Southwest Florida Truss Manufacturers Association (SWFTMA)
 Southwest Florida Truss Manufacturers Association (SWFTMA)
c/o Joe Falis, Chapter President
Scosta Corporation
PO Box 6435 • Fort Myers, FL 33906-6435
863/385-8242 • 863/385-8724 fax
Email Joe
SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN STRUCTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS MAGAZINE:
SBC Industry News for March 21, 2011
The Southwest Florida chapter has invited the building officials from Lee and Collier Counties to attend its next chapter meeting.
Meeting over lunch on April 13, the group will focus on the 2010 version of the Florida Building Code (FBC), which is scheduled to go into effect at the end of this year. One of the main changes in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC), which is the basis for the 2010 FBC, is the requirement for special inspections of trusses (light gauge steel or wood) over 60 feet clear span for both temporary and permanent bracing.
At present, the 2007 FBC remains in effect, which is based on the 2006 IBC. For a summary of changes from the 2006 IBC to the 2009 IBC, visit www.sbcindustry.com/codes.php.
SBC Industry News for April 30, 2010
The Southwest Florida Truss Manufacturers Association (SWFTMA) performed a presentation for the Gulf Coast Building Officials of Florida on April 28, 2010. Building Officials and staff from seven county building departments, as well as cities within those counties, were in attendance. The presentation was on changes in the 2007 update of the Florida Building Code and how those changes affect trusses.
Emphasis was placed on the current referenced standard for bracing and handling – Building Component Safety Information (BCSI) – and that the building departments are our industry’s eyes and ears on the jobsite, to insure that our product is properly installed.
The long-standing relationship between SWFTMA and the Building Officials Association has been mutually beneficial over the years, with both parties attending each other’s meetings periodically. This relationship has allowed our industry direct access and input to those “at the top” when issues involving trusses arise.
August 2007
This spring’s Southwest Florida Chapter officer elections produced the following results. Jim Swain of Carpenter Contractors of America remained President. The first Vice President post went to Joe Falis of Scosta Corporation and Second Vice President was Paul Ambrose of Kimal Lumber Company. Jon Levey of Simpson Strong-Tie Co. took the job of Secretary and Sharon Dushek of Raymond Building Supply Corp. remained Treasurer. Rounding out the Board of Directors were Mike Gilbert of Causeway Lumber Company and Bill Krick of ITW Building Components Group.
At the chapter’s June meeting, Jim Swain gave a recap of the SBC Legislative Conference in Washington and the FBMA/WTCA Joint Flori-da Legislative Conference in Tallahassee. Both events were very productive, and everyone was encouraged to attend next year and represent our industry again. These forums provide a good opportunity to put a face on our industry and develop relationships with our lawmakers.
The changes in the Florida Building Code were reviewed and members discussed the status of specific items we are tracking in the code. The attendees were also updated on the SBC Research Institute Open House later that month and reminded of resources for members on the WTCA website.
April 2007
On February 8, the Southwest Florida Chapter sponsored a presentation for the Charlotte County Building Construction Services Department in Port Charlotte. Approximately 40 local building officials turned out for the presentation on “How to Read Truss Documentation.” In addition to delivering that presentation, staff member Ryan Dexter discussed bracing guidelines with the group and used the temporary bracing model that the chapter purchased recently. Chapter members were encouraged to attend as well to continue building personal relationships with the group.
At the February chapter meeting, members heard updates on the additional outreach efforts extended to groups in Manatee and Sarasota County. Attendees were also able to review the latest information from WTCA, including the changes and improvements to BCSI, upcoming meetings and events, and the new SCORE program, Structural Component Operations Reaching for Excellence. Under the current marketplace issues, partially enclosed structures and building code defined exposure categories were discussed.
The 2007 meeting dates for the Southwest Florida Chapter have been set for April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10 and December 12. All meetings will be held at 1 pm at Sam Seltzer’s Steak House in Fort Myers unless otherwise noted.
April 2005
The West Florida Chapter held its first meeting of the year on February 8 in Tampa. This was also the first meeting run by newly appointed President John Goley of West Coast Truss, Inc. “Give Kids The World” was on the agenda (see article on page 44), and an update was provided on the chapter’s work with this charity. Another central item on the evening’s meeting agenda was the 2006 update of BCSI. Ryan Dexter of WTCA staff reported on the overall improvements to the document as well as the specific additions to B1-Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining, & Bracing of Trusses, B2-Truss Installation & Temporary Restraint/Bracing, B3-Web Member Permanent Bracing/Web Reinforcement, and B8-Toe-Nailing for Uplift.
The next meeting that members were encouraged to attend was the Joint FBMA/WTCA Legislative Conference in March. The dates of this year’s chapter meetings were noted as well. The meeting on April 12 will focus on legislative and political issues and welcome as guest speaker Kari Hebrank; connector member companies are invited to display new products and literature at the meeting. The June 14 meeting will focus on insurance issues with guest speaker Earl Horton, and EWP member companies will be invited to display new products and literature. On August 9, the topic is TBD and the speaker will be Ryan Dexter, the products on display will be from plate and machinery members. The date for the annual building officials seminar and truss testing demonstration at Robbins Engineering in November is not yet set.
September/October 2005 SBC Magazine
 This spring, the Southwest Florida Chapter changed its regular meeting date from the first Tuesday to the second Tuesday of the month.
It was expected that the change would help increase attendance. At the June meeting, Joe Falis of Scosta Corporation and Ryan Dexter
of WTCA staff delivered a presentation entitled, “Component Manufacturer’s Customer Contracts Primer.” This PowerPoint® presentation, complete with handouts, was very well received and elicited several excellent questions. Members then discussed WTCA’s involvement with the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) and the pending implementation of the latest Florida Building Code, FBC 2004. Past president Mike Nilles also presented Chapter President Jim Swain with a plaque in recognition of his service in that important position (see photo). For the July meeting, the guest speaker was Debra Gary, RN, MSN of the Lee County Health Dept, Healthy Workplace Program. She discussed the many programs and services available and paid extra attention to heat-related health issues. The chapter is considering offering a basic first aid and CPR training seminar at no charge to members. Having employees trained on the basics might lower your insurance, not to mention save lives.
May 2005
The Southwest Florida Chapter welcomed Ryan Dexter of WTCA staff to its February meeting. Highlighted in his presentation were the online courses that WTCA offers on its Truss Knowledge Online (TKO) web site. Members discussed the use of hiring assessment tools such as the Technical Assessment Test Online (TATO). They also explored the ways that the market does, or does not, push for Truss Technician Training (TTT) certification. In addition, contracts were discussed at length. The chapter will work with staff to write a handout on key legal terms that all component manufacturers should know. In March, it was agreed that the chapter would change its regular meeting schedule. Instead of holding monthly meetings on the first Tuesday, SWFTMA
will now meet on the second Wednesday of the month. The meeting on May 11 will include chapter elections.
August 2004
The Southwest Florida Chapter had an active spring. In April, it delivered a very successful presentation for contractors on the new Building Component Safety Information series, BCSI 1-03. With assistance from Frank Subzda of CEUs Inc., the seminar attracted 65 participants. The BCSI 1-03 booklets distributed to attendees were donated by USP Structural Connectors, and Simpson Strong-Tie loaned the chapter a temporary truss bracing model. Judging by the success of this seminar, more will be planned in the future. At its annual June membership meeting, the chapter held officer elections. The members elected were: Jim Swain as President, Mike Nilles as Vice President, Joe Falis are 2nd Vice President, Sharon Dushek as Treasurer, Sean Smith as Secretary, and Bob Simms as the Associate Member Representative. The guest speaker at the June meeting was WTCA Membership Committee Chair Bob Becht who spoke on the Fifth Annual Membership Drive. Additional summer meeting topics included permit issues, mold and standard contracts. Members have also agreed that they prefer the change from dinner meetings to lunch meetings. As such, SWFTMA continues to meet at noon on the first Tuesday of the month at the Legacy Restaurant at the Quality Inn.
August 2003
At its May meeting, the Southwest Florida Chapter elected new officers who assumed their positions at the June meeting. The officers elected were: Jim Swain as President, Ron Gaines as Vice President, Sharon Dushek as Treasurer, and Mike Nilles and Jack Sauerland on the Board of Directors. The chapter continued to take nominations for the 2nd Vice President and Secretary. The June meeting featured guest speakers J.R. Jesse from J.B. Container and Bob Gilmore from Vecoplan to discuss shredders for recycling wood and choppers for recycling steel banding. The chapter thanks J.R. and Bob for the interesting presentations and handouts. The chapter has also been gearing up to provide educational workshops to local building departments, and will be offering CEU credits. Lastly, to improve attendance at meetings, the chapter plans to try a lunch meeting in August instead of its regular dinner meeting.
January/February 2003
The Southwest Florida Chapter will continue its regular meeting schedule in 2003, holding meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. At the December 3 meeting, the SWFTMA reviewed and approved the WTCA Policies By Committee document. At the January 7 meeting, the chapter hopes to finalize its current work in committee on a Chapter Position Paper on Mold. In addition, the chapter is working to keep up with Florida current events, such as the statewide sealed truss layout issue, and special requirements in several municipalities in the region.
September/October 2002
At its monthly meetings, the Southwest Florida Chapter continues to address the issues being raised by the implementation of the new Florida Building Code. Throughout the summer, building departments asked questions on a variety of subjects, especially wind loads and layout requirements. The chapter encourages all members to attend its meetings and share their experiences. Because we have much work ahead of us regarding Florida Building Code interpretation and applications, as well as many other areas concerning our businesses which are influencing (or expected to influence) our ability to efficiently market and manufacture our products, communication within the chapter is critical. Responding to all of these new challenges as a group with shared knowledge will enhance everyone’s position in our respective marketplaces. Nonmembers of the chapter, such as engineers, are also welcome to attend chapter meetings provided they contact a member ahead of time. The regular meeting time at place is the first Tuesday of the month at The Legacy Restaurant at the Quality Inn.
May 2002
At its March meeting, the Southwest Florida Chapter discussed the recommendation of the Florida Executive Committee that each Florida Chapter consider a donation to the Florida War Chest to support the work being done on behalf of truss manufacturers in the state. On the same day that this recommendation was made, the Southwest Florida Chapter voted unanimously to donate $1,000. The check was mailed with a letter of appreciation for all of the work being done by WTCA on behalf of members in Florida. At the chapter’s May meeting, elections for new officers will be held. The new officers will then take over their posts at the chapter’s Annual Meeting on June 4.
March 2002
The Southwest Florida Chapter held its first monthly meeting of 2002 on February 5. The main item up for discussion was the new Florida Building Code (FBC). Several local county building officials were invited to attend. Thanks go out to those who were able to join chapter members for the evening. As with the other Florida Chapters, tensions were rising over the pending implementation of the FBC on March 1. Many of the controversial sections of the new code were discussed at the meeting. In other news, SWFTMA considered sponsoring a Risk Management Seminar this spring, the details of which will be worked out with WTCA-National.
December 2001
The Southwest Florida Chapter held a very successful meeting this October. A terrific turnout combined with interesting guest speakers made for a great evening. George Mikita of the City of Sanibel and Jeff Cusco of Collier County Code Enforcement were there to explain how the new Florida code has affected their municipalities. Both gave a great overview of their requirements, and the chapter appreciates their time and input. The November meeting with Bobby Stewart of the Lee County Building Department is expected to be as successful and informative.
In addition, SWFTMA is making plans for 2002. The chapter will continue to hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month. The focus for the year will be education. The chapter plans to hold plant tours with continuing education credits offered to building department personnel. These may be held in conjunction with chapter membership meetings. Further-more, the chapter plans to provide workshops for fire fighters in the many fire districts in the chapter’s service area.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:
May 2001
A general membership meeting of the Southwest Florida Chapter was scheduled for May 1 in Fort Myers. Prominent on the agenda was a review of the chapter’s March 10 seminar. The first in a series of educational seminars put on by the chapter, Charlotte County/North Port area building officials and inspectors, general contractors, framers, drafting/building design providers, architects, engineers, and vo-tech students were invited to learn more about industry basics and general information related to trusses. Also on the agenda for the chapter’s May meeting was a review of the recent Southeastern Truss Manufacturers Association conference and the election of 2001-2002 chapter officers.
The chapter’s annual meeting will be held on June 5, also at the Quality Inn in Fort Myers. At this important meeting, the new officers will begin their terms, and committees will be established. In addition, work will begin on the planned seminar for the Charlotte County area to cover the new Florida state code and one or more CEU programs.
March 2001
The Southwest Florida Chapter is holding its next general membership meeting on March 6. On March 10, the chapter will begin the first of a series of educational seminars. Invited to this seminar are Charlotte County/North Port area building officials and inspectors, general contractors, framers, drafting/building design providers, architects, engineers, and vo-tech students. The agenda will focus on industry basics and general information related to trusses.
December 2000
The Southwest Florida Chapter held its latest general membership meeting on November 7 in Fort Myers. On the agenda was ways to reinvigorate chapter activities and increase attendance.
August 2000
SWFTMA’s June meeting included guests from Charlotte County and a representative from the local builder's association. The topic of discussion was the county’s proposal to require truss manufacturers to submit “Raised Signed & Sealed” drawings prior to scheduling a lintel/tie-beam inspection. While the county decides to go forward with the plan they have presented, they will remain open to suggestions from the chapter, as well as continue a process of discussion through informal meetings with representatives from our association, coordinated by Mike Ryan of Structural Connections, Inc. There appeared to be a strong interest to work with the chapter from both of these building departments.
June/July 2000
The SWFTMA chapter met on May 9 in Ft. Meyers. The chapter met to discuss confusion regarding wind load stipulations related to the Southern Building Code and trusses located in porch or lanai openings. The group also discussed meeting monthly and hoped to see more of a commitment from their neighbor manufacturers and current members.
May 2000
SWFTMA and the West Florida Truss Association (WFTA) had a joint meeting with representatives from the Fire Retardant Treated Wood Industry in Sarasota. Members found the meeting informative and beneficial.
March 2000
A combined WFTA and SWFTMA Chapter meeting was held on February 2. This meeting included presentations by and discussions with representatives from Hickson and Hoover, Fire Retardant Treated Lumber Manufacturers. Kirk Grundahl from WTCA also presented. A lot of questions were addressed and the meeting was very positive. WTCA created a flyer for this event, which was mailed to all members and non-members as both Chapters continue their quest for more participation.
January/February 2000
A SWFTMA meeting was held on October 5, with guest speaker Bill Tucker of the Florida Building Material Association (FBMA). Bill's presentation included their goals for 2000, changes to the Florida building code, promoting wood products and that a primary emphasis of FBMA will be on networking and fun. SWFTMA also met on December 7. Topics discussed included the new shorter, more advanced classes being offered by CSI (shortened from 4 weeks to 2 weeks). Sarasota has started a credit hour class entitled “Passing Building Inspections the First Time” for builders and framers, presented by Quality Assurance Specialist Greg Yantorno. The next meeting is February 3. SWFTMA is looking to increase involvement in the Southwest Florida Market area.
November 1999
The major concern with this chapter is sealed cover sheets. They are currently working on setting up a Truss Technology Workshop in their area.
June/July 1999
The next meeting is on June 1, at which new officers will be elected. The chapter recently put on seminars for local building officials in the area.
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