SBCA - New York
 SBCA – New York (SBCA-NY)
c/o John Workstus, Chapter President
J W Component Design
47 Tongorekill Rd
Olivebridge, NY 12461
845-657-8241
Email John
SBCA and Chapter Membership Application (699 KB)
SBC Industry News for August 8, 2011
For their first ever Day at the Races, SBCA’s New York Chapter members met at Saratoga Race Track on August 4. Thankfully, the summer heat had relaxed a bit, so the day was not too hot with a fair breeze. The chapter provided the picnic lunch from Hattie’s Chicken Shack, which lived up to its reputation as the best fried chicken to have defeated Bobby Flay in a Throw Down!
Discussing a little chapter business while enjoying the afternoon, the result was a great day for chapter members and their families to relax and socialize. With a multitude of monitors in the picnic area for watching the races along with plenty of betting windows, and the ability to walk over and watch the races at track level, everyone could be as close to the action as they wanted to be. Watching the horses complete their walks around the track before each race was a treat, too.
If the chapter holds a second annual Day at the Races next year, they just hope more people will join them!
SBC Industry News for October 25, 2010
SBCA – New York Announces Participation in DIY Network Dream House
The New York Chapter of SBCA will be participating in the DIY Network’s Dream House project. The television episodes will begin airing in January, and the home is under construction now.
SBCA – New York has stepped up to help sponsor the trusses on the project, which will be supplied by a component manufacturer member (along with structural connection and truss restraint and bracing hardware courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie Co.).
Chapter members will be interviewed to discuss the benefits of using components, and they will also share information on proper installation in one of the episodes.
More information on this project will be available as it unfolds. If you have any questions, just let us know.
SBCA’s Chapter Focus for January 2010
Take a Lesson from . . . SBCA’s New York Chapter
Each Good Presentation Deserves Another
After another successful presentation in Rochester, NY this summer, the SBCA – New York member who delivered the presentation, Justin Britton, wondered if other metropolitan areas would be interested in seminars provided by the chapter, too. Justin asked SBCA staff member Trish Kutz to look into the prospects for a seminar in Buffalo, NY. With just a little investigating, Trish found the right person to ask at the Niagara Frontier Building Officials Association (NFBOA), the local chapter of the New York State Building Officials Conference (NYSBOC). And, wouldn’t you know it, the Buffalo group jumped at the chance!
On January 27, our New York Chapter gave a presentation to its largest audience to date –
a whooping 369 attendees registered for “The Wood Truss Construction Inspection Checklist” and received copies of BCSI B1 and additional publications from SBCA.
Our New York Chapter can now say it has provided education to 7 of the 17 NYSBOC chapters (more than 2000 building officials). Once word gets out from this month’s presentation, they’re bound to receive requests from the remaining 10 chapters!
See the complete issue of Chapter Focus for more tips.
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:
SBCA - New York
The guest speaker at the New York Chapter's October meeting was Ken Cloyd of California Truss Company. Attending the online meeting via SBC Connection, Ken was able to reprise the BCMC presentation he delivered with Barry Dixon (True House, Inc.) designed to help members kick-start their business growth, "Bash Tradition and Bust Out of the Box." The chapter members greatly appreciated his insight on: Reinventing your business and market strategy; Unearthing new revenue potential; Overcoming barriers to change; and Solving problems and capitalizing on opportunities.
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 2009
The featured presentation at the New York Chapter's July meeting was "The SBC Industry & Residential Green Building Programs." Libby Maurer of SBCA staff explained how members can participate without becoming Chain of Custody certified or using certified wood. Covering the green building rating systems in the marketplace, such as LEED for Homes and NAHB Green, she answered many questions about the points available right now to component manufacturers for being green. Everyone appreciated the open and informative discussion of the issues. At the meeting, the final draft of the SBCA Tech Note requested by the chapter, “What Should Constitute a Truss Submittal Package in the State of New York?" was approved. A version of this has also been written for all states. These and additional Tech Notes are available online at www.sbcindustry.com/technotes.php.
June/July 2009
Continuing with its new practice of holding all chapter meetings online with SBC Connection, the New York Chapter welcomed staff member Ryan Dexter, P.E. as its guest speaker in April. The featured presentation was Design Responsibilities and TPI 1 Chapter 2, and a great discussion ensued on what the standard says and why all component manufacturers need to know. The idea of including a copy of the Design Responsibilities document with each contract was suggested, too, as one more way to record your expectations on a job. Also reviewed at the meeting was a Tech Note drafted at the chapter's request, "What Should Constitute a Truss Submittal Package?" It will be revised based on their feedback and posted online at www.sbcindustry.com/technotes.php.
March 2009
In January, the New York Chapter began holding its meetings with SBC Connection. Promised a quick business meeting, the members first discussed current market conditions and strategies being taken to cut costs and improve efficiency. The market discussion then turned to the practice some are seeing of manufacturers not following recognized ANSI/TPI design standards. While this is being used as a way to offer lower costs to builders, members are concerned that it is establishing bad precedents that will negatively affect all manufacturers. For example, TPI 1-2007 defines the Truss Submittal Package as a “package consisting of each individual Truss Design Drawing, and, as applicable, the Truss Placement Diagram, the Cover/Truss Index Sheet, Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing details designed in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice, applicable BCSI defined Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing details, and any other structural details germane to the Trusses.” The bracing-oriented BCSI B-series summary sheet documents include B3 for permanent restraint/bracing, B1 general bracing and installation and B2 focused on temporary bracing. All agreed that establishing and following consistent expectations in regard to truss submittals would be in everyone’s best interest. The chapter will work with staff on a Tech Note to address these issues. In addition, the April chapter meeting will feature a presentation on design responsibilities and the latest version of TPI 1 Chapter 2 so everyone has the best information at their disposal.
At the meeting, the 2009 officers were chosen. John Workstus of ProBuild East accepted the post of President and John Mulligan of Saratoga Lumber Traders became Secretary/Treasurer. Sid and Taft Ketchum of PDJ Components were volunteered (and have agreed) to fill the chapter’s seat on the SBCA Board of Directors. The members voted to update the chapter name from WTCA – New York to SBCA – New York. Given the success of the online meeting format, they unanimously agreed to continue holding all chapter meetings this year with SBC Connection.
December 2008
Returning to the topic of the chapter’s July meeting at the Basketball Hall of Fame, the question asked at the October meeting was: Are you “building green” yet? The members reviewed a presentation designed to show them that the answer to that question is likely, “yes.” Though the term green building has become popular in residential and commercial construction recently, the very ideals of component design and framing are rooted in maximizing the efficiency of materials, including the metal connector plate invented by Carroll Sanford in 1952. Members reviewed what green building is and why they are hearing so much about it, basic principles of green building and where it is headed, what component manufacturers can offer that is “green” and why they should offer it, information on Chain-of-Custody certifications, obtaining certified lumber, complying with programs specific to commercial structures like LEED and Green Globes, and other green building topics. Everyone was encouraged to visit “Structural Building Components Industry: Green Since 1952” [http://www.sbcindustry.com/greenbuild] on the website to learn the ABC’s of green building and bring their thoughts to the meeting.
At the meeting, the members also welcomed a guest speaker. Tom McGee of Stark Forest Products delivered an update on the post-frame building market and new developments in column/post manufacturing, including preservative treatments and lamination. Everyone appreciated his update and thanked him for attending.
Updates were provided on the chapter’s educational presentations and tours for building and fire officials. Copies of the 2008 WTCA Annual Report, Be on the Winning Team, were distributed.
June/July 2008
In December’s SBC, we reported on the success our New York Chapter was having building relationships with the New York State Building Officials Conference (NYSBOC). Now we are pleased to report that those relationships are continuing to thrive!
Following up on its successful truss plant tours and demonstrations for the NYSBOC–Capital District and NYSBOC–Rockland County groups in 2006 and 2007, now our chapter can add another very well received tour for Rockland County in January and a great educational presentation for the Westchester Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association in April.
Now that the word is out—WTCA–New York provides excellent plant tours and seminars—the requests keep coming in. More plant tours are in the works, including one for NYSBOC–Tri County, and the chapter is eager to pursue additional groups as its members make contact with them. There is no end in sight for building relationships and increasing understanding of structural building components in the state. Great work, New York!
December 2007
Last October, the New York Chapter accepted an invitation to host a truss plant tour and live fire demonstration for the New York State Building Officials Conference (NYSBOC) – Capital District event. The video footage captured from the live test was used to update the popular Carbeck CD on fire performance. The modules are now available on the Carbeck website at www.carbeck.org/edprog.
But something even greater came out of this event—a lasting relationship between WTCA–NY and NYSBOC.
This October, the New York Chapter was invited back to deliver educational presentations at the NYSBOC – Capital District event and the NYSBOC – Rockland County event a few days later. With Truss Technology Workshops (TTW) delivered by WTCA staff, the conferences provided six hours of continuing education credits to over 400 building and fire officials, architects and engineers. Vincent Fiorentino, President of the NYSBOC – Rockland Chapter, passed along this compliment: “Just wanted to let you know that the presentation was excellent and [WTCA staff] did a great job getting out a lot of information in a relatively short period of time. Also the handbook [BCSI] is a great tool to bring back to the office.”
Plus, the requests to provide more information and education in the marketplace continue to come in to the chapter. Several NYSBOC members have requested plant tours, which are being arranged with the WTCA–NY members. In addition, the Westchester Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association would like a full day of education for its group in the spring. There’s even an event for architects and engineers in the works for January.
Once word gets out that a chapter is able to provide education and do it well, the opportunities are tremendous. The relationships being developed will go a long way toward increasing understanding of components. Especially in a state like New York that legislated the use of labels on new commercial buildings using truss construction, being able to talk face-to-face with members of the fire service, building officials and others breaks down the barriers and misconceptions. One thing has become certain, every single plant tour can make a significant positive difference for our industry.
November 2007
Continuing with a tradition begun last year, the New York and Northeast Chapters held a joint summer meeting in Springfield, MA. Since several members had asked about mold treatments, the guest speaker was Dave Wirth of BluWood Northeast A discussion took place on the current state of above ground wood framing protection against the effects of mold, fungi and wood ingesting insects, as well as limiting moisture absorption. The members appreciated the interesting presentation.
The other central topic on the meeting agenda was education. The Truss Technology Workshop (TTW) resources from WTCA were reviewed: live seminars, online courses, web-based presentations and plant tours. The Northeast Chapter members discussed the current slate of educational programs in their states: Structural Engineers Association of New Hampshire (SEANH), Southern Massachusetts Building Inspectors, Building Officials in Athol, MA, and the annual presentation and booth at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst building officials conference in the fall. [See also the Chapter Spotlight.] The New York Chapter members reviewed their educational programs in the works, too: the Capital District and Rockland Chapters of the New York State Building Officials Conference (NYSBOC) and a program for architects and engineers in Hauppauge, NY.
June/July 2007
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was the topic at the New York Chapter’s April meeting. Chapter President Bruce Hutchins detailed the participation of Northeast Panel & Truss in what would be the season finale of the show. Attendees were given a glimpse into the strange and demanding world of the TV show. From meeting the extremely tight time schedule to needing to come prepared for any emergency or unexpected event during construction, the experience was a success, but thankfully no one else in New York should expect to be asked again in the near future. The show will try to build one house in all of the 50 states and then go international, so New York should be covered since this was not their first time in the state.
Building codes were also on the agenda. An update was given on the status of the 2006 New York State Uniform Building Code, the Energy Code and the process already underway for 2009. In addition to the WTCA Board resolution requesting that chapters participate in home builder association code committee meetings, it was agreed that members need to stay involved in code council meetings. The chapter would like to have several volunteers available so that the meetings can be attended regularly but no one individual is overburdened.
April 2007
The New York Chapter’s January meeting featured a recap of the plant tours and fire demonstrations conducted in October for the New York State Building Officials Conference (NYSBOC). Nearly 300 building officials in the Capital District area turned out for the truss plant tours at Saratoga Lumber Traders and the live fire demonstrations. The goal of this demonstration was to demonstrate the growth of fire and its effects on two typical unprotected elements in a sheathed assembly, and two structures were constructed with an 8' x 15' floor assembly on top with equivalent loads. The video footage from the live test was captured for a Carbeck educational program, so the New York Chapter meeting attendees were among the first to see sections of the new program as they discussed the October event. The presentation including this material is now available on the Carbeck website at www.fire.carbeck.org
June/July 2006 SBC Magazine
The theme for the New York Chapter this year is education. At its April meeting, members discussed all of the educational presentations being put on by the chapter for building officials. Each is receiving raves and precipitating requests for more. The groups with which the chapter is working to date include: Southern Tier Building Officials Association, Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Rockland County Chapter of Building Officials and Fire Inspectors and the Capital District Conference. The chapter donated $1000 to the Carbeck Structural Components Institute again this year and is eager to begin distributing the newly updated CD, Wood Truss Construction and Fire Performance. Members were able to review portions of the CD at the meeting, including the new sections on building labeling.
September/October 2005 SBC Magazine
At its July meeting, the New York Chapter assessed the current state of the truss labeling law. Though the rules for its implementation are still being debated, customers have begun asking for the placards that must be placed at the entrances of building utilizing “truss-type” construction. Sample label designs developed by WTCA staff were circulated and the attendees agreed it would be easier to sell their own placards than to find a third party supplier. Members also discussed all of the Code Council and Fire Code Technical Subcommittee meetings that they and staff had been attending as the code changes have been debated. The chapter-staff team will continue to push for changes that do not discriminate against structural building components and that respect standards of practice in our industry. Discussion also turned to some of the problems members are facing in the marketplace, such as component manufacturers being asked to provide more serves without compensation and the pressure of Canadian competition. The meeting concluded with a presentation on The Load Guide (TLG) and lunch. The next meeting will be held on October 20.
June 2005
The New York Chapter welcomed two guest speakers at its April meeting. Bret Fogtman, Fire Treated Lumber Specialist from Biewer Lumber, spoke on his company's use of Dricon Fire Retardant Treated Wood. With the escalating cost of steel, he explained the sales opportunities that exist with this product as well as addressed handling, corrosion and legal issues. Ron Coons, Safety Manager at Northeast Panel & Truss, gave a short presentation on new DOT cargo securement regulations. These new state regulations had implications for members' businesses, and discussion centered on how members were affected as well as how they may be able to respond to the implementation of the regulations. The meeting also featured an update on the various code meetings occurring in the state. Chapter President Bruce Hutchins attended the January 27 NYSBA Code Committee meeting and both Bruce and Kirk Grundahl of WTCA attended the March 29 State Code Council meeting. Our change proposals addressed the truss ban in East Hills and building code revisions affecting story height, uniformly distributed live loads, truss to wall connections, and building labeling. Chapter members reviewed what happened at the meetings and where the chapter would direct its energies next. The chapter continued to work with Ray Andrews, Assistant Director for Code Development, Department of State–Codes Division, throughout the spring on these code change issues.
April 2005
At the January meeting, New York Chapter members prepared for the upcoming builders’ association and state code council meetings. In particular, they reviewed proposed changes that would affect building story height, minimum uniformly distributed live loads, truss to wall connections and fire code provisions. A letter to the State was approved also with provisions that members hoped would enhance clarity, provide uniformity between the IBC, IRC and IFC, and enhance fire safety. The next steps in the labeling process were considered also as the notice of rule adoption was published in December. Following the lengthy discussion on codes and rules, members turned toward chapter business matters and meeting topics. It was proposed that the chapter move toward three meetings per year instead of four, with the fourth being replaced by an informal gathering at BCMC. Possible meeting speakers were considered. The next meeting will be April 21 at the NRLA Educational Center in Rensselaer.
January/February 2005
The New York Chapter began its fall meeting with an extended discussion on the truss labeling legislation saga. Passed in June 2001, the law requires "All commercial and industrial structures that utilize truss type construction shall be marked by a sign or symbol in a manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control or emergency operations of the existence of truss construction in the structure." Even so, the Code Council has yet to agree on the rulemaking that will implement the law. Despite the efforts of an Ad Hoc Committee on Building Labeling formed in January 2002, the Department of State, the Governors Office of Regulatory Reform, and the Code
Council, even the most recent consensus fell apart in March of this year. After countless meetings and negotiations, all parties are back to square one and the chapter will continue to monitor and participate in this effort to the best of its ability. Chapter members then discussed the BCMC show and agreed it was the best show ever. Highlights were the linear saws, roto zip saws, break out sessions, panelization of steel trusses and wall panels manufactured at jobsites. The plant tours and kick-off speaker were very good and entertaining too. It was also proposed and agreed by all members in attendance that the chapter should donate $1000 to the Carbeck
Structural Components Institute and all members should make a concentrated effort to contact local fire companies, offer plant tours and hand out Carbeck CDs. The chapter was also going to seek permission to distribute a reprint of the "Truss Truce" article from the June 2004 Fire Rescue Magazine to include in a mailing to fire officials. The next chapter meeting will be held on January 20.
September/October 2004
The New York Chapter held its summer meeting on Thursday, July 15 at the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association headquarters in Rensselaer, NY. The topic for the meeting was Safety, and for this they brought in the big hitters.
First to speak was John Tomich, Area Director of OSHA from the Albany office. Mr. Tomich lived up to his reputation as a powerful and engaging speaker. With great passion, Mr. Tomich spoke of society’s “report card.” He went around the room and counted how many present were “A” students, “B” students and so on. He then explained that OSHA and its Code of Federal Regulations are rated as a “D” at best and that by meeting the requirements as a company, you are “barely passing.” Mr. Tomich said that it was up to ownership and management to raise the bar. He touched on what it takes to raise the bar and be an “A or B” company by improving safety and health through programs such as the Federal VPP program (Voluntary Protection Program) and the New York State SHARP program (Safety and Health Achievement and Recog-nition Program). He also challenged all present to form an alliance with OSHA and work together to charter the course for a safer work environment in all our businesses. Mr. Tomich also explained what to do when “OSHA comes knocking at your door” and what we should do, should we be cited or inspected.
Michael Ballantine, Supervising Safety and Health Consultant with the New York State Department of Labor was next up and gave a PowerPoint® presentation specific to the truss/manufacturing industry. He highlighted the most common citations written for hazards present in the truss industry. Mr. Ballantine also talked about the NYS On-Site Consultation program and how this free program can benefit all present in their efforts towards a safe working environment. He closed with a brief discussion on the SHARP program and what it takes to be one of only 50 companies in the state with this recognition.
June/July 2004
In April, the New York and Northeast Chapters again held back to back quarterly meetings. With a focus on industry initiatives that support your business, the guest speaker at both meetings was WTCA Executive Director Kirk Grundahl. Covered in the presentation were the many programs that WTCA has developed to give its members leading-edge information and resources, including: BCSI 1-03, Truss Knowledge Online (TKO), In-Plant WTCA QC, Operations Safety Certification, the Approved Insurance Broker Program, and the upcoming Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
March 2004
In between winter storms, the New York Chapter welcomed two guests to its January meeting, Bob Mahon and Tom Westco of Pulte Homes. Mr. Mahon is a Purchaser for New York and New Jersey; Mr. Westco is a Builder for New York. Both gentlemen contributed to a terrific meeting. Pulte Homes is the largest residential builder of its kind in the area, and the company is committed to efficiency and the use of components. Just as chapter members have experienced, Pulte Homes has confronted challenges regarding building codes, regulations and the like. In particular, Mr. Mahon and Mr. Westco were able to discuss with chapter members the problems they have encountered with bracing and identifying where the responsibility for proper bracing lies at each step in the manufacturing process. The guests appreciated hearing the component manufacturer’s point of view on design responsibility, and everyone at the meeting felt they had a better understanding of the situations faced. It is hoped that this meeting is just the start of developing cooperative strategies to address mutual problems in both states. One possibility for future cooperation is working to have faxed sealed drawings accepted in New York as they already are in New Jersey. The chapter expresses its sincere thanks to Mr. Mahon and Mr. Westco for their invaluable participation at this meeting.
Since several chapter members were unable to attend the January meeting due to the inclement weather across the state, the chapter held its elections for 2004 officers via electronic ballot. Following the meeting, chapter members were emailed or faxed ballots to ratify the selection of Bruce Hutchins of Northeast Panel & Truss as Chapter President and Bob McCormick of Saratoga Lumber Traders as Secretary/Treasurer. In addition, the chapter continues to monitor the implementation of truss placarding legislation in the state.
September/October 2003
In June, the New York Chapter hosted a booth at the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs 97th Annual Conference. With attendance expected at 15,000, it presented a unique opportunity to display information on structural building components and fire performance to the fire-fighting community. At its July meeting, the New York Chapter welcomed guest speaker Frank Lancaster of Einhorn, Yaffe, Prescott, an Albany architectural firm. Mr. Lancaster delivered an informative presentation on what we should anticipate being on a set of plans, i.e., dimensions, pitches, etc. Indeed, it was a terrific opportunity to learn what things are expected from us as well as what we should expect from architects. The question and answer period was also lively and educational for all parties. The chapter thanks Mr. Lancaster for his excellent presentation. During the meeting, chapter members also discussed the need to hold elections at the next meeting. A slate of potential candidates was drawn up, and the chapter will continue to accept nominations for all open board seats. The officer elections will be held at the meeting on October 16.
March 2003
A hot topic at the New York Chapter’s January meeting was building labeling.
The law is on the books, but the controversy continues over its interpretation
and implementation. Stan Sis of WTCA staff was on hand to explain the course
that this process has followed to date. Chapter members heard about the progress
that has been made as well as the challenges still to face. The chapter will
continue its work with the Codes Council in the hopes of bringing some resolution
to this on-going controversy soon.
A second controversial topic addressed was fire education. Especially in light of the two live burn fire demonstrations conducted in November, it is apparent that chapter members must continue to make contact with local fire and building officials as well as distribute “The Fire Performance of Wood Trusses” CD. There remains much work to be done to dispel the myths surrounding the fire performance of trusses.
In addition, chapter members turned the discussion to some of the new provisions in the International Building Code. With the IBC going into effect, there are decisions to be made about what to do with the loading provisions in particular. Snow load maps and formulas were handed out and discussed at length.
November 2002
Putting a Human Face on the Truss Industry & Truss Placarding in New York
The value of personal relationships could not be clearer than in witnessing the events as they unfolded recently regarding the proposed Truss Construction Labeling Law in the State of New York. The history is as follows: The New York State Legislature passed enabling legislation to have the state promulgate rules and regulations mandating the labeling of all commercial and industrial structures with a sign or symbol in a manner sufficient to warn persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations of the existence of truss construction in the structure. In spring 2002, there was a diverse AdHoc Committee formed to work on these requirements. This committee was made up of representatives of the following groups:
- Northeast Retail Lumber Association
- NYS Association of Fire Chiefs
- NYS Firefighters Association
- American Forest and Paper Association
- Wood Truss Council of America (including National, New York and Northeast Chapters)
- New York - Department of State
- New York - Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform
- NYS Builders Association
- American Steel Institute
- NYS - American Institute of Architects
- NYS - Building Officials Conference
The AdHoc Committee met several times over the spring and early summer before proposing its final draft to the New York State Codes Council in a meeting held on June 5, 2002. At this meeting, the Codes Council reviewed the AdHoc Committee’s work and remanded it back to the Department of State to be written in “Code Language,” and it was placed on the agenda for review at its September 4 meeting
On Wednesday, August 28, 2002, Sid Ketchum, WTCA NY Chapter President, was called by his friend on the New York State Codes Council and asked if he had any comments and/or objections to the agenda item regarding truss construction labeling. Sid indicated that he had not even seen the final language. The Codes Councilor faxed the “Proposed Rule Text for Truss Placarding” to Sid that afternoon. Sid forwarded it directly to WTCA staff. The language in the “Proposed Rule” was nothing like what the AdHoc Committee had worked on and proposed. Over the next couple days and the Labor Day weekend the AdHoc Committee members were contacted and a diverse group was assembled to attend the Codes Council hearing and argue against the submitted language and move this back to the AdHoc Committee. This was successfully accomplished.
This work may have not been accomplished without Sid's personal relationship with the Codes Councilor, and the human face he had put on the truss industry in his area. Had it not been for the early heads-up, there would surely have been much scurrying on the day before the hearing to try and play catch-up. This is yet another example of how “Putting a Human Face on the Truss Industry” has saved much heartburn, anguish and effort. Great job, Sid, and thank you.
September/October 2002 SBC Magazine
Turnout was excellent for the July meeting of the New York Chapter. The scheduled speaker was Susan McClymonds, President of the New York State Association of the American Institute of Architects. Unfortunately, Ms. McClymonds called during the meeting to express her regrets that she would not be able to attend. In light of her cancellation, however, chapter members were able to spend the meeting time discussing several pertinent marketplace issues that might not otherwise have been raised. For example, chapter members unanimously agreed to adopt the WTCA mold policy letter to builders and contractors and to each sign the version customized for the chapter. Because WTCA-Northeast Chapter President Tim LaChapelle was in attendance as well, it was agreed the WTCA New York would take this action in concert with WTCA-Northeast. All members of both chapters will be listed on the final letter that will be available for each company to use in the event of any difficulties with mold.
For the next quarterly meeting in October, WTCA New York is planning a joint meeting with WTCA-Northeast. Because BCMC is being held during the week that both chapter meetings normally fall, arrangements are being made to hold the joint meeting the week prior to BCMC. For more information as it becomes available, contact WTCA-National.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS APPEARING IN WOODWORDS MAGAZINE:
September/October 2001
The New York Chapter held its summer meeting on July 19. Joe Plourde of P & R Truss reviewed his presentations to building officials and the WTCA Building Inspector Tour. Joe has done a number of these presentations and gave good insight to the other chapter members. Also discussed at the meeting was the pending legislation to placard buildings with “truss type construction.” Although WTCA and AF&PA fought the placarding bill, it passed the State Legislature earlier this summer. The chapter will continue to fight the negative connotations of this legislation and expects to greatly influence the process of implementation. In addition, the chapter discussed the Softwood Lumber Agreement. Chapter members plan to keep track of all jobs lost to Canadian competition, especially government jobs that would be expected to go to tax-paying businesses.
June/July 2001
The New York Chapter held its spring meeting on April 19. Thirty chapter members were present to welcome the guest speakers: two New York State Troopers and a representative from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The representative from the DOT, Mr. De Rocco, gave a very informative presentation that touched on issues such as special permits. Chapter members asked many questions and all were answered. The State Troopers were also very cooperative and able to answer members’ questions. Moreover, like the chapter’s experience with the Building Code Department, the DOT seemed to genuinely want to help and be of better service. We welcomed this opportunity to develop a working relationship.
March 2001
Not only are chapters a great source of ideas, they are a vehicle for communicating ideas between the national and local levels. An excellent example of an idea that began at the local level and is now a program at the national level is our latest Truss Technology Workshop (TTW). Started at the request of a chapter member in New York, WTCA staff is pleased to deliver the Truss Technology Workshop, “Tour of a Wood Truss Manufacturing Plant.”
Truss plant tours are an ideal way to introduce people to the mechanics of the component industry, and this TTW presentation will make it easy to conduct a tour with any audience. The objective of the tour is to educate building inspectors and other industry professionals on the design, manufacture, delivery and handling procedures for structural building components. The emphasis is on metal plate connected wood trusses; however, wall panels, I-joists and even light gauge steel trusses are included if they are part of the product line available at the plant conducting the tour.
Most importantly, the chapter members that lead the tour are able to answers questions at all stages. It is another excellent way to “put a human face on the truss industry” in your area. Plus, the workshop has already been approved for continuing education credits for building inspectors in New York and will soon be approved in Florida as well.
This is just one example of how chapters can be instrumental in the development of new programs within WTCA. By linking the local level to the national level, chapters channel information in two directions—ideas filter up and down through the people hard at work within WTCA.
November 2000
The New York chapter will hold its fall meeting on November 9 in Albany. Kirk Grundahl of WTCA–National will attend as well.
June/July 2000
WTCANY held their first meeting April 18 in Rensselaer, NY. The chapter set up dues structures, meeting dates and organized committees and chair positions. Todd VanderVort, New York State Lobbyist, Sam Francis with the American Forest and Paper Association, and Bill Brunner with Endicott Lumber spoke on a joint effort regarding a new model code for the state of New York. The chapter also decided to participate in a test house being constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. This house is currently planned to be built in the Bronx on Long Island Sound within the year. The next chapter meeting will be held September 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the NRLA office in Rensselaer, NY.
May 2000
New York State has been accepted as a Chapter with the formal approval of its by-laws by the WTCA Board. The new chapter held its first meeting on April 18. At this meeting the members heard from New York lobbyist Todd Vandervort about the possibilities of a new model code for the state of New York. The chapter also worked on setting up committees and scheduling meetings and speakers.
December 1999
The newly formed New York Chapter is still in the process of working on its bylaws and is planning to have four meetings per year.
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