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Southern Nevada Component Manufacturers Association (SNCMA)

Southern Nevada Component Manufacturers Association (SNCMA)
c/o Glenn McClendon, Chapter President
Sun State Components, Inc.
4915 N. Berg St • North Las Vegas, NV 89031
702/657-1889 • 702/312-1895 fax

SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)

SBC Industry News for June 14, 2010
Once again, SBCA’s Southern Nevada Chapter has made an annual contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute. Even though the market in Las Vegas has been among the hardest hit by the economic downturn, the chapter members agreed at their spring meeting to support this important educational mission.

Since 2001, SBCA’s Iowa Chapter Challenge has encouraged all SBCA Chapters to make a contribution to Carbeck. From grassroots efforts to educate the fire service by distributing Carbeck CDs and providing truss plant tours to legislative activities and everything in between, Carbeck provides the information needed to more safely fight fires in buildings constructed with structural building components.

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:

Southern Nevada Component Manufacturers Association (SNCMA)
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:

September/October 2008
At the July meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter’s Code Committee Co-Chair Rich Menge, P.E. reported that the local building departments remain in the same status with the City of Las Vegas having only one plans checker and express plan check remains in effect for residential buildings up to 5,000 square feet. The city has further reduced its staff to a total of four building inspectors. The City of North Las Vegas interim senior building official remains subject to change every 30 days between officials within the department.

The flat growth rate in Las Vegas was discussed next. The Las Vegas Housing Market monthly newsletter reported that 884 permits were issued in June, making a total of 3,628 for 2008, resulting in a decrease of 61% from 2007. The estimated total for 2008 was given at 8,200, the lowest since the mid-1980s. The median new home price of $269,900 was down 16.7% from 2007. Some 65% of closings in June were bank-owned properties. Directly then the resale market has an adverse affect upon the new home market. According to the report, this trend would likely continue through 2008 and into 2009.

The chapter welcomed its newest member, Desert Truss. All members were encouraged to attend the upcoming BCMC show in Denver, CO. Also, the date of the fall meeting was confirmed for October 16, but the location may be changed to a more convenient restaurant.

August 2008
At the April meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter’s Code Committee had several updates for the membership. Committee Co-Chair Rich Menge, P.E. reported that, per Clark County TG12-06 amendments, one set of wet seals is being accepted for revisions on original submittals and the previous request for two has been abandoned. Committee Co-Chair Bill Bolduc, P.E. reported that the City of North Las Vegas interim senior building official is subject to change every 30 days between officials within the department as the search to fill the position continues. In addition, the City of Las Vegas Building Department further reduced its staff leaving Lillian Beltrans as the sole and senior plans checker; however, the express plan check (project engineer responsibility/no truss calc review) remains in effect for single family structures under 5000 sq. ft., greatly expediting the submittal process. Earl Russell remains the interim senior building official for Las Vegas until his scheduled retirement in August.

The members discussed some marketplace confusion on one hour fire walls and how many various methods are being specified by different architects and engineers. It was noted that IRC 2006 wall detail documents are the governing guides, so following these details assures approval by plans examiners.

A very positive report was given on the turn out and results of the EduCode seminar in February. The chapter’s all-day session on understanding trusses from the ground up was well received at this conference held for building officials by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Committee (SNCICC).

April 2008
The Southern Nevada Chapter’s January meeting featured several updates from the chapter’s Code Committee. Committee Co-Chair Rich Menge, P.E. reported that there are no new changes to the IBC/IRC 2006 code, and that the Clark County TG12-06 issue remains unresolved as to two wet seals being required for revisions whereas only one wet seal is required on the original submittal. The chapter will continue to seek clarification on TG-12. Committee Co-Chair Bill Bolduc, P.E. informed the group that Clark County’s old ICC Evaluation Services reports, Legacy 1994, are outdated but remain on file and are at the discretion of the building official when applicable. Also among the updates: the Structural Engineers Association of Southern Nevada (SEASoN) has been inactive for about a year so it may be disbanded. An update was provided regarding ANSI/TPI 1 consensus development work on Chapter 2, which is being rewritten to clarify design responsibilities of permanent bracing among other key responsibility items; changes in the draft document may be viewed online. The new California building code is basically the same as IBC 2006, but some additional documentation may be required when shipping product into that state. The Nevada Engineering Board remains opposed to electronic seals.

The chapter was also looking forward to its participation in EduCode, a conference held by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Committee (SNCICC). The event was directed toward building officials in Clark County but permission for Nye County officials to attend was being sought. The chapter was allotted an all-day session on understanding trusses from the ground up and arranged for Jim Vogt, P.E. of WTCA staff to teach the seminar. Members expected that it would help building officials determine what merits their attention on an inspection and what does not.

December 2007
At the October Southern Nevada Chapter meeting, Code Committee Co-Chair Rich Menge, P.E. reported that the truss to beam connection specifications issue was resolved and remains the responsibility of the project engineer of record as adopted for the IBC 2006 code, and that Clark County TG12-06 remains in effect. Committee Co-Chair Bill Bolduc, P.E. reported on two separate news items affecting local building departments. First, the City of North Las Vegas senior building official announced his retirement and resigned on the same day. Second, with no official announcement being made, the City of Las Vegas adopted a new policy for residential structures of 5,000 sq. ft. or less. They will no longer undergo building department plans examination when submitted with building designer stamped and sealed plans and supporting documents, thereby being marked with a disclaimer by the building department leaving inspections code enforcement the primary safeguard. However, this will certainly expedite the permit submittal process for builders.

An update was given on the educational program being planned for February. At the request of Paul Lum of the Clark County Building Department, the chapter will give a Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) presentation at EduCode. Organized by the local chapter of the ICC and billed as the accelerated learning conference for building inspectors, plan checkers, building officials, fire officials and industry, EduCode will be held February 25-28 and the chapter has been allotted an all-day session on understanding trusses from the ground up.

Under chapter business, the current officers agreed to continue in those posts for another year. The 2008 chapter meeting dates were agreed upon for January 17, April 17, July 17 and October 16.

November 2007
At the July Southern Nevada meeting, the members were pleased to hear how well the chapter’s May seminar and appreciation luncheon was received by the Framing Contractors Association (FCA). This was the second such event for the FCA and it will not be the last. The chapter has also had interest from Clark County for educational seminars and started setting up a presentation for early 2008. By request, WTCA staff will develop a Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) to assist building officials in determining what merits their attention on an inspection and what does not. This presentation will differentiate between critical items such as cut members and less significant things like dents and wane.

On the subject of the building code, the members discussed various questions following the adoption of the 2006 IBC/IRC with the Southern Nevada Amendments by the Clark County Board of County Commissioners. Plans submitted after April 30, 2007 must conform to these new codes. Members talked about possible software implications, too.

The members also discussed the progress on the new research and testing facility in Madison, WI. A founding sponsor, the chapter donated $3,000 towards the SBC Research Institute (SBCRI) and they were pleased to see the photos from the Open House as well as hear more about the testing set up and possibilities.

June/July 2007
At the Southern Nevada Chapter’s spring meeting, Chapter President Glenn McClendon reported on his trip to Washington, DC for the Annual SBC Legislative Conference. Glenn was pleased to report on his success in meeting with several legislators and staffers from Nevada. In particular, he had never been able to arrange a meeting Congressman John Porter in the past. Because he was able to provide Rep. Porter and his staff with a tour of his manufacturing facility earlier this year, however, Rep. Porter cleared his schedule and met directly with Glenn this year. This further reinforced to the group how important plant tours can be in establishing strong and positive relationships.

Under educational news, the chapter has been approached by the Clark County Building Department to provide training classes for inspectors on proper inspection of trusses. Members discussed the possibility of incorporating educational presentations with truss plant tours.

An update was also given on the chapter’s Contractor Appreciation Luncheon and Seminar being held the following month. Registrations from framing contractors, engineering firms, materials suppliers and county building officials was already over 70, so the event promised to be very well attended and received. Members were encouraged to attend and represent our industry, too.

In other news, the chapter voted to donate $3,000 to the SBC Research Institute under construction in Madison, WI. In so doing, Southern Nevada became the third chapter, after Wisconsin and Texas, to become an official sponsor of the new research and testing facility.

March 2007
At the January Southern Nevada Chapter meeting, several updates were given by the chapter’s Code Committee. A listing of useful city and county links was distributed for members’ reference. It was also confirmed that current Nevada law requires that engineers must “wet seal” all documents and that sealing only index sheets is not allowed. Electronic sealing is being considered by the Nevada Board of Professional Engineers but has not been approved yet.

Copies of the chapter’s letter to the Clark County Department of Development Services – Building Division were circulated. The letter opposes the proposed new policy on allowing deferred submittals on commercial projects. No response to the letter has been received yet from Clark County on this Policy & Procedure No. 85.1.8.

It was reported that the latest edition of the Clark County Technical Guideline, TG-12, Manufactured Engineered Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Submittal and Review Requirements for Structures That Have a Licensed Building Designer, is now available for download on the Clark County website (www.co.clark.nv.us/development_services/index.htm). Very similar to the last version, there was some question concerning how concentrated loads can best be shown on the Truss Design Drawings, but the code committee in concert with WTCA technical staff will work with the County to clarify the best procedure.

A memo was distributed indicating that the Clark County Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2006 IBC with the Southern Nevada Amendments to the 2006 IBC, and the 2006 IRC with the Southern Nevada Amendments to the 2006 IRC. Plans submitted after April 30, 2007 must conform to these new codes. The chapter members will send a letter to the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA) indicating their support for adopting the 2006 codes as soon as possible and urging the SNHBA’s support as well.

The Code Committee also reported that the document entitled, Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Design, Specification and Commentary, Recommendations and Commentary from the Truss Committee of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern Nevada, has been finalized but not yet published. The recommendations proposed by JCI Engineering that would have required the “Truss Specialty Engineer” to seal the Truss Placement Diagrams and design and specify all truss connection hardware, including truss-to-wall, truss-to-beam, truss-to-ledger, etc., were denied. Notification will be sent to the chapter members as soon as the document is posted.

The chapter’s Activities Committee reported on its spring plans. The annual golf tournament will be held on May 31. Additionally, the chapter is sponsoring a luncheon and presentation for the Framing Contractors Association (FCA) on May 10 at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. The BCSI 2006 books will be distributed to all attendees and there will be an open forum discussion following the presentation.

January/February 2007
The Southern Nevada Chapter had many items to discuss at its fall meeting. First up was the Code Committee with an update on the 2006 IBC adoption. All municipalities in Las Vegas will adopt the 2006 IBC Code, and all relevant information is posted on the Clark County website. The implementation date is May 1, 2007. Currently, Clark County is accepting the new code as a variance; though it is not officially approved by the councils of various municipalities, once it has passed the county commissioners, a variance will not be necessary. Members were cautioned that there are numerous changes that should be reviewed, but that the economic impact will likely be small in Las Vegas. The chapter is considering a letter to the Structural Engineers Association (SEASoN) and the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association to urge them to move quickly through the issues as well.

The chapter continues to work with the Drywall Contractors Association (DCAN) on a document to define responsibilities for shoring and stack heights. The latest draft of the handout was reviewed and will be returned to DCAN with edits.

A memo from Clark County was produced that appeared to open the door to having looser standards for light commercial projects compared to residential. The consensus was that the chapter would oppose this strenuously, and the Code Committee would contact Clark County and register an objection.

Next, the Code Committee raised the issue of proposed modifications to TG12 at the Clark County Building Department (CCBD) and a desire to have concentrated loads indicated on the truss design drawing. General consensus was that this should not pose a problem, but that they should be asked to define what a “concentrated” load is. The chapter agreed to send some good and bad examples to help the CCBD define the issue.

The 2007 slate of chapter officers was presented and approved. Glenn McClendon of Sun State Components will return as President, Ron Barrette of General Building Systems will become Vice President, Art Ramirez of Landmark Truss will return as Treasurer and Stuart Coles of Sun State Components will be Secretary. In addition, a motion was made and passed to create a Projects Committee to head up training and educational/truss plant tour opportunities. The first objective of the new committee will be to schedule a fire service educational truss plant tour/presentation in Las Vegas.

March 2006
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its January meeting at its new location, Memphis Championship Barbecue on Rainbow Blvd. The Code Committee reported that the first draft of the areas of responsibility document for the Structural Engineers Association (SEASoN) has been reviewed and commented on by WTCA/SNCMA staff. The Code Committee reviewed WTCA’s response and will have the changes incorporated into the first edition of the final draft. Members reported no further issues with the City of Las Vegas regarding sealed hanger connection schedules, submitted separately from placement plans, outside of inconsistency from City of Las Vegas plans examiners.

Under new business, the chapter elections were held. The nominations were Glenn McClendon for President, Ron Barrette for Vice President, Glen Redmond for Secretary and Art Ramirez for Treasurer. All nominees were approved by the members.

Rich Menge and Bill Bolduc reported on their educational presentation to the City of North Las Vegas (CNLV) building department to address a list of topics and questions the CNLV had presented concerning manufactured trusses. A follow up meeting was scheduled for February 2 to further discuss and clarify the CNLV concerns and questions. Bill Bolduc also informed members that he recently attended a Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA) meeting in which local jurisdictions presented various amendments to current codes, with one amendment in regard to truss loading requirements (concurrent vs. non-concurrent). Members agreed to request that this amendment not be adopted at this time, rather include it in the adoption process of the 2006 Code. Rich Menge will work with WTCA/SNCMA staff on an industry response to SNHBA.

Members briefly discussed developing an educational program to present to framing contractors on the handling and bracing of trusses. The location, time and materials were not determined, but the matter would be discussed at the upcoming board meeting and the group will work with WTCA/SNCMA staff on implementation. All members were encouraged to attend the monthly chapter board meetings, held on the third Thursday of the month. The next general membership meeting will be held on April 20. The chapter will also hold a golf tournament on June 1 at Las Vegas Paiute Resort.

September/October 2005 SBC Magazine 1686
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its summer meeting on July 21. The Chapter’s Code Committee reported that the first draft of the SNCMA and SEASoN (Structural Engineers Association) “Areas of Responsi-bility” statement was taking longer than anticipated. The draft will be comprised of descriptions of general practices along with areas of responsibility for the truss designer and engineer of record that will satisfy local municipal requirements and IBC 2003 and ANSI/TPI 1-2002. The draft will be sent to the Board of Engineers for review when it is ready. The committee was also pleased to report that all chapter members were successful in removing hanger schedules from truss placement diagrams and submitting them separately. Members have reported only a few “letters of corrections” from the City of Las Vegas regarding sealed hanger connection schedules. The featured presentation for the meeting was The Load Guide (TLG). One chapter member recounted that he had used the guide to help determine unusual dead load conditions for a custom home and found TLG to be beneficial. The members present also approved the 2006 meeting schedule, confirming that the chapter will continue to meet on the third Thursday of the quarter. Chapter board meetings will be held monthly and are open to all members. These meetings will discuss ideas of current fund allocation and what educational programs members would like to see the chapter help organize or develop. Last but not least, everyone was reminded of the officer elections being held at the October 21 meeting and warned that anyone not attending would be automatically elected to a position.

June 2005
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its spring meeting on April 21. The Chapter's Code Compliance Committee informed members that the City of Las Vegas is requiring sealed placement plans if a hanger connection schedule is present. Rich Menge and Bill Bolduc planned to schedule a meeting with Ron Clark from the City of Las Vegas to discuss this issue. Members decided to remove any hanger schedule from the layout and use sealed design and/or a separate sealed hanger schedule. The Code Committee reported that a first draft of the combined efforts of SNCMA and SEASON (Structural Engineers Association) will be done shortly. The draft is comprised of descriptions of general practices along with areas of responsibility for the truss designer and engineer of record that will satisfy local municipal requirements and IBC 2003 and ANSI/TPI 1-2002. The guest speaker was Sean Shields of WTCA staff. In addition to an update on news from WTCA, Sean focused on the Operation Safety program. Chapter President Glenn McClendon gave the program high marks too since his company, Sun State Components, has been very happy with it. Under new business, President McClendon distributed two documents from the local drywall association (DCAN). They have asked SNCMA to review and approve “Guidelines for One Time Crack Repair” and “Drywall Shoring and Stacking.” Members felt this was outside of WTCA guidelines. SNCMA will respond with a written letter politely declining DCAN's invitation. The Code Committee, however, will update the chapter's letter on Drywall Loading. The next chapter meeting will be held on July 21.

March 2005
The Southern Nevada Chapter began its January meeting with two very encouraging committee updates. Code Compliance Committee member Bill Bolduc informed members that the joint meetings with the Structural Engineers Association of Southern Nevada (SEASON) and the chapter have been productive. The primary focus has been wind uplift and lateral loads applied to truss members. The objective of this collaboration is for both groups to gain an understanding of each others needs and work out a common practice of design to achieve those needs.

The second committee report was that Clark County has updated TG-12 to incorporate the chapter's recommendation regarding truss to beam attachments, along with adopting ANSI/TPI 1-2002 effective January 31, 2005. In reviewing the success of the chapter's November seminar for building officials, contractors and framers, members began discussing what seminars they would like to hold next.

Last but not least, a motion was made and approved to donate $5,000 to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute.

South Florida Truss & Component Manufacturers Association

In 2005, Chapter President Ken Bucek of Atlantic Truss stepped down after three successful years marked by the chapter winning the WTCA Membership Drive, Ken winning the #1 Recruiter individual prize and the chapter coming out of a deficit to now having a surplus. Vice President Perky Becht of Chambers Truss agreed to step up to the Presidency, making her WTCA's only female chapter president this year. The rest of the officer positions were set to be finalized by the March chapter meeting. In addition, Perky accepted the nomination as South Florida's Chapter Representative to the WTCA Board of Directors, which was balloted to the WTCA membership in February.

January/February 2005
In cooperation with the Framing Contractors Association, the Southern Nevada Chapter hosted an educational seminar on codes issues, lumber characteristics and grading, and truss field repairs on November 17 in Las Vegas. Limited to 100 attendees, the four-hour seminar and lunch was provided free of charge to building officials and members of the Southern Nevada Component Manufacturers Association, Framing Contractors Association, Associated General Contractors and the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association. The guest speakers were Richard Zimmermann of WTCA staff and Stewart Garden, MSR Lumber Producers Council President. The presentations were very well received and the audience asked many pertinent questions. Overall it was a very successful seminar.

September/October 2004
There was good news at the Southern Nevada Chapter’s July meeting. Code Compliance Committee Chairman Rich Menge informed members that the Southern Nevada Building Officials have accepted the SNCMA’s proposed recommendation regarding truss loading amendments to the IBC 2000 building code. This mirrors the changes that were approved at the recent ICC Hearing in Kansas City that will be incorporated into the 2006 version of the code. The new amendment will remove the concurrent loading requirement in place in the area. After the local chapter of structural engineers accepts the latest draft proposal, the final amendment will be approved. The chapter’s Code Committee has also recommended that connections other than truss to truss need to be specified by the Engineer of Record (e.g., truss to beam/wall connections). Copies of letters sent to the Department of Development Services regarding specification of truss to beam connections were distributed to the members.

Under new business, the Code Committee will be approaching the local association of structural engineers to establish design standards in regard to wind loading and lateral forces applied to truss members and conformity of attachments. Last but not least, planning is underway for a building officials seminar this fall. The chapter is working with the MSR Lumber Producers Council and others to organize a seminar on lumber characteristics. This educational program will include an explanation of the grading process so that inspectors will be assured that lumber characteristics have been reflected in the grading stamps. Chapter members discussed adding additional topics to the seminar and bringing in guest speakers and local truss engineers. The targeted timeframe for this seminar is late October.

June/July 2004
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its spring meeting on April 15 in Las Vegas. The main topic was building codes and the guest speaker was WTCA Codes Manager Richard Zimmermann. Included in his presentation were pertinent issues surrounding the IBC, IRC and ASCE 7, and attendees discussed adoption and compliance issues, version variations, and loading considerations. In addition, the meeting agenda included updates on the draft letter to Clark County on submittal requirements and the TG12 Amendment, support from the Structural Engineers Association of Southern Nevada (SEASN) and the determination on concurrent vs. non-concurrent loads by Clark County, the attention being paid to hanger gaps by building officials and resulting jobsite constraints, and the chapter’s efforts to set up a seminar to educate building officials on lumber characteristics

April 2004 SBC
At its winter quarterly meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter formed a Code Compliance Committee with Rich Menge as Chair. Other members include Rick Barkemeyer, Glenn McClendon, Bill Bolduc and Pat Hall. Pertinent issues the committee will be handling are IBC 2003 adoption and interpretation by the City of Las Vegas. Chapter members reviewed the rough draft of a position paper it is writing on “Truss Manufacturer Responsibilities When the Truss Designs Are Provided by Others.” Members suggested adding more information and sources for the referenced material. The paper will be amended and brought back to the next meeting. Chapter members then discussed submittal requirements. SNCMA will make a formal request to Clark County Building Department to amend TG-12. Hangers for truss to beam connections will be specified by the Engineer of Record. The work in progress on attic loads was reviewed. The Structural Engineers Association of Southern Nevada (SEASN) will support the chapter’s position on attic loads, but Clark County has not yet made a determination on concurrent vs. non-concurrent loads. Right now, it continues to accept non-concurrent, but the City of Las Vegas says it will have to move to concurrent based on the response it received from the ICC. The chapter has asked the local ICBO Committee to address this issue so that members may continue to run loads non-concurrently. Another approach is to run truss calculations under the IRC instead. Next on the agenda was hanger gaps. While hardware generally allows an eighth-inch gap, this is not always attainable under real-world circumstances. To resume work at jobsites shut down by inspectors, component manufacturers and hardware manufacturers have had to write letters of explanation and justification. Chapter members discussed what efforts have been taken and the prospects for hardware that allow larger gaps. Members agreed to send problems to the Engineers of Record. In other business, the chapter approved the WTCA “Polices By Committee” binder and agreed to send several participants to the WTCA Regional Workshop & Conference being held in Las Vegas.

December 2003
At its October meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter welcomed guest speaker Mike Wagner of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Having been in the construction industry since 1979 and with Simpson since 1991, Mr. Wagner was able to discuss his company’s involvement in the truss industry and its support of WTCA. With his extensive experience in new product research and development, Mike also offered an interesting overview of the products Simpson Strong-Tie has on the market as well as what might be on the drawing board. The chapter thanks him for his informative presentation and discussion on connectors in general. At the meeting, the chapter also elected its officers for 2004. Having previously served in that role, Glenn McClendon of Sun State Components will return for a term as President and continue in his role as Chapter Representative to the WTCA Board of Directors. Ed McCormick of Silver State Components will serve as Vice President. Pat Hall of Glendale Truss Industries and Art Ramirez of The Truss Company will continue in their positions as Secretary and Treasurer.

September/October 2003
Turnout was excellent for the July quarterly meeting of the Southern Nevada Chapter. With the topic of IBC Issues Affecting Component Manufacturers, Donald Scott, P.E., Vice President of Engineering for Truswal Systems Corporation, 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. Many members commented on issues ranging from loading discrepancies to complications of properly tagging finished trusses. It was also suggested that chapter members work with local building associations to address the discrepancies as well as approach the building department to discuss and resolve problems. The chapter expresses its gratitude to Mr. Scott for traveling to Las Vegas and delivering this informative program. In other news, a report was given on the priority list that has been set at the monthly board meetings. It has been decided that the chapter’s top priority is lumber characteristics. The chapter is currently working with the MSR Lumber Producers Council and the Western Wood Products Association. Furthermore, the chapter plans to schedule an educational seminar in October for building inspectors and developers on general lumber characteristics.

June/July 2003
The Southern Nevada Chapter began its spring meeting with a discussion on design responsibilities and scope of work. Starting with ANSI/TPI/WTCA 4-2002, “National Standard and Recommended Guidelines on Responsibilities for Construction Using Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses” and its Commentary from WTCA, chapter members considered what tasks they believed fell within their companies’ scopes of work, what tasks they often took on to please a customer, and how the additional tasks may affect their overall responsibilities on a project as well as the bottom line. They discussed their our own standards practices, and the exceptions they had made. In addition, chapter members debated whether they, as a chapter, would be able to determine what they would like to see as a standard operating procedure across the entire marketplace. Following that lively discussion, the meeting turned to the issue of TTT certification. Since several members have had truss designers certified via WTCA’s Truss Technician Training classes, they agreed it made sense to maintain those certifications via the online Truss Technology Workshop programs since it continues to enhance a company’s marketing potential as well as the skill level of designers. They discussed how the new online TTW program works and the benefits inherent in this approach.

March 2003
At its January meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter welcomed Rachel Smith of WTCA staff as the guest speaker. Focusing on the topic of how to find value in our association, the recent developments at WTCA were highlighted. There are many things that members should be proud of, and we need to capitalize on the work being done by our association. In particular, there are the stellar advancements in education, both for ourselves through Truss Technician Training online, and for everyone affected by our industry, through Truss Technology Workshops online. In addition, there is the ever-growing list of risk management publications. The latest installment in the Truss Technology in Building series is of particular interest to the chapter: “Drywall Cracking & Crowning (DCC) Problems in Arid Environments.” Developed in response to problems raised by the Southern Nevada Chapter, the Drywall Cracking TTB is a welcome tool in helping educate the construction community on a common problem in this marketplace.

December 2002
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its fall meeting on October 24 at Memphis Championship Barbecue in Las Vegas. Turnout was terrific, and the meeting was very productive. The chapter voted unanimously to approve the purchase and distribution of WTCA’s Truss Technology in Building brochures and “The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” CD. This new educational CD, developed in cooperation with the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and the Houston Fire Dept., specifically addresses the issues and concerns about wood trusses and the needs of the fire service. Its distribution to local fire departments will help immeasurably in dispelling the myths about truss construction and performance.

The chapter also conducted its annual elections. Rick Barkemeyer volunteered to remain chapter president. Dean Maxwell volunteered to serve as vice president. Art Ramirez volunteered to serve a second term as treasurer, and Pat Hall volunteered for the office of secretary. John Hansen was nominated for and accepted the position of Code/Education Committee Chair. Thanks are extended to all of those who serve!

In 2003, the chapter will continue its regular meeting schedule of lunch on the third Thursday of the quarter. The next meeting will be held on January 16 at the same location.

June 2002
At its April meeting, the Southern Nevada Chapter revisited the issue of drywall cracking and ridging. After much discussion it was determined that the chapter’s Code/Education Committee would meet to define an appropriate approach to the Drywall Association and FCA to request in writing what is proposed as a solution. Following this, the chapter will work with WTCA-National on a response from our industry. In addition, Committee Chair Susan Harrelson expressed the importance of the chapter maintaining a representative on the board of the FCA in order to bring issues that are of concern to both associations. Each of the local city jurisdictions has been represented at recent meetings. In other news it was reported that Boulder City is now requiring wet sealed engineering submittals. The chapter will continue to monitor this trend. The next quarterly chapter meeting will be July 18. Planning has also begun on the annual golf tournament. Golf Committee Chair Dean Maxwell is in the process of reserving a September date at Rhodes Ranch.

December 2001
The Southern Nevada Chapter has had a very successful fall. In September, the annual golf tournament raised over $300 for the American Red Cross. In October, the chapter conducted a very well received Truss Technology Workshop and plant tour at A.C. Houston Lumber. The twenty building department officials and inspectors, representing several jurisdictions, were open to hearing the chapter’s point of view, asked great questions and seemed to enjoy themselves. In addition, the customized Professional’s Guide to the Structural Component Industry binders were appreciated greatly.

In other news, SNCMA held elections for 2002 officers at the October meeting. Past President Rick Barkemeyer will return as president next year. The 2001 officers continuing in their positions are Ron Barrette as vice president and Stuart Coles as secretary. Welcomed as the newest officer is Art Ramirez who will serve as treasurer.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:

September 2001
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its summer meeting on July 19. The Code/Education Committee Chair Susan Harrelson reported on the upcoming Truss Technology Workshop and manufacturing plant tour. In order to avoid conflict with the ICBO Convention, the TTW and tour of A.C. Houston Lumber in North Las Vegas have been moved to Thursday, October 11. Also discussed at the meeting was the decision by the Dry Wall Contractors Association of Las Vegas to no longer warranty cracking and ridging of their work due to the movement of structural wood in new construction. In an effort to define our industry’s limit of liability for dry wall cracking and ridging, the chapter is scheduling a meeting with representatives of the local Dry Wall Contractors Association. Lastly, the meeting featured a presentation of Turb-O-Web given by John Griffith. Also attending as a guest speaker was Kris Alberti of Renaissance Technologies, one of the first users of Turb-O-Web.

June/July 2001
The Southern Nevada Chapter held its spring meeting on April 19. Many issues were discussed, including the chapter’s plans to hold a Truss Technology Workshop this fall. Most agreed the chapter would like to adapt its own presentation including the presence of a lumber mill representative, third party inspector and an engineer. The chapter’s Code and Education Committee will continue working on this project.

January/February 2001
The Southern Nevada Chapter is gearing up for a full year of activities that began with a meeting on January 11. The Chapter also has a new slate of officers. Taking on the role of President is Mike Murray of A. C. Houston Lumber. Filling out the other positions are Ron Barrett as Vice President, Stuart Coles as Secretary and Teresa Cicliano as Treasurer.

June/July 2000

The first draft of TG-12-99 was reviewed at the Southern Nevada Component Manufacturers Association (SNCMA) meeting held in March of 1999. [READ MORE]

April 2000
The Chapter has been involved with Clark County's new truss submittal requirements. SNCMA has built a positive working relationship with Clark County and at their request, has formed a new subcommittee to continue training. The Chapter also sponsored four Truss Technology Workshops at an Amerispec Seminar at the end of March.

December 1999
On October 28, the SNCMA held Board and Officer elections at their last chapter meeting for the year. They will continue to meet every third Thursday of the first month of each quarter in 2000.

November 1999
The Chapter reported that their September 9 golf tournament was a great success. On September 21, the Chapter also hosted a well-attended local Southern Nevada Framing Contractors Association meeting. About 60 attendees enjoyed Rick Troyer's talk on CPVC Fire Sprinkler Systems for open web wood floors and engineer Jack Trummer's presentation about lumber defects and truss repairs.

August 1999
The SNCMA held a Chapter meeting on July 15. Guests speakers from Clark County and the City of Henderson presented on the new submittal requirements for building permits.

June/July 1999
The chapter had a well-attended meeting on April 21. Four new members were welcomed into the chapter. Marc Dixon with Clark County Inspection attended the meeting in order to introduce himself and begin discussion of the requirements of truss plant inspections in the county. Jay Edgar of WTCA gave a presentation on WTCA QC, which included lively discussion on the costs and benefits of the program, as well as issues of self- vs. external regulation.