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SBCA - Illinois (SBCA-IL)

SBCA - Illinois (SBCA-IL)
c/o Mike Karceski, Chapter President
Atlas Components
PO Box 6536 • Rockford, IL 61125
815/332-4904 • 815/332-5311 fax

SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN STRUCTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS MAGAZINE:

SBC Industry News for March 19, 2010
What a started out with inauspicious news has developed into an opportunity to work with ILLOWA, the International Code Council (ICC) Building Officials Association representing Illinois and Iowa.

Our Illinois Chapter learned of the following code modification after it passed its first hurdle. On March 3, the Rock Island County, IL Zoning Board of Appeals/Building Board of Appeals accepted the following amendment to the International Residential Code, 2009 Edition:

R104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of Construction and Equipment, (add) Structures, including accessory buildings or buildings for personal storage, built under this section using Engineered trusses, said trusses shall meet a 30/10/20/10 loading requirement unless designed as part of a complete building system with plans/prints bearing an Illinois Licensed Design Professional's stamp and indicating the design requirements of T301.2 (1) are met.

Because the modification would be heard subsequently at the County Board meeting on March 16, our SBCA chapter/staff team prepared two Tech Note statements with alternate approaches and submitted a request to speak at the Rock Island County meeting.

Instead of speaking at that one meeting, however, we were asked to work with ILLOWA “to recommend the changes we outlined so as to better the codes for 20+ communities rather than one unincorporated area.”

As we become engaged with ILLOWA, we’re looking forward to fostering mutual understanding and helping provide for the best building codes and uniform enforcement of those codes across multiple jurisdictions.

August 2008
Illinois Chapter members welcomed Don Simon of Nordic Engineered Wood as the guest speaker for their June meeting. With a presentation on engineered wood, sustainability and green building practices, Don focused on several issues that would allow members to: consider practical applications for making sure their engineered wood products are meeting today’s green building guidelines; learn how to use their resources more efficiently by using specific building design parameters, better material utilization, panelization and use of certified wood; become more energy efficient by learning advanced framing/optimum value engineering techniques; and discover their global impact and learn about life cycle assessment and the use of environmental management systems at the manufacturing level. The attendees agreed that this was an outstanding presentation that covered very pertinent information, and they wished more members had been able to attend that day. Since this meeting was held in northern Illinois, the chapter is considering having Don return for an upcoming meeting at a location downstate.

At the June meeting, members also discussed the letters that were prepared in response to the regulation in Elmhurst, IL that requires gusset plates to be glued and reinforced with screws over all metal connector plates for all housing construction. The chapter is distributing Carbeck CDs, brochures, and letters to the mayor, building officials and fire chief to educate them on structural building components.

November 2007
The Illinois Chapter held a special quarterly meeting in September and traveled to Madison, WI to tour the new SBC Research Institute (SBCRI) and watch a testing demonstration (see picture at right). Especially for anyone unable to attend the June Open House, this meeting provided an opportunity to see the testing capabilities of this unassuming yet impressive new facility. The members were also able to discuss the testing priorities as defined by WTCA member feedback and learn a little more about upcoming projects. All agreed it was well worth the trip.

Also at the chapter meeting, a quick recap was given on the educational programs the chapter has been pursuing. The Illinois Fire Inspectors Association (IFIA) invited the chapter back to the next IFIA Trade Show, so the members will be participating in the annual Fall Safety Seminar in Addison, IL on November 14. The Arlington Heights Fire Academy requested a tour, so that was being arranged with a member near this Chicago suburb. As for the chapter’s relationship with Safe Home Illinois: the June seminar on wind mitigation was cancelled, but the chapter continued to monitor upcoming projects with this initiative by the Illinois Red Cross and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Everyone was encouraged to let the chapter know if there were additional educational sessions and events they would like to pursue.

August 2007
The June Illinois Chapter meeting began with a discussion on the WTCA Board resolution encouraging chapters to participate in local Home Builder Association (HBA) code committee meetings. Scott Arquilla agreed to follow up on this in the Greater Chicago section, Mike Karceski would cover the Rockford group, and Doug Slater of Truss/Slater would take on the Springfield area.

The group also discussed the possibility of holding an Illinois Legislative Conference and including the Illinois HBA and Illinois Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. This approach could maximize the lessons learned from the SBC Legislative Conference and apply them at the state level. Both Mike Karceski and Scott Arquilla reported on their participation in the April conference in Washington and their meetings with government agencies and Congressman Manzullo.

An update was given on the status of a uniform building code for the State of Illinois. Although the home builder associations are also in favor of a single code, the issue appears to have stalled in committee.

The Illinois Chapter was also busy with educational presentations this spring. It delivered a presentation on BCSI to the South Suburban Building Officials Association and distributed over 50 copies of the BCSI booklet. To follow up this event, the chapter would like to plan a seminar in the central portion of the state, such as Springfield or Bloomington. The chapter’s participation also continued in Safe Home Illinois (SHI), an initiative by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Geared toward architects and builders, the next workshop was being planned for June in Aurora and the chapter was asked to present on wind design and loss mitigation. (The June workshop was later postponed.) The chapter is going to make an effort to return to the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association Fall Safety Trade Show. Having distributed Carbeck CDs at a booth last year, the members found this to be very important in disseminating accurate information on the fire performance of our products. Especially in light of recent attempts to limit the use of trusses and engineered wood products throughout the state, the value of educating the marketplace is clear.

December 2006
The Illinois Chapter had a very active fall. In September, with the help of staff, it participated in two, one-day seminars by the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI). The focus of the seminars was successful collaboration between engineers of record and specialty engineers. Immediately following the second seminar on September 26, the chapter meeting was held to review the day’s events and discuss the Building Designer concepts that came out of this meeting and how they interface with BCSI, IBC 2303.4 and ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 2.

At the September chapter meeting, it was reported that the Taskforce on a Uniform Building Code has recommended that a statewide code be adopted. The chapter was very pleased with this result and appreciated having a seat on the taskforce. A subcommittee of the Illinois legislature is reviewing the recommendation.

In November, the chapter participated in the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association Fall Safety Trade Show. The chapter’s booth focused on the Carbeck CD, Wood Trusses and Fire Performance. The CD was accessible via a computer at the booth and attendees were encouraged to sign-up for free copies of the CD. The sign-up sheet included the option of requesting a local truss plant tour and a subscription to SBC, too.

The chapter also became involved with Safe Home Illinois (SHI), an initiative by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Established in response to the damage observed following tornadoes and severe straight-line winds, SHI seeks to act as a clearinghouse for ideas regarding wind damage mitigation and as a guide to resources regarding safe construction standards. SHI planned a four-hour seminar on December 7 at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum to focus on “Building a Safer Home” using wood and/or concrete. The intended audience was code officials, architects, engineers, developers and contractors and the chapter planned to participate in the event and provide an accurate portrait of our industry’s position on these issues.

IL State Police Officer Joe Mata of the Commer-cial Vehicle Enforcement Div. “arrests” James Griffin of Component Systems Inc. during his presentation at the Illinois Chapter meeting.

April 2006 SBC Magazine Following its special downstate meeting in December, the chapter welcomed a second Illinois State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer as the guest speaker at the March meeting in Rockford, IL. Officer Joe Mata delivered a presentation on the rules of the road and emphasized several pertinent issues including oversize loads, permits, inspections and log books. Many questions were raised, especially regarding load securement, and the component manufacturers in attendance demonstrated that they know their cargo well and have great suggestions on how to make sure their loads are secure (see photo). Additional issues discussed at the chapter meeting included the Governor’s Task Force on the Uniform Building Code for the State of Illinois, activity in Belvedere to require sprinklers in residential buildings and an update on the WTCA Open Quarterly Meeting in San Antonio. The next chapter meeting will be held on June 6 in Rockford.

March 2006 SBC Magazine
The Illinois Chapter held its winter meeting on December 12 in Springfield. For this special “downstate” meeting, the chapter encouraged companies from southern Illinois to attend this meeting and network with the companies that comprise the former “Greater Chicago Area Chap-ter.” This meeting marked a significant step in the integration of all Illinois WTCA members into the expanded chapter. The guest speaker was Bryan Eldred of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Division of the Illinois Highway Patrol. The presentation featured the rules of the road and emphasized several pertinent issues including oversize loads and strapping requirements. The chapter thanks Bryan for his informative presentation and lively question and answer period. At the meeting, Chapter President Mike Karceski also delivered an update on the Gover-nor’s task force on a uniform building code for the State of Illinois, which was expected to make an official recommendation in support of a statewide code. In addition, Mike gave an update on the chapter-sponsored presentation to the Illinois Society of Fire Instruction delivered by John Vardian, Phoenix Fire Dept Fire Captain. The presentation went very well and many attendees requested copies of the Carbeck CD on fire performance. Chapter members also discussed their experiences with local plant tours and agreed to continue providing tours to contractors and any other groups interested in attending. The next chapter meeting date was set for March 7.

November 2005 SBC Magazine
At their September meeting in Rockford, Illinois Chapter members discussed the recently-formed Governor's Task Force on a Uniform Building Code which will examine the issue and make the official recommendations. Chapter president Mike Karceski is a voting member of this task force and is very optimistic that it will recommend a uniform building code for the State of Illinois. Members also debated their action plan to expand the chapter both geographically and through membership. As such, the December meeting will be held “downstate” and the guest speaker will be an Illinois State Police Officer from the commercial vehicle department. The meeting will be held in Springfield on December 6 and attendees are encouraged to bring their questions for the speaker.

September/October 2005 SBC Magazine
The Illinois Chapter held its June meeting in Rockford. High on the agenda was the recently-formed Governor’s Task Force on a Uniform Building Code. Chapter President Mike Karceski was in the process of obtaining a seat on the task force as a voting member. The chapter is very much in favor of the movement in Illinois toward a state-wide building code and is optimistic that it will have a voice in the process. The chapter’s efforts to stop the repeal of reporting functions were recounted. Already this year, it sent protest letters to stop two different State Senate bills that would repeal provisions requiring the reporting of proposed adoptions of new building codes. Next up was a discussion of the chapter’s educational efforts including a plan to cover the building departments across the state on a rotating cycle. Through this outreach program, it hoped to build relationships and form ties in all areas of the state. The next seminar scheduled was for the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) in late June. This three-hour presentation, “Trusses from the Ground Up: The Basics for Home Inspectors,” was designed to provide an introduction to wood structural building components, explain the basics of how these systems work and how to spot potential problems. Membership development was also a main topic at the chapter meeting. In particular, the supplier members in attendance promised to encourage more component manufacturers to attend chapter meetings. To conclude, a short presentation was given on The Load Guide (TLG). Members agreed it was a very useful tool and they appreciated all of the work behind it. The remaining chapter meeting dates for the year were confirmed for September 6 and December 6 with locations to be determined.

May 2005 SBC Magazine
For its first meeting under its new name, WTCA–Illinois (formerly the Greater Chicago Area Truss Manufacturers Association) moved its meeting location south to the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center in Utica. The meeting topic was the development of a statewide building code and the guest speaker was Richard Piccolo, President of B&F Technical Codes Services, Inc., a consulting agency specializing in building and fire protection plan reviews, inspections, training and general code consulting services. Mr. Piccolo is a Certified Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Building Official, Certified Master Code Professional and an author/instructor of training seminars on the model codes. The chapter thanks Mr. Piccolo for his informative presentation. In addition, members reviewed the success of the Truss Technology Workshop and plant tours for building officials in both the Monticello and Rockford areas earlier that month. Members planned to continue offering these seminars throughout the spring. The next chapter meeting was scheduled for June 7 at a location to be determined.

March 2005 SBC Magazine
At its December meeting, the Greater Chicago Area Truss Manufacturers Association formally voted to change its name to WTCA-Illinois. The necessary paperwork was filed with the State of Illinois after the meeting. At the meeting, chapter members also discussed plans for the "new" chapter's big kick-off meeting in the works for March 8. In addition, the chapter continued work on several Truss Tech-nology Workshop Programs it was asked to deliver throughout the state during the winter. Topics of the seminars included the Jobsite Inspection Checklist for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, How to Read a Truss Placement Diagram and How to Read a Truss Design Drawing. Whenever possible, the educational seminars for building officials were being planned to include a tour of a member's truss plant.

November 2004 SBC Magazine
This summer the Greater Chicago Chapter was approached by Bernie Arends, Fire Cause and Origin Investigator for the City of Glenview, a member of the Strike Force for Fire Origin and Cause Investigators and a member of ICAP, the Insurance Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention. Requesting a presentation on our industry as well as fire performance, Strike Force invited the chapter to speak at its monthly membership meeting at Estelle Sieb Community Center in Norridge on September 8. The 50+ participants consisted of fire and police cause and origin investigators, state’s attorneys, private investigators, insurance investigators and representatives from the State Fire Marshall’s Office and ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). Chapter President Mike Karceski delivered the presentation, and it was a huge success. Commenting that no one had provided any of this information to them before, the attendees were extremely interested, asked many insightful questions, and could not get enough of the Fire Performance CDs. The day could not have gone better, and the chapter has laid the groundwork for a terrific relationship with these individuals. Since this is one of four state-wide divisions of Strike Force, the chapter has offered to deliver this presentation to the other three divisions as well.

At its September meeting, chapter members discussed the Strike Force presentation and their ongoing efforts to distribute the Fire Performance CDs to their local building and fire inspectors. They also discussed expanding the chapter to better represent all manufacturers across the state. Following a vote, the members agree to pursue a name change to turn the Greater Chicago Area Chapter into the Illinois Chapter. The “new chapter” is expected to launch in the spring with an exciting meeting program and guest speaker.

August 2004 SBC Magazine

The Greater Chicago Chapter held its spring meeting on June 8 at the Holiday Inn in Rockford, IL. First on the agenda was the chapter’s fire education program. Having contributed $1000 to the Carbeck Struc-tural Components Institute, it was time to refine the action plan for its campaign to educate building and fire officials using The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses CD. In addition to fire performance, chapter members discussed general educational efforts for building officials. Since there are many aspects to the manufacture, handling, installation and bracing of structural building components that building officials may not realize, the chapter expects that through an active educational program it will be able to increase awareness and acceptance of our products. Several Truss Technology Workshop programs were reviewed to decide on the best course of action for educating the market.

In other business, in May the GCTMA sent a letter to the City of Chicago citing problems with the proposed Chicago Building Code. Although the provisions were based on the International Building Code, the city amended them in such a way that wood frame construction would be greatly restricted. Attendees discussed the chapter’s letter and reviewed the additional research that was provided by AF&PA. Members having contacts with the City of Chicago building department were encouraged to act as well.

April 2004 SBC Magazine
The Greater Chicago Chapter held its March meeting in Rockford. The evening meeting began with an agenda of topics of interest to chapter members including: fire education and the chapter’s campaign to educate building and fire officials; BCSI 1-03, the status of the B-Series Summary Sheets and reception in the marketplace; IBC/IRC loading issues and an industry interpretation for building officials; and local issues brought up by the membership. Following dinner, the guest speaker took the floor. Mr. Steve Todd, head of the permits office of the Illinois Department of Transportation, spoke on the permit issues currently affecting the membership. In particular, he focused on over width/over length permits and obtaining them via the internet. Considering the transportation issues members have been experiencing in Illinois, this was a presentation not to be missed and members were encouraged to bring company personnel handling dispatch and permits as well. The chapter extends its thanks to Mr. Todd for his informative presentation and his help in addressing the chapter’s concerns.

January/February 2004 SBC Magazine
The Greater Chicago Area Chapter held its winter meeting on December 2 at the Holiday Inn–Chicago Northwest in Elgin. Following up on their summer meeting, chapter members discussed the $1000 contribution to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute and the chapter’s campaign to educate building and fire officials using The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses CD. Members also revisited the IBC/IRC discussion held in August on storage and access loads, unbalanced snow loads, 90 mph wind loads, and the idea of creating a letter stating industry interpretations in these areas to send to building officials. Under new business, several items were addressed. Prior to the meeting, everyone was asked to review the “WTCA Policies By Committee” document that has been posted on the WTCA web site. Each WTCA Chapter has been asked to review and approve the policies that have been written by the WTCA Board and Committees and compiled into this document. The meeting attendees reviewed copies of the new BCSI 1-03 booklet, “Building Component Safety Information,” and the B1 Summary Sheet, “Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing and Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses.” In the area of local issues, discussion included town “tolls” for over-width shipments

November 2003 SBC Magazine
The Greater Chicago Chapter held its summer meeting on August 19 in Lombard. First on the agenda was chapter elections. Mike Karceski stepped up to the position of President, Howard Gauger moved up to Vice President, Mike Zwolinski remained Treasurer and Brian Gibbert was elected Secretary. Chapter members also voted to donate $1000 to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute. As the chapter steps up its campaign to educate building and fire officials on the facts regarding the fire performance of trusses, it has pledged to support this vital foundation. Chapter members reviewed their recent successes on fire education in Bridgeview and Frank-fort. Also on the agenda was how interpreting the International Residential Code (IRC) was raising some issues for local manufacturers. In particular, there were concerns over storage and access loads, unbalanced snow loads, and 90 mph wind loads. Members discussed creating a letter stating the industry interpretations in these areas to send to building officials in an effort to inform them of the decisions to date and the direction taken by other officials in the area. Lastly, chapter members returned to the issue of membership development and discussed ways to grow and strengthen their association.

August 2003 SBC Magazine
In May, the Greater Chicago Chapter resumed its quarterly meeting schedule with administration from WTCA-National. First on the agenda was ways for chapter members to become more involved and it was suggested that each make sure he receives the regular emails and updates on industry matters from WTCA. Conversation then turned to the latest publications from WTCA, and samples of the latest Truss Technology in Building documents were distributed. To view all of the documents in the TTB series, members were encouraged to visit the WTCA web site. The Jobsite Package was discussed as a means to reduce risk to each manufacturer; it is growing in popularity and many are using it in place of single documents or HIB-91. Next, it was mentioned that elections for officers will be conducted at the August meeting. Members were encouraged to volunteer for all positions. Also on the schedule for the August meeting is further discussion of fire education and the Carbeck CD. Members will decide to allocate funds as a chapter toward the Carbeck Structural Components Institute or to make individual contributions. In addition, the August meeting will feature a program on International Residential Code (IRC) issues, specifically storage and access loads, unbalanced snow loads and 90 mph wind loads. The chapter will discuss the possibility of creating a letter stating the interpretations of the industry in these areas to send to building officials in an effort to inform them of the decisions, to date, and directions of other officials in the area. For more information on the August meeting, contact Anna at WTCA-National.

December 2001 SBC Magazine
The Rising to Meet the Challenge—GCTMA
Mold. Seemingly overnight, the issue of mold on lumber has turned into a potential nightmare for many truss manufacturers. With all of the recent media hype, many builders, for example, are sending letters stating that they will not accept delivery with mold on any lumber at all. Unfortunately, this can quickly become a legal and logistical nightmare. Without knowing the facts, these customers are placing unrealistic or expensive demands on truss manufacturers. When members of the Greater Chicago Chapter started receiving these letters from their customers, however, they decided to work together to confront the problem.

The approach being taken by the Greater Chicago Chapter is two-fold. In the first place, chapter members are committed to presenting a unified front. The chapter is adopting the policy suggested by the WTCA Executive Board. This policy includes the following passage: “The emergence of mold on framing lumber is a naturally occurring process. Therefore, our customers should be aware that we will disclaim any obligation to undertake an inspection to determine if molds exist. We will, furthermore, disclaim any liability for the negative effects of the emergence of mold on wood trusses and components, and will disclaim any duty to replace, remove or remediate any framing lumber at a jobsite that may contain mold.” Instead of each company trying to fight this issue on a case-by-case basis, the chapter members have come together and adopted a unified approach.

Second, the Greater Chicago Chapter has taken the initiative to get the word out on this policy position and the facts about mold on lumber. With the assistance of WTCA staff, the chapter has completed a mailing to every member of the two home builder associations that operate in the same area as the chapter. This mailing includes the policy statement itself—a letter to builders and contractors signed by all members of the chapter—and a copy of the new Truss Technology in Building fact sheet, “Facts Regarding Mold on Lumber.” This mailing was sent to over 500 people in the greater Chicago area. Furthermore, this educational effort will continue as these two documents are included in members’ delivery packages.

Often, controversy cannot be avoided and must be confronted. It is doubtful that any truss manufacturer would have chosen mold as the issue over which to stage a battle; unfortunately, we do not get to choose the battles into which we are drawn. The Greater Chicago Chapter sets an example for others that may consider acting as a unit to meet a problem head-on. If you and your chapter would like help developing a similar approach in your area, please contact WTCA-National for assistance. Together we have the strength to meet any challenge.

November 2001 SBC Magazine
The Greater Chicago Area Chapter held an emergency meeting September 24 to discuss mold issues. Two members had experienced general and carpenter contractors rejection of wood components over the past two months due to mold and/or lumber discoloration. In one instance, a customer remediated the mold, resulting in a back-charge to the manufacturer. Another manufacturer provided new product, replacing the product that had mold growth. WTCA provided a draft Truss Technology in Building fact sheet on mold for the meeting, which the members will use as fact sheets to inform or will add to their delivery packages. Further, chapter members intend to include disclaimer letters to customers for any costs of remediation or replacement.

The GCTMA was instrumental in the passage of SB754, which requires each code-making authority to give a 30-day notice of any code change to the Illinois Building Commission. The changes can be monitored by the public in hopes of commenting to each authority on the economic impact of any code change. (Much thanks to AF&PA for their invaluable work for introduction and approval this bill, which was signed by the Governor in August.)

Lastly, those attending agreed to consider WTCA management of the chapter in the hope of regenerating chapter interest and involvement in the education of Chicago area building officials.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:

April 2000
GCTMA will be participating in the trade show at the Illinois Council of Code Administrators annual educational conference in Joliet, Illinois, on May 2. Chapter members will be providing educational material to the ICCA attendees.

November 1999
At next month's meeting, the GCTMA will look at the issue of crane operation and potential problems that could arise with the Teamsters Union who operates equipment.

June/July 1999
The Chicago Chapter approved a $250-per-member special assessment to join with WTCA in sharing costs of a special lobbyist previously engaged by AF&PA and WIJMA to help fight bans of the use of wood engineered products in the Chicago area. Approval of this funding will allow our membership an equal voice in meeting with villages and helping to fight these restrictions.

The Chicago Area, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri chapters jointly sponsored a WTCA Risk Management Seminar on March 12 in Chicago. The seminar accomplished a key priority of each of these chapters for the year.