– Sherre Bartlett, Chapter President
The IIBEC Mid-Atlantic Chapter has been busy so far this year! We conducted our Annual Meeting and Dinner at Wildfire Restaurant in McLean, VA on February 1. The event was well attended and we had the opportunity to welcome our 2024 board and provide an outline of planned events for the year. We were honored to present multiple awards at the dinner, including Speaker of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Committee Chair Award, Outstanding Sponsor Awards (a special thank you to Roofpro, Inc., Up on the Roof, Inc., Sarnafil, and PPSI for going above and beyond in 2023), and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
On March 8th, members of our group held a Happy Hour Social at the Sheraton rooftop poolside bar during the 2024 IIBEC Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. We were joined by members of the Chapter, including several formal members, and members of the Southern Virginia Chapter. A good time was had by all and it was a great way to kick off the Convention with friends. We would like to thank Stephen Hentz, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC, REWO, PE, CDT, for sponsoring the happy hour event.
We look forward gathering with our members for our first education seminar of the year, to be held on April 18th, and our Annual Golf Event, scheduled for June 6th.
IIBEC Southern Ontario Chapter (SOC) held the “Vegetative Roofing for the Design Professional” course virtually over two afternoons on February 21 and 22, 2024. IIBEC SOC would like to thank our presenter, Doug Fishburn, for generously providing his time and expertise, and moderators Alex White and Shawn Irani. The course, structured for those who design vegetated green roofs or who are responsible for correcting vegetated green roof thermal or moisture protection performance problems, was attended by 17 design professionals.
Vegetated green roof design is a technically demanding and evolving growth industry. It also provided guidance in the areas of design criteria, system selection, reference standards, flashing principles, and the influences of Factory Mutual, ASTM, GRHC, and NRCA publications and guidelines.
On January 31, 2024, the Ontario Science Centre played host to the 3rd Annual IIBEC SOC Diversity and Inclusion Forum, drawing an impressive crowd of over 100 attendees for a day of education and networking.
The event kicked off with an opening speech by IIBEC Executive Vice President and CEO Brian Pallasch, CAE. He not only discussed upcoming IIBEC events but also emphasized the pivotal role diversity plays in IIBEC’s vision and mission.
IIBEC President Amy Peevey, RRO, RRC, PE CDT, then took center stage with a keynote presentation, “Becoming an Expert.” Offering valuable insights, she guided professionals on the path to expertise, delving into the nuances of being an expert witness.
The day continued with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Stephanie Robinson, B.A.Sc., P.Eng. Panelists Jelena Madzarevic, Hannah Thevalapan, Allen Lyte, RRO, and Jennifer Hogan, REWC, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, shared perspectives on career paths, networking, emerging trends, and mentorship, providing a comprehensive view of the industry landscape.
Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in mentor/mentee breakout groups, fostering direct engagement between guests and IIBEC’s experienced mentors. This interactive session allowed for personalized discussions and the exchange of valuable insights.
Marianne Touchie delivered a special presentation, sharing her journey to becoming a building science researcher and professor. She provided an overview of ongoing research at the University of Toronto Building Science Group, offering a glimpse into the exciting developments in the field.
The forum concluded with the award of two scholarships to deserving students in attendance, showcasing IIBEC SOC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of building science professionals.
The 3rd Annual IIBEC SOC Diversity and Inclusion Forum was a resounding success, providing a platform for learning, networking, and the celebration of diversity within the IIBEC community. A sincere thank you to all who contributed to the event’s success and to those who continue to champion diversity in our industry.
See pictures from the event on the IIBEC Southern Ontario Chapter website!
Kerry “Pete” Keener, RRC, RRO, Chapter President
On March 1, the IIBEC Arizona Chapter hosted Steve Jennings of IB Roof Systems to present on PVC roofing systems. The discussion centered on the history of PVC roofing and the differences between PVC and TPO. The group discussed the impact that our desert climate has on roofing systems.
Jennings presented samples of a 25-year-old PVC membrane that remains flexible and weldable. Commodity TPO and PVC systems do not have the track record of longevity that modified bitumen and higher-quality PVC systems have. IB Roof Systems is one of the last manufacturers that still calender laminate their systems using the highest quality materials available since 1978. The attendees were offered AIA CEU credits for their attendance.
IIBEC New England Chapter is pleased to report we started 2024 with our January 18 dinner event and associated sponsorships selling out! This event had a Factory Mutual (FM) Approvals presentation by Phillip Smith, PE (vice president and manager of the materials group of FM Approvals) followed by a manufacturers’ roundtable discussion of their recent focuses and challenges in the FM material testing process. It was a great opportunity to make the chapter aware of recent changes within FM’s structure and upcoming changes to the FM RoofNav website, as well as give the audience a chance to ask questions.
Mark your calendar for IIBEC New England Chapter’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament, being held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Charter Oak Country Club in Hudson, Massachusetts. The golf tournament, spearheaded by board member Shawn Vetere, is typically our chapter’s most successful event of the year, and as we finalize the details for 2024, we expect that tradition will continue. In addition to a round of golf, the day includes a networking breakfast during the morning check-in period, a helicopter ball drop, an air canon shot at one golf hole, various raffles, and a dinner reception during which the best (and worst) golf teams are recognized. The golf tournament and associated sponsorships provide the majority of our annual fundraising that allows us to donate to IIBEC national, student scholarships, and various charities including but not limited to The Jimmy Fund, Make-A-Wish, Project Hope, Hearth, and the Angel Fund for ALS Research.
IIBEC New England is pleased to announce our annual Lobster Bake is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024. This year the event will be hosted by Beacon Building Products at its new facility in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. We are still finalizing the event details but anticipate the event will provide both a seminar and hands-on demonstration similar to previous years. We hope to see you there!
The IIBEC Colorado Chapter is pleased to announce that Bella Lee is the chapter’s 2023 scholarship recipient. Lee is currently an architectural engineering student at the University of Colorado Boulder.
The IIBEC Colorado Chapter annual scholarship requires the applicant to submit an essay explaining their career goals and interest in their field of study, a completed application, and a letter of recommendation from a professor or mentor.
Scholarships are donated to a university student in relevant fields of architecture; structural and civil engineering; construction management; or other related areas of study. Scholarship money is generated through chapter memberships, sponsorships, and especially from the Annual “Late Summer” Golf Outing and Sporting Clay Tournament.
The IIBEC Colorado Chapter goal is to add a second scholarship in 2024.
Please contact the chapter’s board of directors at info@iibeccolorado.org for more information.
Please note: Dates and times subject to change based on local and/or state and province regulations.