The FCIA Education and Committee Action Conference "Back to Basics" (Codes, Legal, Economy, Committees) was a huge success. Almost 60 FCIA Leaders gathered to hear industry leading speakers and participate in committee meetings. FCIA President, Kathy Taraba, focused her comments on "Visions for the Future" . Kathy's points were that we have developed the best programs with talented membership. Now is the time to promote these programs and the single source firestop contractor model through specification and code development. Additionally, FCIA Contractor participation in FCIA programs helps the Passive Fire Protection cause nationally. For committee reports, visit the FCIA website, www.fcia.org. Below are a few highlights of the speakers assembled by the Program Committee, Tom Hottenroth (Firestop Solutions), Bob LeClair (A.F. Underhill) and Kathy Taraba 1 Source Firestop, Inc. ) and the FCIA Office:
Bill Koffel, Koffel & Associates, FCIA Code Consultant presented to the membership an objective presentation about the opportunities and challenges we have in the code environment. With his and the Code Committee's guidance, FCIA can protect life safety in buildings through Firestopping and Passive Fire Protection.
Karen Layng, Esq., Vedder Price advised us to "read the contract documents" that the GC is agreeing to in addition to your contract with the GC. The construction documents that cover the scope of work are of utmost importance to prevent future disputes. Karen was recognized for being a charter member of FCIA, and has been a paid member ever since our inception. Thanks, Karen for your expertise and commitment to our industry.
Rusty Sherwood, F.W. Dodge, did a fabulous job working with McGraw Hill Economist, Bob Murray, to develop and present an economic outlook for the construction industry. Members will be able to make growth plans from the information gained. Thanks, Rusty, for your preparation and help.
FCIA Panel Discussion - Firestopping - Greg Markling, MOA Partnership, Architects, Taryn Edwards, Hensel Phelps, Inc., General Contractor and Jim Thelen, City of Littleton, CO Code Official - Along with Robert Gomez, Firestop Specialties, Kathy Taraba, 1 Source Firestop, Inc., Scott Rankin, Pyro-Stop, LLC, Doug Walsworth, Diversified Thermal, Inc. all participated in a discussion about firestopping from all perspectives. Each offered insights about our industry from their point of view.
Website Tour - Bill McHugh, FCIA Executive Director, gave the attendees a tour of the new FCIA Website. If you haven't been to the site lately, go to www.fcia.org and take a look . If you haven't paid your meeting fees, go to the links page and you'll find an easy way to charge your fees on your credit card!!
Website Discussion Forum - Need some material for a project? Need to clear your warehouse of some older, non expired product? Use the FCIA Discussion forum on the website to list your excess inventory. Bill Hoos and Rich Jenkins, have listed some material for sale there. Check it out. When you register your email address and password, you receive an email of your posting.
FCIA First Ever Golf Tournament - Tom Hottenroth (Firestop Solutions) claimed the prestigious "Silver Caulk Gun Trophy" for turning in the Low Net score of 70. The newly minted "Silver Caulk Gun" trophy donated by Albion Engineering, Inc is a prestigious award.
The best round of the day was carded by Scott Rankin (Pyro-Stop) who recorded a Low Gross of 89. Several skill awards were also at stake. The Longest Drive was grabbed by Bill Hoos (JHC). Chad Landry (Tremco) took Closest to Pin honors not once but twice. Bill McHugh (FCIA) and Tom Hottenroth also were recognized for their accuracy with Closest to Pin awards. Breck Spain (Performance Contracting), Bill Hoos, Chad Landry and Joe Taraba (1 Source Firestop) combined for a Team Low Net score of 311 in the blind draw foursome.
Thanks to our tournament day sponsors who helped to make the day a success: Tremco, Inc., (Bus Sponsor) FireSafe Systems, Inc., Firestop Specialties, Inc. (Hole Sponsors) and Performance Contracting, Inc. (Golf Balls) Proceeds from the event (almost $1000) will be used to fund FCIA committee activities.
FCIA Thanks FCIA Education and Committee Action Sponsors - RectorSeal, Inc. (Break )Specified Technologies, Inc., (Lunch) 3M Fire Protection Products (Break) We at FCIA appreciate your support!
FCIA Members speak! - The Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association, Inc. (ESICA) will receive a presentation on Firestopping by Ed Dougherty (TEDCO) and Scott Rankin, (Pyro-Stop, LLC) Thursday, May 9, 2002 in Annapolis, MD at ESICA's Spring Conference.
FCIA Members to participate in the IFC Passive Fire Protection Seminars. These seminars, aimed at educating code officials about firestopping, will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the following locations:
May 1, 2002 - Phoenix, AZ - Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel - 1600 South 52nd Street - Tempe, Arizona 85281 - Phone: (480) 967-6600
May 2, 2002 - Denver, CO - Doubletree Hotel Denver - 3203 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80207 - Phone: (303) 321-3333
FCIA Members are welcome to attend. Fee is $25 and pre-registration is required by calling IFC's office at (914) 332.0040. Wear your FCIA Shirts so the code officials know who you are! Buy the shirt on the FCIA website, links page.
(c) Copyright FCIA 04/18/02. Permission is hereby granted to forward, print, circulate, quote with credit to FCIA.
FCIA is a non profit, volunteer organization of Firestop Contractors, Contractor Branch Offices, Manufacturers and Associate Members interested in furthering the Professional Specialty Firestop Contractor concept, (experience, value, expertise) and life safety in the industry. For more information, contact the FCIA Office - 1257 Golf Circle - Wheaton, IL 60187. 630.690.0682 Phone 630.690.2871 FAX. Email: info@fcia.org