFC, and suggest the adoption of the 2006 edition of the IRC statewide to complete the set of building codes coordinated with the IFC. The members approved the submission of this letter to the State of Iowa Rules Administrator.

Turning to guest speakers Tony Piek, Charlie Goehring, Allen Zepper and Bernie Zepper, the topics addressed included: the In-Plant WTCA QC purpose and how it works; the inspection process; top five WTCA QC Committee tasks; and the steps to certification. With 70 QC-certified plants nationally, Iowa is tied for second-most with seven (Ohio leads with eight). Regarding third party inspection services, the topics covered were: all codes and standards require a third party inspection process; inspection services and plants maintain shared goals of producing a quality product that helps with risk management; plant QC manual requirements consist of an organization chart, manufacturing floor plan, definition of the three truss inspection process, document retention policy, QC information feedback loop; a detailed review of Plate Placement and Tooth Count Methods of joint inspection; and plate area computation data from ANSI/TPI 1-1995 vs. ANSI/TPI 1-2002. This work ensures compliance with the code and the TPI 1 standard.

Under old business, a follow-up discussion was held regarding growth of regular and associate membership. Since the March meeting, the Iowa Chapter grew by one Regular Member, Millard Lumber, Inc., and three Associate Members, Commercial Machinery Fabricators, Inc., Wasserman & Associates, Inc., and Zepper Technical Services. Wel-come to all new chapter members and thank you to Tom Lambertz of Roberts & Dybdahl, Inc. for recruiting all of them!

Under new business, Steve Kennedy of Lumber Specialties addressed the membership regarding the building design issue of proper construction of wood framed gable end walls with wood trusses, to create awareness of this field application issue. Copies of the BCSI B6 summary sheet were distributed along with an SBC Magazine article from May 2005 on the topic.

Following a discussion of future agenda items, the meeting adjourned at 11 a.m. for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of golf and fellowship. The chapter thanks its guest speakers for their informative presentations and thanks the golf prize sponsors for their generosity: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc., Holmes Murphy & Associates, Lakeside Trailer Manufacturing, Inc., MiTek Industries, Inc., Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Truswal Systems Corporation, USP Structural Connectors, Viking Forest Products, and Wasserman & Associates, Inc.

May 2006
The winter educational sessions of the Iowa Chapter were a hit once again. This year, the focus was on fire and the chapter was able to use the newly revised Carbeck CD on fire performance. See photo (below) of the April 1 workshop for the Regional Fire Service Training Event held in Emmetsburg, IA, at Iowa Lakes Community College, one of many current and ongoing ITMA workshops being given to the Iowa Fire Service.

June/July 2006
The Iowa Chapter held its annual legislative meeting on March 20 welcoming State Senator Tom Hancock and State Representative Sandra Greiner. This provided the membership with an excellent opportunity to engage Sen. Hancock and Rep. Greiner on issues of concern to our industry presently under some form of discussion in the state legislature including: notice and opportunity to repair, security bonding for remodeling contractors, eminent domain, state building codes, construction contracts, subdivision names and the Fire Code Advisory Committee on which the chapter is recognized as a party of legitimate interest. It was also noted that recent educational opportunities with the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau are due in large part to Sen. Hancock’s efforts. The next chapter meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual golf outing on June 7. The chapter will also hold a lunch meeting at BCMC in Houston on October 5.

March 2006
On January 18, the Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA) and the Missouri Truss Fabricators Association (MTFA) were pleased to sponsor a special Midwest Chapter meeting. Held at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona, IA, this meeting welcomed WTCA Legal Counsel Kent Pagel as guest speaker. Kent delivered a presentation on “Successfully Negotiating an Acceptable Customer Contract,” which focused on general considerations to follow when reviewing a customer’s proposed purchase order or subcontract agreement, a review of problematic provisions from a sample agreement, and guidelines on how to address all of these issues. In addition, Kent provided an overview of WTCA’s newest online training and certification program—ORisk: Online Risk and Liability Management. This program will address four primary areas: risk management techniques, insurance, customer contracts, and claims and litigation handling. Many attendees were amazed by the information they were not taking into consideration and everyone agreed it was an afternoon well spent.

Following Kent’s presentation, the Iowa Chapter conducted its regular January meeting complete with officer elections. Tom Lambertz of Roberts & Dybdahl was elected as the new Chapter President. Remain-ing in their positions were David Mitchell of Engineered Building Design as Vice President and Ray Noonan, Jr. of Cascade Mfg Co as Secretary/Treasurer. The members authorized their annual Carbeck Challenge. They also discussed their winter TTW schedule. The 2005/2006 Education Committee is focused on presenting Fire Performance of Wood Trusses workshops to the Fire Service in Iowa. Thanks to the efforts of Al Esch and Senator Tom Hancock, there are plans for eight regional and one Ames presentations in conjunction with the State of Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau. Additionally, presentations to three volunteer Fire Departments are planned. Members were very pleased to hear more details on the upcoming February presentation at the Ames Fire School since Ames represents approximately 800 fire fighters throughout the region.

ITMA’s next meeting will be its annual legislative meeting, so state and local representatives will be encouraged to attend. Since turnout for this meeting is generally better on Mondays, the date was changed to March 20.

June 2005
The Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association's (ITMA) Education Committee presented a Truss Technology Workshop to Professor Jay Harmon’s Ag Structures Class on March 1, at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Workshop topics included industry recommendations on the agricultural truss design process, truss systems behavior under load conditions and industry recommendations on proper truss handling, installation and bracing techniques. PowerPoint® presentation materials and a scale model truss system from WTCA were used as resource materials for the Workshop. Professor Harmon and 20 students attended the event. Favorable Workshop evaluations were received as follows: workshop content = 50% excellent, 50% good; workshop presentation = 51% excellent, 49% good; questions answered = 100% Yes. Certificates of attendance and a cover letter were sent to each Workshop attendee and their names were added to ITMA's growing database of those who have been educated. ITMA Education Committee members who presented the Workshop were: Andy Green from Cascade Mfg Co, Norm McKenna from MiTek Industries, Rick Parrino from Plum Building Systems and Wes Parker from Roberts & Dybdahl.

May 2005
The Iowa Chapter welcomed three legislators to its March meeting: Senator Tom Hancock from Iowa Senate District 16, Representative Ray Zirkelbach from Iowa House District 31, and Representative Sandy Greiner from Iowa House District 89. The open forum session began with a general review of a summary of bills of interest to chapter members. Specific topics of interest were then discussed in more detail including: the Iowa Values Fund (a state-funded economic development initiative), commercial property tax rates, wind energy initiatives, concerns with recent stepped up enforcement of Storm Water Management codes, Notice and Opportunity to Repair House and Senate Study Bills, IDOT oversized load permits and local traffic jurisdiction, and the Senate bill to establish a Fire Marshall’s State of Iowa Fire Code Advisory Committee. Senator Hancock said he would propose an amendment that would include the Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association on the Fire Code Advisory Committee. There was consensus that this was a very worthwhile exchange that potentially will be of great benefit to ITMA membership. (Senator Hancock was successful in adding ITMA to the Committee later in March.)

Following the legislative session, updates were given on the WTCA February Open Quarterly Meeting and the ITMA Education Committee. The chapter was presented with a letter of thanks for its $1,000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute. The chapter is working with WTCA staff on a shortened version of the “Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” presentation. In addition, the chapter’s suggestion for a new tag from WTCA that would caution individuals to refer to BCSI Summary Sheet(s) and materials provided in component manufacturer’s jobsite package before handling, storing or installing components is moving forward. The next ITMA meeting will be combined with the annual golf tournament on June 8 at the Harvestor Golf Club in Rhodes.

March 2005
The Iowa Chapter held its January meeting at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. Doug Reichardt, Chairman & CEO of Holmes Murphy, an Iowa based independent insurance brokerage firm, introduced guest speakers Jim Kapsch, an Account Executive from Holmes Murphy, and Mike McKeon, a Regional Risk Manager from United Heartland Insurance. Mr. McKeon and Mr. Kapsch then presented an interesting and informative Worker's Compensation Seminar. Suggestions for improved management of this area of risk were presented. Questions and answers followed. There were many favorable comments regarding the presentation and the chapter sends it thanks for their participation.

Chapter member Rick Parrino delivered the WTCA update as well as news from the October 2004 board meeting at BCMC. Education Committee Chair Ray Noonan then gave an update on the current Truss Technology Workshop schedule. Letters of invitation for TTWs were mailed in December to State Universities, Junior Colleges and all state affiliated locals of the Iowa Association of Homebuilders. There will be a TTW for a construction technology class at ISU and a TTW in conjunction with the Des Moines HBA. Other workshops will be scheduled with a focus on volunteer fire associations and building officials. A goal of four workshops was established.

Ray also provided a great quote from a Special Investigations Engineer familiar with the chapter's educational efforts. This individual works with an Iowa-based property, casualty and worker's compensation products provider and said, "During 2004, I had occasion to visit a number of construction phase roof collapses. None of the truss systems involved in those collapses was manufactured by ITMA member companies. ITMA's efforts at educating those who handle, install and brace trusses are paying dividends."

Last but not least, chapter members voted to once again send a $1,000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and challenge the other WTCA chapters to do the same.

December 2004
The Iowa Chapter held its fall meeting in conjunction with the BCMC show in Charlotte, NC. Rick Parrino reported on the updates from WTCA including the new Truss Technology Workshop programs onBCSI, article requests for SBC Magazine, requests for feedback on training needs and Truss Knowledge Online, and the TPI/WTCA publications agreement. Members also reelected Rick to serve a second 3-year term on the WTCA Board. Ray Noonan gave a recap of the 2003/2004 ITMA Education Committee activities. There were six Truss Technology Workshops and two Fire Service Workshops. BCSI 1-03 and the Carbeck CD were used extensively for presentation materials. 2004/2005 Education Committee goals will be to continue presentations to the insurance industry, homebuilder associations, trade schools and community colleges, building officials and members of professional and volunteer fire service associations. Much gratitude is due to the 2003/2004 panel of Education Committee presenters: Alan Esch of Lumber Specialties in Dyersville, IA; Andy Green of Cascade Mfg Co in Cascade, IA; Bruce Feldman of Alpine Engineered Products in Earth City, MO; Bruce Kinney of Plum Building Systems in New Hampton, IA; Jeremy Moser of Engineered Building Design in Washington, IA; Mike Stineman of Citation Homes in Spirit Lake, IA; Randy Thurm of Engineered Building Design in Washington, IA; Rick Parrino of Plum Building Systems in Osceola, IA; Scott Baker of Plum Building Systems in New Hampton, IA; Tod Hennessy of Alpine Engineered Products in Earth City, MO; and Wes Parker of Roberts & Dybdahl in Des Moines, IA.

The meeting’s guest speaker was Richard Langton from Bowermaster & Associates. He addressed issues faced by each of our industries and explained many of the criteria that have led to an unfavorable view of the component manufacturing industry by some from the insurance industry. He further detailed what members can do change those views. Good individual company risk management practices such as product installation guides including BCSI supplements, WTCA In- Plant QC and safety programs, coupled with chapter educational efforts to reduce risk by suggesting good handling, installing and bracing practice, have proven effective. Additionally, members must seek to gather, educate and work with insurance brokers and agencies that already specialize in ours or related industries. Mr. Langton concluded his excellent presentation by stressing that we must educate—within and without our industry—to successfully manage the risks inherent to our businesses. For the third year in a row, the Iowa Chapter also prepared to send a $1,000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute.

The next ITMA meeting will be the Annual Membership Meeting and election of the Board of Directors to be held at noon on January 12 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA. The Annual Board of Directors Meeting and election of Officers will immediately follow that meeting. This meeting will also be the Annual Legislative Meeting. Members are encouraged to invite their elected state representative or senator to attend and interact with our association.

June/July 2004
ITMA co-sponsored a “three-in-one” series of Truss Technology Workshops on April 23 and 24, 2004 with Iowa Valley Continuing Education at Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA. There was a Friday afternoon TTW for Builders followed by Friday evening and Saturday morning Fire Performance of Wood Trusses Workshops for volunteer and professional fire service personnel. The presentation panel for this ambitious and successful educational series consisted of the following dedicated ITMA Education Committee persons: Alan Esch from Lumber Specialties, Andy Green from Cascade Mfg Co, Mike Stineman from Citation Homes, Rick Parrino from Plum Building Systems and Wes Parker from Roberts & Dybdahl. This concludes a busy and successful fall/winter series of ITMA TTW’s that began in October of 2003.

May 2004
On March 10, the Iowa Chapter met at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA. Rick Parrino delivered an extensive update from WTCA on the information he had learned at the February Open Quarterly Meeting in San Diego. The featured speaker for the meeting was J.R. Virnich of Arch Wood Protection. He spoke in depth on the issues related to the corrosion of fasteners and connectors with alternative preservative treated wood. Mr. Virnich’s presentation was supplemented by information from Steve Hanek of USP Structural Connectors, Lance Beasley of Simpson Strong-Tie and Doug McAreavy of Packaging, Inc. Members agreed that this topic is important to our industry as we transition to government-mandated use of arsenic free treated wood in our products.

At the meeting, Ray Noonan reported on the 2003-2004 ITMA Education Committee schedule. The season’s first TTW was a Loss Control Clinic presented to the Grinnell Mutual Group in Grinnell, IA, in October. This was ITMA’s first presentation to the insurance industry. There were 114 loss control professionals representing Mutuals from the eight states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota. Workshop evaluations rated content and presentation as 45% excellent and 55% good. The presenters found they needed additional time and will focus on more extensive workshops for the insurance industry in the future.

The second TTW was presented to the Quad Cities Homebuilders Association in Bettendorf, IA, in January. In this fourth presentation to this group, workshop content involved materials from BCSI 1-03 and focused on good practice for handling, installing and bracing of wood trusses. In attendance were 45 persons from a wide range of occupations: builders, building officials, building designers, teacher and students, lumber dealers, truss manufacturers and one realtor. Workshop evaluations rated content at 67% excellent, 29% good and 1% fair. The presentation was evaluated at 44% excellent, 48% good and 8% fair. There were many written comments including: “This is not only new, good information, but a reminder of do’s, don’ts and safety” and “You did very well!”

The next ITMA workshops were scheduled for: March 12 as part of the Iowa Frame Builders Conference; March 23 for the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Home Builders; April 13 at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls; and April 30 and May 1 at the Iowa Valley College in Marshalltown, IA with one TTW and two presentations on the fire performance of wood trusses.

The next ITMA chapter meeting will be on June 9 and will be followed by the annual golf tournament. The focus of the meeting will be IDOT, wide load permits and new trucking industry regulations.

March 2004
The Iowa Chapter held its first meeting of 2004 at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Altoona on January 14. Elected as this year’s officers were Bruce Kinney as President, David Mitchell as Vice President and Ray Noonan, Jr. as Secretary/Treasurer. Also elected to new terms on the Board of Directors were Scott Easter and Tom Lambertz. In addition to the Education Committee report on its extensive winter training schedule and the update on WTCA activities by Chapter Representative Rick Parrino, the meeting featured legislative issues and welcomed Iowa House Representative Gene Manternach as the guest speaker. Rep. Manternach gave his views on the direction that the state legislature will take during the current session. He then addressed many issues of concern brought to discussion by the chapter membership. Priority issues at the state legislature were identified as business regulation and taxes, impact and permit fees, workman’s compensation reform, and mechanic’s lien laws and statutes of limitations. During the meeting, State Senator Julie Hosch phoned with her regrets at being unable to attend in person. Instead she planned to discuss the meeting with Rep. Manternach. The chapter also encouraged all members to attend the February 2 Legislative Reception co-sponsored by the Iowa Association of Home Builders and the Iowa Lumber Association. Furthermore, members are encouraged to attend the WTCA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. May 5-7. Outstanding issues were considered, including the softwood lumber dispute and steel tariffs, and members were requested to consider what additional topics they would like to see added to the legislative agenda. Lastly, the 2004 meeting dates were set: March 10, June 9 and October 7 (at BCMC in Charlotte, NC).

August 2003
In June, the Iowa Chapter held its spring meeting and golf tournament at the Amana Colonies Golf Course. Following the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes and the treasurer's report, Chapter President Rick Parrino delivered an update on the WTCA Legislative Conference in May and his meetings with Senator Grassley, aides for Senator Harkin, and several Congressmen. Everyone agreed that this year's trip to Washington, D.C. was a success. Members were also encouraged to volunteer for WTCA’s subcommittees, such as safety and insurance. Truss Technician Training online was promoted, and members were encouraged to visit www.wtcatko.com to view all of the programs currently available under the Truss Knowledge Online (TKO) umbrella. The upcoming BCMC show was mentioned too; with a record number of exhibitors expected, members were urged to attend October 8-10 in Phoenix, and the chapter plans to hold its fall meeting at the show. Next, the ITMA Education Committee delivered its report. Successful seminars were conducted this winter with the Greater Des Moines HBA and the northeast Iowa fire service at Peosta. The Greater Des Moines HBA had a lively discussion with lots of questions. The Peosta seminar was the chapter’s first fire seminar and was very successful. The guest speaker for meeting was Bruce Feldman, Chief Engineer of Alpine Engineering, Inc., and his presentation was on the IBC and IRC. As states adopt these codes with varying amendments, it is important to be aware of resulting inconsistencies. The chapter thanks Bruce for an informative and detailed discussion. Then, following the morning meeting, the chapter members enjoyed their annual golf outing.

May 2003
Instead of its regular quarterly meeting in March, the Iowa Chapter sponsored a Risk Management Seminar. As expected, members from the neighboring states of Minnesota and Missouri participated as well, and the event was considered a great success by all.

April 2003
The Iowa Chapter kicked off the New Year on January 22 with a focus on its Education Committee. Every year at this time, ITMA organizes a committee to go out and conduct Truss Technology Workshops. This year, the response was even better than last year. The chapter started reminding its members at the BCMC meeting that it would be asking for volunteers in January. The chapter also added “The Wood Truss Industry & Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” to its offering of workshops. With help from WTCA and Stan Sias, it kicked off the season at the North East Community College in Peosta, IA, on February 19 for the Dubuque County Fire Services. The reports back from the audience ranged from good to excellent. Chapter members had actually spent the entire day at Cascade Manufacturing’s plant going through a train-the-trainer course, preparing for that evening. The chapter would like to thank its committee attendees, Jerry Fishnick of Cascade Mfg., Randy Thurm of Engineered Building Design, Wes Parker of Roberts and Dybdahl, and Bruce Kinney of Plum Building Systems for their extremely long day. Special thanks to Stan Sias for spending 14+ hours with us that day, preparing us for the presentation. Also ITMA gives a special thanks to Ray Noonan, Education Committee Chair, who organizes all of our workshops and always opens his facility to the chapter to help advance our industry.

At the January meeting, chapter members re-elected Dave Mitchell to the Board of Directors, and welcomed a newly-elected Bruce Kinney to the Board of Directors. The 2003 officers were also nominated and elected: Dave Mitchell for Secretary, Bruce Kinney for Vice President and Rick Parrino for President. Instead of its regular quarterly meeting in March, the ITMA sponsored a Risk Management Seminar. As expected, participation from the surrounding chapters helped fill the class and continued the education of its membership. In June, the chapter will be holding its third annual golf outing. It is looking into some different courses, but they will have a hard time stacking up to the Amana Colonies that members played at last year. The chapter’s last meeting of the year will be at the BCMC again. Hopefully, turnout will be as great as last year.

March 2003
A Challenge to the Chapters from ITMA
One year ago, the Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA) challenged all WTCA Chapters to match its $1,000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute (CSCI).

Now, ITMA is challenging all chapters again. Yes, the Iowa Chapter is making a second $1,000 donation to the Carbeck fund on behalf of its membership and is encouraging all other chapters to do the same.

How to Accept This Challenge:
1. Recognize that the Carbeck fund supports research, development and education projects that will lead to many advances in our industry.
2. Review one of the first great successes of the Carbeck initiative, “The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” CD. To view an outline of the program, visit www.carbeck.org .
3. Decide that you want to see even more terrific advancements from Carbeck, and that the fire CD is only the first step in a lot of great work to be done.
4. Agree that by investing in this fund, we invest in our future.
5. Vote to donate to the Carbeck fund.

It’s that simple. Once you see the logic, how can you resist? Donations can be made by individuals pooling small contributions or by the chapter dispersing its collective funds. Either way, you will know that you are making a difference. Like the Iowa Chapter, consider partnering with this growing foundation. Together, we will ensure the future of our industry.

January/February 2003
The Iowa Chapter’s Education Committee anticipates another busy winter 2002-03 season of educational activity. ITMA has mailed letters of invitation to ten local Home Builder Associations and 17 Iowa Colleges and Community Colleges inviting them to consider co-sponsoring, with ITMA, Truss Technology Workshops focused on component design and industry recommended methods to safely and efficiently handle, install and brace wood floor and roof truss systems.

Additionally, ITMA has provided a copy of the CSCI fire performance CD to the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau, and has invited the bureau to schedule co-sponsored workshops with ITMA entitled: “An Overview of the Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Industry and the Fire Performance of Wood Trusses.” To date there has been one workshop scheduled for February 19 at the North East Iowa Community College campus in Peosta as a part of the Iowa Tri-State area’s fire training curriculum.

August 2002
At its June meeting, the Iowa Chapter discussed the results of this year’s Truss Technology Workshops conducted by the chapter’s Education Committee. All of the workshops were great successes, and the chapter will purchase shirts for each member of the committee. Planning for next year’s education schedule will begin at the October chapter meeting. The guest speakers at the June meeting were Steve Cabler of MiTek Industries and Scott Hausman of Simpson Strong-Tie Company. The topic was the 2000 International Building Code and the 2000 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. An explanation of the codes, and which Iowa communities have adopted to date, was given. The impact of metal plate connected truss design and compliance were discussed. Additionally, the impact of TPI design standard ANSI/TPI 1-2002, scheduled for debut at BCMC 2002, was reviewed. The expected date of the next chapter meeting is October 17, and it will be held during the Building Component Manufacturers Conference in Columbus, OH.

December 2001
Building a Better Workshop — Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association & TTWs by Ray Noonan, Cascade Mfg. Co.
The Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association’s Education Committee is having a busy winter Truss Technology Workshop schedule. Following a successful program for the Des Moines Iowa HBA held on December 6, TTWs were presented to the Quad Cities HBA on January 16, and Northwest Iowa HBA on February 19. The purpose of each workshop is to provide information to serve as a guideline for the safe and efficient use of metal plate connected floor and roof truss systems. Workshop topics include: the application and installation of wood floor and roof truss systems; industry recommendations for handling, installing and bracing of truss systems; and the use of construction hardware in truss systems.

ITMA employs customized WTCA PowerPoint® TTW presentations in conjunction with WTCA’s large scale model truss system for each workshop. Other WTCA published materials that are utilized and given to each workshop participant include Engineering Components for Efficient Framing, Standard Responsibilities in the Design Process Involving Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, WTCA’s 11"x17" Warning Poster, a total of nine Truss Technology in Building fact sheets, a copy of ITMA’s current membership list and a workshop evaluation form.

Results of the evaluation provide valuable insight on materials and method of presentation. The 2001-2002 workshop evaluations rate content at 49% excellent, 51% good, 0% fair and 0% poor; presentation is rated 51% excellent, 49% good, 0% fair and 0% poor. Evaluations show questions have been answered 100% of the time. Comments received include: “You do a good job,” “Keep up the good work!,” and “Remember, plumbers are people too!!”

Members of the ITMA Education Committee are: Tom Telgenhoff, Cascade Mfg Co; Rick Parrino and Terry Payton, Plum Building Systems; Randy Thurm and Jeremy Moser, EBD; Scott Baker, Roberts and Dybdahl, Inc; Karl Anderson, Eastern Iowa Components; and Scott Hausman, Simpson Strong-Tie.

March 2002
The first meeting of the Iowa Chapter in 2002 featured a discussion of the chapter’s meeting schedule for the year. It was decided that ITMA meeting dates should be timed to follow WTCA Open Quarterly Meetings. Combining that desire with the regular quarterly meeting schedule, the dates decided upon were: March 13, June 12 for the golf outing, September 11, and October 19 to coincide with the Building Component Manufacturers Conference in Columbus, OH. Also on the agenda was the Truss Technology Workshop schedule. The three TTWs conducted in early 2002 began what was expected to be another successful year. A new topic on the agenda was the challenge made by Ken Cloyd of California Truss to the WTCA membership to donate money to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute. ITMA decided to accept this challenge. The chapter will donate money to the Carbeck Institute to fund research, testing and education in the structural components industry. Furthermore, ITMA will challenge the other WTCA Chapters to collect donations. The plans for the March meeting include arranging for an OSHA consultant as the guest speaker.

January/February 2002
The Iowa Chapter has now finalized its Education Committee’s winter Truss Technology Workshop schedule. Following a successful program on December 6 for the Des Moines Iowa Home Builders Association, the chapter will present the following workshops: January 16, for the Quad Cities Iowa Home Builders Association in Bettendorf, IA; February 19, for the Northwest Iowa Home Builders Association and the Northwest Community College in Spirit Lake, IA; and late February, for the Iowa State University in Ames, IA. The annual membership meeting of ITMA will be January 9. The meeting will feature a discussion of internal chapter operations as well as planning the agenda for 2002.

December 2001
Per the chapter’s by-laws, the January meeting of the Iowa Chapter will be the annual membership meeting. In addition to regular agenda items, therefore, the membership will elect a new Board of Directors. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors will immediately follow the membership meeting, at which time the officers of ITMA will be elected by the Board. Furthermore, on the regular agenda are several items that are up for discussion. The chapter will debate the option of having WTCA-National handle chapter administration. Also on the topic of meetings, members will consider adding an fourth meeting to the annual schedule which is currently three per year. The meetings may also be moved to dates that would follow WTCA-National’s Open Quarterly Meetings so that there will be a more timely stream of information from national to local. Chapter members will consider the benefits of using WTCA bracing publications in jobsite information packages. There will be a review of the U.S./Canadian trade issues: CVD, AD, and U.S. imports of Canadian manufactured components. The current mold controversy will be addressed as well as a look at the housing market forecast given the current political and economic situation. Finally, there will be an update from the ITMA Education Committee on upcoming activities. To date, three Truss Technology Workshops have been scheduled for this winter season.

November 2001
The Iowa Chapter held its fall meeting on September 12 in Iowa City. The guest speakers were Gary Lawson and Greg Goldring of Weyerhaeuser, who presented an analysis of today’s lumber market. Key topics included today’s operating environment, the macro housing outlook, forces shaping the future, and how Weyerhaeuser is adapting to meet the challenges. Chapter members appreciated this opportunity to discuss the lumber market, as it is a major cost component in their products. In other business, there was discussion of the upcoming educational seminars to be presented by the ITMA. The goal is to conduct three or four more Truss Technology Workshops this winter. The next two are already scheduled: December 6 for the Des Moines Home Builders Assoc. and January 16 for the Quad City Home Builders Assoc. Letters are being sent to all local HBAs to gauge interest and availability.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:

September 2001
The next meeting of the Iowa Chapter will be on September 12 in Iowa City at the University of Iowa I Club. The guest speakers will be Greg Goldring and Gary Lawson of Weyerhaeuser Co. Having extensive experience in the forest products industry, Greg and Gary will focus their discussion on the key economic indicators of 2001 as well as some indicators to watch in 2002. They will also discuss what Weyerhaeuser is doing to stay on top as one of the major lumber suppliers to the truss industry. Chapter members are looking forward to more education on lumber—the major cost component of the products they manufacture. Following this meeting will be a golf outing. As usual, a good turnout is expected for this popular event..

May 2001
The Iowa Chapter will be meeting on May 10 at the Best Western Starlite Village in Des Moines. The meeting has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday to accommodate the schedule of the speaker, Charles Goehring, Managing Director of the Truss Plate Institute. The topic is “Quality Control in the Truss Plant.” Because the fundamentals of proper truss fabrication will be covered, the chapter especially encourages production personnel to attend. It promises to be a valuable and informative meeting.

April 2001
As part of the Chapter’s ongoing mission to educate and inform the marketplace on the proper recommended uses of metal plate connected floor and roof systems and related products, ITMA recently held two Truss Technology Workshops. In January, a workshop was co-sponsored by the Quad Cities Iowa Home Builders Association. Held in Davenport, some 40 builders and building officials attended. Topics covered included: the application and installation of floor and roof truss systems; review of placement plans and truss designs; industry recommendations for handling, installing and bracing of truss systems; and use of construction hardware in truss systems. This workshop was held for the same group a year ago and the response was so positive that ITMA was asked to return this year, and has scheduled a third TTW in the Quad Cities for 2002.

In February, a TTW was co-sponsored by Northeast Iowa Community College the Iowa State University. This workshop placed special emphasis upon the use of roof trusses in agricultural buildings. Held at the NICC Calmar, Iowa campus, some 30 farm builders attended. Topics covered included: the application and installation of ag roof truss systems; review of truss designs; industry recommendations for handling, installing and bracing of truss systems; and use of construction hardware in truss systems. ITMA was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of truss system bracing by using the scale model truss assembly recently purchased from WTCA. This is the third year that ITMA has been asked to speak to agricultural builders. The event is held annually in locations throughout the state.

November 2000
The Iowa Truss Manufacturers Association (ITMA) Educational Committee has been busy keeping people in their area informed about issues dealing with structural components. The chairperson of this committee, Ray Noonan of Cascade Mfg. Co., along with five other committee members— Barry Olberding (Lumber Specialties, Ltd.), Jim Overmann (Engineered Building Design, L.C.), Kevin Riesberg (Plum Building Systems), Tom Telgenhoff (Cascade Mfg. Co.) and Wayne Ashenhurst (Roberts & Dybdahl, Inc.)—have been actively educating builders and building officials through WTCA's Truss Technology Workshops (TTWs).

For a number of years, this local chapter of WTCA has been using slide presentations to educate the community about the application and installation of floor and roof trusses, industry recommendations for the handling, installing and bracing of truss systems, and the use of construction hardware in truss systems. This past year, they have been able to incorporate this information into PowerPoint® presentations, which have been made available on CD-ROM by WTCA-National, and have found the results to be very beneficial. Ray Noonan reported that the feedback from each of the presentations ITMA has given has been very positive. He also noted that builders and building designers always walk away from the presentation having learned something about our industry that they were not aware of before the workshop. These groups have thanked the Iowa chapter for the role they take in educating others through our industry's TTWs and have begun to seek the chapter out for presentations like this in the future.

WTCA's mission is to assist and be a support system for these types of educational programs providing all the tools needed for success. Our hope for the future of the TTW program is that all chapters find the value that TTW's and truss plant tours bring to our industry in dispelling some of the myths that exist about us.

When it is all said and done, the time commitment is not nearly as great as it appears and the value is much greater than we often appreciate. As Noonan has experienced, once the program is implemented, the entire process builds on itself and groups start approaching your organization with an interest in learning more about what you have to offer.

Down the road, Noonan is hoping to introduce these materials to junior colleges and have all of the homebuilder associations in his area fully aware of the educational tool WTCA can be for other organizations. Thanks to the ITMA Educational Committee for doing such a great job in educating their markets through the process of putting a human face on the structural component industry!

April 2000
The ITMA Education Committee has been very busy providing successful presentations to the Quad Cities Home Builders Association in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. These seminars will be offered again this fall. The next ITMA general membership meeting date is scheduled for May 10. The program will focus on “Workers Comp and Loss Control” with guest speaker Al High from Lumber Insurance Companies.

March 2000
The ITMA meeting on January 26 included a presentation on WTCA QC by Jay Edgar, WTCA Staff. Jay discussed how to profit from the use of the QC program by educating your personnel, decreasing your callbacks, and setting yourself apart from others in your market by showing your commitment to quality. ITMA continues to work on creating educational seminars.

December 1999
The ITMA Education committee plans to gather and train with a WTCA staff member on the newly digitized educational programs and PowerPoint. The focus will be to tailor them to specific ITMA programs by the first quarter of 2000. The committee has also set a tentative training date in February with the Central Iowa Associate Building Designers. ITMA is also aiming to provide training in the first quarter for the IASEA (Iowa Association of Structural Engineers). Finally, throughout the year ITMA intends to provide training for and work with the West Des Moines Fire Officials. This offers ITMA the unique opportunity to be proactive with this group and create an open line of communication.