VBCOA Rises to the Challenge

There are currently more than 23 million American veterans, and while most Americans will never serve in the military or fight for their country there are countless ways to help veterans, who often return home to civilian life from war to face their most difficult battles.

During its 2018 Annual School and Conference in Williamsburg, Va., Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA) chapter members got a first look at the freshly minted sets of Military Veterans and Families Appreciation Challenge Coins to raise funds to support military veterans and their families. These highly collectible VBCOA Military Challenge Coins represented the five military service branches of the United States — Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard — with a very special flipside identifying VBCOA and its commitment to support the U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their families.

The special edition coins were unveiled by VBCOA Immediate Past President Gregg Fields during the chapter’s Military Challenge Coin fundraiser created by VBCOA President Pete Mensinger and the eight VBCOA Region chairs at the International Code Council’s 2018 Annual Business Meeting in Richmond, Va. The Military Challenge Coin Drive relates to the Code Council’s Military Families Career Path Program, which is designed to help veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and their family members learn more about building safety career options.

The coins were only available for purchase in person at the VBCOA Annual Conference in Williamsburg, and the 2018 ICC Annual Conference and Public Comment Hearings in Richmond. The VBCOA Region chairs were responsible for selling the challenge coins throughout 2018, with expected proceeds dedicated to benefit two military veterans and family support groups (non-profit): the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Chris Souza Foundation.

The chapter’s original goal was to raise $5,000 to be split between the two charities; the chapter reached that goal quickly. During the months of October and November, VBCOA Region chairs sold nearly 1,000 Military Veterans and Families Appreciation Challenge Coins, raising $10,000 for these veterans’ organizations. At its 2019 VBCOA Annual School and

Conference in Virginia Beach, Va., this September, the chapter presented special checks of $5,000 each to both organizations.

“I could not be more proud of what VBCOA was able to accomplish for our military veterans and families,” said VBCOA President James S. Moss. “Under the leadership of the VBCOA Region chairs we were able to exceed the original goal of $5,000 dollars by double, providing both the Chris Souza Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars a check for $5,000 dollars each.”

“It is difficult to express how grateful I am, and all of VBCOA is, to have been a part of this amazing effort,” Moss continued. “The money raised by VBCOA will contribute so much to these charities, but beyond that, the awareness of these charities raised by this initiative will extend well past the monetary contribution.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Lukasik is the periodicals editor for the International Code Council, working out of the Western Regional Office in Southern California. Starting with the International Conference of Building Officials as the managing editor of the Building Standards Magazine, she has more than 20 years of experience in editing, writing and pioneering electronic newsletters and magazines from conception to completion. She is currently putting her experience to good use managing the Code Council’s Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly e-newsletter. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik

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2020 February ICC Chapter Update

2019 December ICC Chapter Update

The 2020 schedule is available online and open for registration. You may access the Schedule-at-a-Glance from the downloads link on the VBCA Online Registration System or by visiting the DHCD website: 2020 VBCA Schedule . To view the complete schedule log into your account on the VBCA Online Registration System. The 2020 schedule offers Core six times a year, at least four continuing education opportunities, and brings a number of classes to the region 1 and 2 areas. The dates of the amusement device inspection class will be announced mid to late February as well as the dates of the amusement device shadow program. Please visit the Online Registration System for more information or to register for any of our classroom offerings.  Contact the  VBCA office at vbca@dhcd.virginia.gov or (804) 371-7180 for more information or with questions.

Sandi Morris, Academy Director
Jack A. Proctor Virginia Building Code Academy
Department of Housing and Community Development
600 East Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
ph: 804/371.7181 cell: 804/370.2137

VBCA Learning Center: https://covlc.virginia.gov/Default.aspx     
Online registration system: https://dmz1.dhcd.virginia.gov/BFR/Main/LogOn.aspx

2019 November ICC Chapter Update

Dear VBCOA Member,

I am pleased to invite you to renew your membership with the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA).  As a current VBCOA member, you will continue to enjoy the benefits of membership such as training and education, professional development,  and scholarship opportunities.  In addition to code development and industry networking, VBCOA is dedicated to growing leaders from our membership through mentoring and coaching, as well as, opportunities to serve on local, state and regional committees and the VBCOA Board of Directors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for choosing VBCOA as your organization. Our members are the key that allows us to accomplish great things.  The commitment and support that you provided to VBCOA in 2019 was outstanding.  As 2020 quickly approaches, it is our goal to continue the momentum and expand our footprint throughout Virginia.  As we enter 2020, your involvement in the association will be essential for our continued success as a nationally recognized organization that provides the highest standards of Building Code Development.  We must remember that “Our strength is in our members.”

I ask that you recommend VBCOA as an organization of choice to others so that as a member, they too can experience the sense of pride VBCOA members feel and enjoy the boundless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.  ”Together we can accomplish more.”  Attached is a membership brochure, please share this with others who may wish to join VBCOA.  President Moss wants to remind all association members of their role as association ambassadors: to inspire, encourage and motivate other building safety professionals; share ideas, experience, knowledge, wisdom, and guidance.

All membership renewals will be handled online. To renew or become a new member, please complete the online membership form https://vbcoa.org/member-renewal/. You may pay online using a credit card, or print your confirmation form and mail a check (with the confirmation form) to:

VBCOA
Attention Sandra Harrington
P.O. Box 12164
Richmond, Virginia 23241

I encourage you to contact me should you have any questions about VBCOA membership or membership renewal via email at michelle.coward@richmondgov.com or phone number (804) 646-6357.  VBCOA memberships are renewed for all members on an annual basis.  To be considered a member in good standing for 2020, memberships must be paid no later than January 31, 2020.

Michelle Coward,
VBCOA Membership Committee Chair
PO Box 12164
Richmond VA 23241
www.vbcoa.org

VBCOAMembershipBrochure2020