Mid South Component Manufacturers Association (MSCMA)
Louisiana & Mississippi
 Mid South Component Manufacturers Association (MSCMA)
c/o Daniel Holland, Chapter President
Clearspan Components, Inc.
PO Box 4195 • Meridian, MS 39304
601/483-3941 • 601/693-7493 fax
SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN STRUCTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS MAGAZINE:
November 2009
In August, the Mid South Chapter continued its practice of holding its meetings in conjunction with a member’s plant tour. Attendees were welcomed to American Truss Company in Hammond, LA, where they were shown new ideas in mechanical automation not seen in the market today as well as an innovative approach to waste disposal that allows for the elimination of dumpsters.
During the meeting, members were urged to remain active and contact their legislators on important issues, including the health care reform bill. Plant tours were endorsed as an excellent way to put a human face on the industry. In addition, a status report was given on the law passed in Mississippi requiring signage on new commercial buildings utilizing truss construction erected since July 1, 2009. The law is ambiguous in its definition of trusses and signage, so interpretation is being left to the State Fire Marshall.
To support BCMC, the members signed onto the BCMC Housing Stimulus Rebate begun by the Arizona Chapter, donating up to $2,000 for this cash-back program for component manufacturer attendees.
December 2008
The Mid South Chapter continued its practice of holding its October meeting at BCMC. The group reviewed draft copies of three new product handling and installations guides: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Engineered Wood Products; Guide for Handling, Installing, & Temporary Bracing of Wall Panels; and BCSI-B7 Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of 3x2 & 4x2 Parallel Chord Floor Trusses. There was an excellent discussion regarding each of these documents and members were encouraged to forward any comments, concerns and suggestions directly to staff for consideration and inclusion in the final version of these documents. Staff member Jim Vogt, P.E., also provided a brief update on the Cold-Formed Steel BCSI and corresponding Summary Sheets as well as the major changes to Chapter 2 – Standard Responsibilities in the Design and Application of Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses, of ANSI/TPI 1-2007.
Under educational outreach, Rob Williams updated the group on his work giving presentations to architects via state and local chapters of AIA, having provided two training sessions and distributed a considerable amount of literature to date. The results of the chapter’s mailing project to engineers were reviewed. This marketing brochure for industry professionals may be mailed to building officials in the Shreveport area next. In addition, it was suggested that the chapter submit an application to provide a seminar at the 2009 Louisiana Civil Engineers annual meeting.
The next chapter meeting is being planned for January 27 in the Central City, LA area, to be held in conjunction with a truss plant tour.
June/July 2008
The Mid South Chapter held its first chapter meeting online using SBC Connection in April. Attending through a teleconference line and internet connection, neither chapter members nor WTCA staff had to move from their desks to attend.
Because no travel was required, staff member Ryan Dexter, P.E., was able to answer members’ technical questions and deliver two presentations. Ryan’s first presentation focused on the newest Truss Technology Workshop (TTW), “Today’s Wood Framing Systems—Problems and Solutions.” Giving an overview of framing issues commonly seen in the field, key problem areas, and field examples, this TTW demonstrates how traditional framing practices simply may not meet the structural demands of modern residential construction whereas using components has many benefits. Members were encouraged to use this tool when encouraging potential customers to switch from stick framing to components.
In addition to the TTW, Ryan covered the key changes in the latest version of The National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses. The revisions to the 2007 edition of TPI 1 primarily impact standard design responsibilities (Chapter 2), in-plant quality control (Chapter 3), evaluating connector plates (Chapter 5), materials and general design considerations (Chapter 6), designing truss members’ procedures (Chapter 7), and designing connector plate joints (Chapter 8). TPI 1-2007 will be referenced in the 2009 International Building Code and International Residential Code, so this was a great opportunity to learn more about this important industry document.
March 2008
In 2007, the Mid South Chapter members knew that they wanted to provide engineers with copies of Building Component Safety Information: Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses (BCSI). Finding a list of 3,000 engineers registered in the State of Mississippi alone, however, they also knew they would need a better marketing approach than simply mailing a copy to each individual on the list. Instead, the chapter decided to team up with WTCA staff to create a brochure that will accomplish many tasks.
The Mid South brochure is more than simply an ad for BCSI. With an introductory letter from the chapter and a complete chapter membership listing, it includes information on all of the technical resources available from WTCA, encourages engineers to take advantage of online Truss Technology Workshops (TTW) for continuing education, lets them request truss plant tours or live TTWs, enables them to sign up for an SBC subscription, and offers them a free copy of BCSI if they respond via mail, email, fax or an online form.
By reaching out to building designers, the chapter hopes to convey the benefits and ease of using components. After this list of engineers in Mississippi, Mid South will move on to additional engineers registered in Louisiana, as well as architects and specifiers in these states. The concept is that the more information that building designers receive on our industry’s products, the more they will understand and use structural building components.
In addition, the Mid South Chapter brochure is now an excellent template for other chapters to customize. The content is easy to modify, the colors can be swapped out to build your chapter’s brand in the marketplace, and you may reach out by offering free publications or simply promote the information available for free on the WTCA website. If your chapter would like to customize a brochure for industry professionals in your marketplace, simply contact Anna (608/345-4983) to discuss the options and devise an approach that best suits your chapter.
December 2007
The Mid South Chapter held its final meeting of the year at the BCMC show in Columbus, OH. Meeting over lunch, the members reviewed draft copies of a four-page, color newsletter/mailer to all engineers in Mississippi and Louisiana that will offer a subscription to SBC and a free copy of BCSI, compliments of the chapter. Since it will include a chapter membership list, all potential chapter members will be contacted and invited to join the chapter so their contact information can be included in the mailing. The group also decided to send the mailing in February so that it will be past the holiday rush and before the start of the next busy season. This promotional piece also contains information on pertinent online resources from WTCA that would be of interest to engineers, a section on Truss Technology Workshops (TTW), and a place to request truss plant tours in their area.
At the meeting, the drawing was held for another winner of one free individual access to Truss Technician Training (TTT) Level I or II. This raffle was begun to encourage meeting attendance, and the day’s winner was Mel Borne of American Truss Company.
November 2007
The Mid South Chapter combined its summer meeting with a tour of Hood Industries in Waynesboro, MS. The chapter’s mailing project directed to all engineers in Mississippi and Louisiana was the number one item on the meeting agenda. While reviewing copies of a draft letter on MSCMA letterhead, everyone agreed that it should be done in a style to catch the engineer’s eye, using colors and photos. They also agreed that a roster of chapter members should be included. Rather than mail copies of the letter with flyers on BCSI and SBC Magazine, the group decided to create a self-mailer. This could be done with a tear-off section to return for engineers to sign up for SBC and the free copy of BCSI, compliments of the chapter. It was agreed that staff would propose a mailer format for the chapter members to review at their October meeting at BCMC. Since the mailing will be sent to 3,000 engineers, the chapter plans to maximize the bang for the buck, and everyone is very interested to see how many engineers reply to receive their free copy of BCSI.
Under current issues, the members discussed the incorrect use of shear walls. The attendees also noted that shear walls seemed to be overused in some construction and underused in other, depending upon the builder and the area.
The drawing was held for the first winner of one free individual access to TTT Level I or II. This raffle was begun to encourage meeting attendance, and the day’s winner was Walt Hamilton of Frierson – Bailey Lumber & Supply.
June/July 2007
The Mid South Chapter held its spring meeting in Kenner, LA at the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). Cathy Kaake updated the group on SFPA’s initiative on marketing raised wood floors in the south as an alternative to the dominant raised slab approach. She also discussed the need to promote wood components and the ways SFPA will be doing that in concert with WTCA. In addition, Wade Camp delivered a report on the softwood lumber market outlook for 2009.
Under educational items, Chapter President Dan Holland reported on his ongoing efforts to contact members of the building designer community. Having obtained a list of nearly 3000 engineers in Mississippi, the members discussed the best ways for contacting them. It was agreed that the chapter would mail a letter offering a copy of BCSI to everyone on the list, but they would need to reply to the letter to receive their free copy. A similar list will be obtained for Louisiana.
Also highlighted at the meeting were several items of interest to the members including the WTCA Technical Notes written for Louisiana to deal with sealed placement diagram issues. Scott Ward spoke on the recent plant tour for Congressman Jim McCrery (R-LA) held at Southern Components. A short presentation was also given on the recent work of the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and members were reminded of the importance of giving truss plant tours for building and fire officials.
April 2007
The Mid The Mid South Chapter kicked off the new year with a tour of Clearspan Components in Meridian, MS. Manufacturing roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels, the plant featured custom wall panel equipment and high volume floor and roof truss operations. Attendees were encouraged to come and see how easy it was to give a plant tour so that they too could offer tours to building and fire officials, architects and engineers, legislators, students and customers.
Following the tour, a chapter meeting was held at the Meridian Grand Opera House. Now part of Mississippi State’s Riley Center for Education & Performing Arts, a new conference center rests in the largest opera house ever built in the South. Seating 1000, it was built by a department store in the 1880s to attract business and has just been completely refurbished. At the meeting, Dan Holland of Clearspan and Kirk Grundahl of WTCA gave an update on industry issues and WTCA activities. There was a good discussion on establishing a plant tour process and 2007 planning was begun.
The 2007 Mid South Chapter meeting dates have been set for April 24, July 24 and October 23. Component manufacturers in Mississippi and Louisiana, and suppliers, are welcome to attend.
April 2006
The Mid South Chapter held its first meeting of the year on January 26 in Vicksburg, MS. The main topic was educating building officials and answered questions such as: Do you know the most important things to tell your local code official? Are you able to prepare him for inspecting your trusses? Does he know what he needs to know about your products? Members were encouraged to start offering plant tours and developing better relationships with their local building and fire officials. The date of the next Mid South Chapter meeting has been changed to Wednesday, April 26. It will be held at the Southern Forest Products Association office in Kenner, LA.
November 2005
The Mid South Chapter held its summer meeting at Dennery’s in Jackson, MS. Following a poll of members on potential meeting topics, the main item on the day’s agenda was a presentation on THE LOAD GUIDE (TLG): A Guide to Good Practice for Specifying & Applying Loads to Structural Building Components. Other items that ranked high in the meeting topic poll and that will be included in upcoming meetings were In-Plant WTCA QC, Operation Safety, de-sign responsibilities, building code issues and educational programs. Membership development is a priority for the chapter too. The chapter also confirmed its regular meeting schedule as the fourth Thursday of the quarter, so its 2006 dates are January 24, April 25, July 25 and October 24. Unfortunately, due to recent events, the October 2005 meeting was cancelled, but the chapter will resume its schedule in January and wishes all of its members a speedy recovery.
May 2005
The Mid South Chapter held its first meeting of the year in Natchez, MS in March. The lunch meeting promised a roundtable discussion for chapter members to exchange information and feedback on the issues they have been facing. The guest speaker was Rachel Smith of WTCA staff who highlighted the WTCA programs and initiatives that have been designed to give members leading-edge information and resources. Following the presentation, chapter members discussed the educational programs and tasks they would like to see the chapter accomplish this year including making a presentation at the Louisiana Civil Engineers Conference in September. In addition, the members decided to have WTCA staff handle the chapter’s administration.
April 2002
The Mid South Chapter was delighted to have the opportunity to present to the Building Officials of Louisiana on February 5 at its Annual Meeting in Baton Rouge. This was followed by a presentation to the Joint Engineering Society Conference (Louisiana & Mississippi) on February 7 which had more than 100 professional engineers in attendance. At both conferences, WTCA Truss Technology Workshop programs were given to the interested and receptive audiences. Both events were very successful, and the chapter hopes to be invited back next year. The chapter is well on its way to being seen as a great source of information and education by building officials and engineers across these states.
January/February 2002
When Persistance Pays Off: Building Officials & the Mid South Component Manufacturers Association.
Often two groups will agree that they could learn a lot from each other but they never seem to find the right time to meet. Cases such as these will require lots of effort and a little luck. Fortunately, persistence will pay off once the meeting finally happens.
The Mid South Chapter (MSCMA) had been trying for quite some time to speak to the Building Officials Association of Louisiana (BOAL). Finally, the opportunity came in November. Following a brief general meeting by BOAL, the Mid South Chapter presented a four-hour Truss Technology Workshop to some 40 building inspectors from around the state. MSCMA also supplied customized Component Industry Information binders for the attendees. The presentation and the binders were very well received. In fact, MSCMA is now invited back to BOAL’s annual meeting in February to speak to an even larger audience. In addition, several other contacts were made with attendees at this event and one has already produced another presentation request. MSCMA will also be speaking to the Louisiana Professional Engineers Association this winter.
Furthermore, this initial Truss Technology Workshop was presented by WTCA staff and videotaped by the chapter. Now MSCMA has a tape from which to train chapter members on presenting these programs. Not only did the BOAL presentation train building officials, but also it served as a “train the trainer” session for the chapter. In addition to making contacts with groups desiring more information, the chapter learned more tricks on how to make these presentations a success.
For the Mid South Chapter, persistence truly paid off. Though at times difficult and frustrating to arrange, this presentation for building officials will be the first step in a much larger educational campaign. As many WTCA Chapters have discovered, there is a great demand for knowledge, and we are in a terrific position to fill it if we are persevering and prepared.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:
August 2000
MSCMA’s June TTW on “Inspection of Installed Trusses” for the Building Officials Association of Mississippi (BOAM) was a great success. Sixty chapter binders were distributed and the event generated more than forty contacts with building inspection departments in Mississippi and four additional requests for similar presentations. The next meeting of MSCMA is planned for August in Shreveport, LA, and may include a presentation to the Louisiana Building Officials.
April 2000
MSCMA held a general membership meeting on March 31, where they updated current plans for TTW presentations. They will be offering seminars to the Mississippi Building Officials Association in June.
March 2000
The MSCMA held a Board meeting in January during which they began to create educational programs. They are now planning to do training with both the Louisiana Building Inspector Association and the Building Officials Association of Mississippi.
January/February 2000
The MSCMA is currently soliciting suggestions and priorities from members and manufacturers within the area. The purpose of the January Board meeting will be to begin planning for next year.
December 1999
The MSCMA recently held a Director's meeting to plan chapter activities for the next year.
November 1999
The MSCMA, one of three new chapters of WTCA that developed in 1999, held an organizational meeting on May 25 to adopt bylaws and select officers. Dan Holland was elected President and is looking forward to a productive first year for the chapter.
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