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IIBEC Chapter News – August 2020

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August 11, 2020

IIBEC Florida Chapter Debuts New Scholarship Program

By IIBEC Florida Chapter Treasurer Dawn Holsinger

In 2019, the IIBEC Florida Chapter assembled a scholarship committee to aid students pursuing a career in construction.

By March of 2020, the committee established the specifics of each award, with the applicants judged through a points system based on grades, an essay, potential legacy, and the successful completion of the application.  Once completed, the scholarship was presented to the IIBEC Florida Chapter Board of Directors for approval, then sent out to the chapter’s membership, and to Florida universities and trade schools.

In total, there were six worthy applicants vying for the scholarships, narrowed to three winners.  First-place winner Barbara Camilia’s winning essay may be found here.

1st Place – $2,500
Barbara Camilia, Architecture Student
“Architecture allows me to shape spaces that can meet modern necessities, increase social interaction, and even inspire feelings.”
2nd Place – $1,500
David Diez, Architecture Student
3rd Place – $1,000 (Entrepreneurial)
Joey Schweitzer – Owner, Roofing Contractor Company

IIBEC Southern California Chapter Hosts Inaugural Virtual Event

By Southern Ontario Chapter Vice President Arturo Ortiz, Jr.

The IIBEC Southern California Chapter was pleased to host its inaugural Virtual Technical Meeting on July 23, 2020.

Recognizing the need to provide technical education opportunities in the age of social distancing, the chapter pivoted away from our traditional in-person meeting format and instead hosted its very first technical meeting on Zoom.  Approximately 55 attendees logged on to the online meeting space, joining us not only from California, but also nearby Region V states, including Washington, Nevada, Colorado and as far as Indiana, Texas, and Ontario, Canada!

Guests were greeted by event host and Chapter President Ivan Chak, who kicked things off with local chapter updates, along with upcoming IIBEC event reminders. IIBEC Region V Director Szymon Zienkiewicz also made an appearance to address attendees and speak to region-specific highlights and news.

Our technical speakers for the evening were Rick Mosco, AIA, and Michelle L. Sandoval, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, of WJE Associates, Inc. in Pasadena, CA.  Mr. Mosco and Mrs. Sandoval presented an in-depth look into Stucco Detailing for Buildings with Unique Geometry.

The presentation discussed a challenging cement plaster case study and illustrated how unusual geometric features in building façades can present unique challenges that often affect the performance of building enclosures. The speakers discussed performance characteristics of detailing for stucco supported by metal lath, and special detailing considerations that can mitigate problems associated with uniquely configured stucco façades.  Mr. Mosco & Mrs. Sandoval delivered excellent perspective and technical commentary into the world of lath-reinforced cement plaster, which was well-received by our audience.

The IIBEC Southern California Chapter’s very first virtual meeting was a success and one to put into the books with an outstanding attendance.  Guests earned 1 hour of continuing education approved by IIBEC and AIA. We would like to extend our appreciation to Rick Mosco and Michelle Sandoval for their efforts in providing an informed presentation, and thanks to all of those who took the time to attend.

Upcoming Events

IIBEC Carolinas Chapter


IIBEC Mid-South Chapter

  • August 13, 2020 – Sealants and Fluid-Applied Coatings with speakers Marcy Tyler, Tremco, Inc., and Brett Burch, The Dow Chemical Company.  Online registration information can be found here.
  • September 10, 2020 – Storefronts and Curtainwall Systems with speaker Wes Rossell, Alexander Metals.  Online registration information can be found here.
  • September 18, 2020 – IIBEC Mid-South Chapter’s 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the local chapter of the ALS Association.  Online registration information can be found here.

IIBEC North Texas Chapter


IIBEC Southern California Chapter

  • September 11, 2020 – The IIBEC Southern California Chapter’s golf tournament is now planned with format adjustments and social distancing measures in place.  Registration information may be found on the IIBEC SoCal’s website.

IIBEC Canadian Prairies Chapter

  • August 19, 2020 – IIBEC Canadian Prairies Chapter will be presenting IIBEC’s Rooftop Quality Assurance.  Online registration information can be found here.