Dear Members and Friends,
I would like to take a minute to update you on some of the activities of your Board and the efforts that have been the focus of our work. I’m sure all of you have been busy with Fire Prevention Week and any other associated activities with “Be Fire Smart, Don’t Get Burned” theme for this year.
The board has completed the planning stages of the Fall Conference and we are set on go for November 2nd and 3rd in Roanoke. While trying to schedule the conference, we ran in to some difficulties due to other conferences held by our sister organizations and attempting to secure the hotel. In doing so, it was unintentionally set during Election Day. That being said, last years’ General Assembly added a new category for absentee voting called “First Responders”. You can access the forms needed via our website or go in to your Voter Registrars office and obtain the absentee voter registration form and vote. I accomplished this last week and it was a smooth process. Don’t forget you can still register for the conference via our website and get all of the info you need.
Next has been discussion that has prompted two considerations for bylaws changes. First, due to the failing economy, the board looked at a way to help our members to maintain their active membership and keep up to date with their dues. Our discussions leaned towards a member being able to pay for multiple years and receive a discount, such as pay for two years and the third year would be free, for example. Due to the current bylaws we were unable to establish this type of discount. We have spoken about discounts and whether or not a locality will want to do this, but they will have the option as will many of our members who pay their own way as many of us have done in the past. We are trying to find a way to increase membership dues being paid and thought this may be a way to help.
Secondly, we are looking at becoming a member of the International Fire Marshals Association, a sector of NFPA. This was brought to our board by 1st VP Robbie Dawson. This organization is made up of Fire Marshals from across the United States and is an excellent resource for information and support. Our membership in IFMA would be similar to our membership as an ICC Chapter. The difference being, this group is made up of Fire Marshals with the focus of fire prevention. I was recently invited to attend their conference in Chicago and to meet with their Board of Directors and the State Chapter Presidents. I was impressed with the membership of IFMA and their very similar problems we face here in Virginia. The current IFMA 1st VP is our own Ed Altizer. He has spoken very highly of IFMA and feels our joining will be an asset to us. There is no cost for us to join and the benefits are valuable. Not only will we have access to an entirely new nationwide resource, including support for the residential sprinkler initiative, but will have greater access to participation on NFPA committees. The board reviewed the membership application and it is necessary for us to have the bylaws changes to protect IFMA and NFPA. I spoke with several of the other Chapter Presidents about this and they all stated it is a “CYA”. None of the other state chapters have had any problems with this. The board also added a “sunset” clause to the bylaws change about IFMA in case we decide our membership shouldn’t continue. The board will have to take action to extend our membership should it deem it appropriate.
I think the proposed bylaws changes are ones that will support our membership through discounted dues rates and open the door for newer partnerships nationwide with our membership in the International Fire Marshals Association. Even if you can’t attend the conference, please make an effort to speak to and support the changes.
That is the long-winded update and there is more work being done by your Board to include planning for the Spring Conference and the efforts during this code change cycle. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at ppaquette@co.goochland.va.us . Stay safe and I hope to see you in Roanoke.
Sincerely,
Phil Paquette
