Isman Named SFPE Fellow
     NFSA is very pleased to announce that Kenneth E. Isman, its Vice President of Engineering, has been elevated to the grade of Fellow by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. SFPE Fellows represent a distinguished group of members who have attained significant stature and accomplishment in engineering. Fellows have been members of the Society for at least 10 years and have been nominated by their peers for outstanding contributions to the advancement of fire protection engineering and valuable service to SFPE. Ken will receive the recognition before his peers at the SFPE Annual Meeting scheduled for October 12-17, 2008 at the Renaissance Charlotte Suite Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

NFSA Board Member John Perry of Victaulic Passes Away
     It is with a deep sense of loss that the National Fire Sprinkler Association reports the passing of long-time board member John Perry. John, who represented Victaulic Company on the NFSA Board of Directors since 1999 when they first started manufacturing fire sprinklers, succumbed following a short battle with cancer. He was also an active member of the International Fire Sprinkler Association’s Board of Governors. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Perry family. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels.

Time Running Out to Register for NFSA Annual Seminar at Atlantis
     With just a little over two weeks left, time is running out to register for NFSA’s Annual Seminar being held May 14 – 17 at the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. While nearly full, there are still hotel rooms and flexible flights at reasonable fares available. For all the details, follow the link under the Atlantis photo at right. All conference registrants should look for an informational letter from John Viniello shortly after May 1st.

Potter’s $20,000 Contribution Boosts IAF to $249,000
     NFSA is pleased to announce that long-time SAM member Potter Electric Signal Company has made a generous contribution of $20,000 into the Industry Advancement Fund. The fund, as its name would suggest, was formed to provide a conduit through which all fire sprinkler industry concerns could promote the advancement of the fire sprinkler industry. With this latest contribution from Potter, the fund now totals a whopping $249,000. To make a contribution and join those who are committed to the betterment of the industry, follow the “Donate” link at right. All donations are tax deductible.

Trustees Elected for Industry Advancement Fund
Elections have been held to seat trustees for NFSA’s Industry Advancement Fund (IAF). As a result, NFSA is pleased to announce the following slate of trustees: Jim Spicer, SimplexGrinnell; Richard Ackley, Dalmatian Fire, Inc. and Bruce LaRue,
Potter Electric Signal Company. It should be noted that both Gregg Huennekens, who made a substantial personal contribution and Wayne Gey of Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers who architected and seeded the fund with a sizeable contribution, respectfully declined nominations. Each trustee will serve a 3-year term with NFSA staff trustees John Viniello and Russ Fleming.
NFSA Tennessee Chapter Receives $192,300 Training Grant
     The Tennessee Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association – a Chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association announced it has been awarded a $192,300 Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The funding will be used to provide training to fire sprinkler contractors, local AHJs and other interested parties. Training will be provided across the state of Tennessee with grant funds being made available to offset the cost of attendees’ lodging, training materials and meals. Training will be provided by NFSA’s Training & Education department.
Read the press release

NFSA Industry Advancement Fund Hits $229,000.00!
With a generous contribution of $2,000.00, REHAU, Inc. of Leesburg, Virginia has bumped the NFSA Industry Advancement Fund up to $229,000! The fire sprinkler industry has responded to this fund with great enthusiasm and support. A Board of Trustees for the fund is soon to be elected and will include three contributors from those participating in the fund. The fund is open to all and will be used solely to support industry advancement efforts and to increase the fire sprinkler market. To contribute, please click on the link at right, where you will be directed to Paypal. PayPal securely processes contributions for the National Fire Sprinkler Association. You can complete your contribution with just a few clicks. Contributions can be made by credit card or bank account without sharing your financial information. Together we can keep our industry strong and vital for years to come. The NFSA Industry Advancement Fund will help us achieve that goal.

Garnick, Renowned Investment Strategist to Address NFSA Annual Seminar
     NFSA is very pleased to announce that Diane Garnick, Investment Strategist for INVESCO who has over $500 billion under management, will be making the economic address at this year’s Annual Seminar in the Bahamas. In her role at INVESCO she directs the firm’s Global Investment Solutions and Research Team. Earlier this year, Ms. Garnick was interviewed on the Bloomberg Report where discussed the recent Fed strategies and questioned the existence of a liquidity crisis.
Link to the interview

Act Now! Last Day to Take Advantage of Annual Seminar Early-Bird Discount
     “Early-bird” registrations will be accepted until midnight tonight for annual seminar registrations, that’s only 12 hours left, act fast--don’t wait until tomorrow, now is the time to save $200!
     Use the link at the right to download the complete brochure. Fill out the registration and summary pages and return them via fax to 845-878-4215. If you would like to play golf or volleyball there are still spaces available. Be sure to fill out those forms and return everything together.
     If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Mike Repko at 845-878-4200, ext 120.

NFSA Announces 2008 Golden Sprinkler Award Recipient
     NFSA is pleased to announce Kevin T. Fee as this year’s recipient of the Golden Sprinkler Award, the association’s highest honor. Kevin is one of three third generation owners and operators of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company. He holds the distinction of being the longest tenured Board Member in NFSA history, serving for over 27 years. Totally committed to the continued promotion of the fire sprinkler concept, Kevin is an unwavering supporter of protecting the integrity of fire sprinkler systems and the identity of the fire sprinkler industry as a whole. Our heartiest congratulations go out to this most deserving recipient!

Last Chance for NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar Sponsorship Opportunities!
     In response to many requests from members that for one reason or another were unable to place a bid during the on-line auction process two weeks ago, NFSA is offering what is left in the auction catalog for general sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of these items may be quite popular so time is of the essence! You may secure an item by faxing page 3, “Sponsorship Commitment” to 845/878-4215 as soon as possible! Items that were secured during the auction process have been marked as such for information purposes only. This is a great opportunity to put your company name in front of your peers and fire sprinkler industry leaders at the industry’s premier annual event.
Download the sponsorship form

New Member Benefit for Our Members: NFSA Discount Shipping Program
     NFSA is pleased to announce a new member benefit, the NFSA Discount Shipping Program. Through NFSA's agreement with PartnerShip®, who manages the program, NFSA members enrolled in the free program will receive significant discounts on domestic and international small package and freight shipments through FedEx®, UPS FreightSM and Yellow Transportation, as well as substantial discounts on copying and printing services at select FedEx Kinko's locations nationwide. PartnerShip secured these FREE discounts to provide you with the substantial shipping discounts typically reserved for high-volume shippers. Click on the following link for more information and to enroll in the NFSA Discount Shipping Program http://www.partnership.com/55NFSA. This program is FREE, with no obligations and no minimum volume requirements. If you have any questions, please call PartnerShip directly at 800.599.2902, or email sales@partnership.com.

Deadly Fires Prompt NFSA and Others to Jointly Draft National Fire Warning
     Fires strike across the country, killing on the average nine people each day (one every 162 minutes) and injuring thousands. Each one is a tragedy, and just within the past two weeks we have seen several particularly horrific ones. On average, more than 3,200 people are killed in fires and 16,400 are injured each year and, ironically, over 82% of these deaths occur in the very place that people feel the safest from fire – their homes.
Full press release

Early Bird Cost Savings Will Expire In Two Weeks
     The early-bird deadline for discounted registrations to this year’s Annual Seminar is approaching fast. If you’re still undecided about attending this year’s event to be held May 14-17 at the spectacular Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, now is the time to send in your registration! The money-saving Early Bird program will expire at the end of the day Thursday, April 10—two weeks from today!
     Spend a few days in a beautiful island location while experiencing a program that’s guaranteed to be both educational and fun. For more detailed program information please download the brochure by using the link at the right, just below the photo of the Atlantis. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call Mike Repko at NFSA headquarters at 845-878-4200, ext 120.

Golf in the Bahamas! Spots Still Available at The Ocean Club
May 14, 2008, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start in conjunction with the 2008 Annual Seminar
     This golf course is indeed a classic. . . not what you might expect in the Bahamas. It has been the venue for the Michael Jordan Golf tournament for a number of years. The course conditions in May will be outstanding with lightning fast greens and a stunning backdrop! Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this 18 hole par 72 golf course, featuring breathtaking signature holes and seaside greens and tees, is stretched over 7100 yards of beautiful Bahamian coastline.
     Put together a foursome and sign up today as there are still openings…Special event prizes for men and women include $10,000 for a hole-in-one on Hole #3 which will play only 135 yards. This course is sure to rival the best country clubs you have ever played anywhere in the world!
     For complete conference registration forms click the link below the Atlantis picture at the right.

NFSA Industry Advancement Fund Hits $222,000!
    With the addition of two generous contributions, NFSA’s Industry Advancement Fund now totals $222,000. The Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety has earmarked a $5,000 contribution from its Burn Center Golf Invitational proceeds. L. Nothhaft & Son of Denver, Colorado has also contributed $5,000. The positive and enthusiastic response by the fire sprinkler industry to the IAF is truly inspiring. The IAF is opened to contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, as well as anyone else interested in supporting the fire sprinkler concept. Proceeds from the IAF will be used solely to support industry advancement efforts and to increase the fire sprinkler market. To contribute to the fund and, in turn, to the advancement of your industry, just click on the link at right!

2008 Annual Seminar Sponsorship Auction Winners Announced
     NFSA would like to take this opportunity to recognize the following companies for their participation in this year’s sponsorship auction:
▪ Harvel Plastics Inc. for the two beverage carts at the golf tournament Wednesday, May 14.
▪ Lubrizol for the Contractor’s Forum on Thursday, May 15.
▪ Potter Electric Signal and General Air Products for the lunch at the golf tournament on Wednesday, May 14.
Although many more items were available, these three were the most popular and we thank these companies for their generosity.

NFSA Welcomes Bruce Lecair as New Regional Manager for the West Region
Bruce Lecair, a 31-year fire service veteran, has taken over the position of Regional Manager for NFSA’s West Region, which includes California and Hawaii, following the retirement of Sam Husoe. Bruce joined the Woodland, California Fire Department in January of 1979 and served as Fire Marshal for six years. He served on the Northern California Fire Prevention Officer’s Association Board of Directors for two years. Bruce served on the Title 19/NFPA 25 Ad Hoc Working Group and was deeply involved in the recent code changes now contained in NFPA 25. “We are thrilled to have Bruce as our new regional manager for NFSA’s West Region,” said NFSA President, John Viniello, “Bruce’s experience and dedication to the Fire Protection Industry will serve our members well. We expect Bruce to be a productive and innovative member of the NFSA team.” Bruce can be reached at 25417 Hyacinth Street, Corona, California 92883, or at lecair@nfsa.org, Telephone and Fax 951.377.3517, Cell Phone 951.805.8992.

NFSA Announces 2008 Annual Seminar Sponsorship Program
     We are pleased to announce this year’s annual seminar sponsorship opportunities available to NFSA members. This year’s format will be an online auction—a couple clicks and you’ll be on your way! You’ll have to register for a free username and password with the ReadySetAuction service in order to participate. Be creative—try an alias--let’s be surprised when the winners are announced! Armed with your new identity you’ll be able to place bids at any auction hosted by this site. We anticipate you’ll find this process easy and efficient, no more rushing to send a fax to NFSA.
     This auction will open for bidding at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST, Friday, February 29 and close at 11:45 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, March 19.
     Use the following link or the button at the right to access our auction page.
http://auctions.readysetauction.com/nationalfiresprinkle/

NFSA Board Elects New Slate of Officers at Scottsdale Meeting
     The NFSA Board of Directors has just announced from its meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona the following new slate of officers who will each serve 2-year terms: Gregg Huennekens of United States Fire Protection, Chairman; Dennis Coleman of Engineered Fire Protection, Vice Chairman and Kevin Fee of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Treasurer. It was also announced that Kevin Fee has been selected to be this year’s recipient of the highly coveted Golden Sprinkler Award, the association’s highest honor. He will be presented with the award at the NFSA Annual Seminar being held at the Atlantis in the Bahamas later this year.

Galt First City in Sacramento County to Pass Sprinkler Ordinance
     On Tuesday, March 4th Galt became the first city in Sacramento County to require builders to install fire sprinklers in all new homes and commercial buildings. The 4-1 City Council vote adds Galt to a growing list of jurisdictions in California that have boosted mandates for the life-saving devices. A local official said the requirement will add only about $1 a square foot to home costs. Reductions in homeowners’ insurance by as much as 13 percent will help offset the cost. The North State Building Industry Association opposes the move.
Read the full story

NFSA Annual Seminar Update
     Since the mailing just a few short weeks ago, registrations for the NFSA Annual Seminar being held May 14 – 17 at the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas are coming in at record pace for a non-exhibition year conference. The eight topical workshops scheduled, each developed with the fire sprinkler contractor in mind, will be rounded out by informative speaker sessions. The NFSA room block at the Atlantis is already 2/3’s full, so reservations should be made early.

Industry Advancement Fund Receives $212,000 in Contributions
     The positive response by the Fire Sprinkler Industry to the newly created Industry Advancement Fund (IAF) has been impressive. With the most recent contribution of $5,000 by The McKinstry Company, the fund now totals $212,000. Supporters have rallied behind the idea of a fund that is solely designated for the benefit of the entire fire sprinkler industry. The IAF is opened to contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, as well as anyone else interested in supporting the fire sprinkler concept. Proceeds from the IAF will be used solely to support industry advancement efforts and to increase the fire sprinkler market.

  Dwelling Sprinklers Again Rejected by IRC Committee
     In a repeat of last year’s events, a proposed requirement for sprinklers in single-family homes was rejected by the committee that oversees the development of the International Residential Code. The vote took place at ICC code hearings in Palm Springs, California. As a result, a two-thirds vote will be needed to overturn the committee at the Final Action Hearings scheduled for Minneapolis, Minnesota in September of this year. A parallel proposal to require sprinklers in townhouses was also rejected, but a subsequent floor vote passed by a vote of 87 to 82, automatically generating a public comment that will indicate the majority support expressed at the meeting.

Harvel Plastics and Landmark Sprinkler Each Contribute $2,000 to IAF
     NFSA is very pleased to announce that Harvel Plastics in Easton, Pennsylvania and Landmark Sprinkler out of Lexington, Kentucky have each made a $2000 Industry Supporter contribution to the Industry Advancement Fund (IAF). The IAF now totals $207,000 that will be used toward the continued promotion of the fire sprinkler concept. Follow the link for a complete, updated list of contributors.

Wiginton Corporation Pledge Pushes IAF Over $200K Mark
     Introduced to the fire sprinkler industry just a few short months ago, the Industry Advancement Fund has now received contributions and pledges totaling more than $200K. The latest is a generous pledge of $20,000 from Wiginton Corporation in Orlando, Florida. The $20,000 pledge makes Wiginton Corporation the fund’s first Silver Level promoter. Follow the IAF link at right to join the other dedicated fire sprinkler professionals who have made the decision to give back to the industry.

NFSA Promotes Gengler and Bowman
     NFSA has announced the promotion of Dan Gengler and David Bowman to the newly created positions of Associate Director of Regional Operations. While continuing in their current roles as regional managers – Dan in the North Central region and David in Florida – in their new positions, both will have direct report responsibilities from other regional managers. Regional managers east of the Mississippi River will report to David and those in the west will report to Dan. Both Dan and David will continue to report to Buddy Dewar, NFSA’s Director of Regional Operations.

Complete Fire Protection Contribution Boosts IAF to $183,000
    NFSA is pleased to report that Complete Fire Protection, Inc. in Queen Creek, Arizona has made a generous $5,000 contribution into the Industry Advancement Fund. It is the first of what are expected to be many contributions received through a newly established secure link at the NFSA website dedicated exclusively to the IAF. With Complete Fire Protection’s contribution, the fund now totals $183,000.

NFSA 2008 Annual Seminar Registration Available Online
     Registration materials for this year’s annual seminar being held May 14 – 17 at the Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas are now available online. Look for the link under the Atlantis photo at right. Room reservations can also be made by faxing the hotel reservation form directly to the hotel, details for which can also be found under the Atlantis photo on this page. Remember, passports are now required for travel to the Bahamas.

NFSA Announces Sprinklerman™© Coloring Contest Winners
     From the 160 entries received, double the number from last year’s contest, NFSA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2007 Sprinklerman™© Coloring Contest. Each winner will receive a $50 U.S. savings bond.
3-4 year old, Angelina Smith from Illinois; 5-7 year old, Hannah Maus from Iowa; 8-9 year old, Dylan Lima from New Hampshire; 10-12 year old, Lizeth Hernandez from New York. Congratulations to all the winners. Special thanks go out to all who entered.

NFSA Illinois Chapter Contributes $15,000 to IAF
     The National Fire Sprinkler Association has announced that the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board - Illinois Chapter of NFSA has made a generous contribution of $15,000 to the Industry Advancement Fund (IAF). With this contribution, which will be used to support the development of programs and initiatives to advance the fire sprinkler concept, the fund now stands at $178,000. To join with other dedicated fire sprinkler industry companies and individuals who have made the choice to give back, follow the secure link at right and make a contribution today.

NFSA Announces Theme for 2008 Annual Seminar
     The theme for this year's Annual Seminar is "NFSA...Making Waves." Scheduled for May 14 - 17 at the Atlantis on Paradise Island, Bahamas, a program of informative workshop and plenary session topics has been assembled to provide a glimpse into how NFSA is, well, making waves. Registration materials will be available right here next week. Look for an updated link under the Atlantis photo at right.

NFSA Area Director Election Results Announced
     NFSA is pleased to announce the results of recently conducted elections for Area Directors. NFSA Area Directors hold positions on the association’s board of directors. In the race for the at-Large Director seat, Fred Kroll of Alliance Fire Protection was elected. In area elections, Donald DeLuca of SRI Fire Sprinkler Corporation was re-elected in Area 1. Wayne Gey of Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinkler was re-elected in Area 4. Gregg Huennekens of United States Fire Protection was re-elected in Area 6. Todd Little of RCI Systems was re-elected in Area 9 and Kent Mezaros of Quick Response Fire Protection was elected in Area 2. Each will serve 3-year terms.

NFSA Welcomes New Chapter
     NFSA is very pleased to welcome the Tennessee Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association (TFSCA) as its newest state chapter. The announcement comes following the conclusion of a two-year pilot program in which members of the Tennessee Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association were able to take advantage of all the services, resources and benefits of NFSA membership. NFSA Southeast Regional Manager and TFSCA Executive Director, Wayne Waggoner, deserves a tremendous amount of the credit and is the contact for additional details about this very exciting partnership.

NFSA to Testify Today on Fire Sprinkler Retrofit Bill in Columbia, SC
     This morning, Wednesday, January 9th is the first day of public hearings as the state of South Carolina begins hearing testimony on Bill S921, a comprehensive piece fire sprinkler retrofit legislation being introduced by Senator David Thomas. In addition to including fire sprinkler retrofit requirements, the bill also provides for a tax credit for the installation of fire sprinklers. Testifying on behalf of the fire sprinkler industry is NFSA’s Jim Dalton, Director of Public Fire Protection.

NFSA Industry Advancement Fund Hits $163,000
     NFSA is very pleased to report that pledges to the Industry Advancement Fund now total $163,000. The most recent pledges include a $50,000 Platinum Level Sponsorship from SimplexGrinnell – the highest level of sponsorship and first of its kind so far, $10,000 Bronze Level Sponsorship from Allied Tube & Conduit and a $5,000 Industry Promoter Sponsorship from System Sensor.
View the story here

American Institute of Architects and NFSA Partner to Present Sprinkler Advantage Programs
    
Over the last 5 years as part of that mission NFSA has delivered over 150 no cost seminars to architectural students at 44 universities in 22 states. These seminars have been so well accepted they have become part of the annual curriculum wherever presented. The seminars contain highlights of the full Design Advantage Seminars delivered to practicing architects nationwide for over 10 years.
      Last year, the contracted rate for the Design Advantage seminars was $3000.00 plus the cost of the textbooks. This year, due to the receipt of a very generous grant to promote fire protection, NFSA can offer this seminar at no charge to AIA Chapters.  It is being offered on a very limited basis so early scheduling is a must.
     The same program is also available for colleges or universities and can be customized in length to accommodate the availability of time within the school and instructor's schedule.

     For additional information or to check for available dates Gene B. Endthoff at Endthoff@NFSA.ORG  or by phone 914-414-3334.


NFSA New Reference Book into Second Printing

     NFSA’s new reference book, Layout, Detailing and Calculation of Fire Sprinkler Systems, has been a runaway success. The first printing sold out in only nine weeks. With more than 700 pages of information, this is the most complete text ever written for the fire sprinkler engineering technician. The second printing has arrived and orders are being filled. Use the below link to order today before they are all gone.
Download order form here

Water Purveyors Guide Now Available
Our public water distribution network is one of the most reliable and most commonly used sources of water for fire sprinkler systems. With six model codes now recommending the installation of sprinklers in homes, NFSA has recognized the technical importance and challenges of providing an approved water supply. NFSA now has a Water Purveyor’s Guide to assist them in preparing policies for the expansion in the number of sprinklered homes in their jurisdictions.
View the document here

IAFC and NFSA Partners Issuing Guide for Adoption of Residential Sprinkler Mandates
The International Association of Fire Chiefs and the NFSA announced that they are making available a document titled "Residential Fire Sprinklers...A Step-by-Step Approach for Communities."  As noted by IAFC President, Chief Randy Breugman, the guide will be available on the web sites of both organizations for easy access by the nation's fire chiefs.
The document is structured in four booklets covering Planning and Research, Preparation, Presentation and Adoption, and Customer Service and Maintenance, Challenges and Appeals.  The NFSA is indebted to the IAFC for their support of the project and to consultant Steve Hart and NFSA Director of Public Fire Protection, Jim Dalton, who worked many long hours to bring this project to completion.
Obtain the Document
  
Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and Money . . . The Economics of Retrofit
     Fire sprinkler systems have been required for years by local codes and ordinances because they provide relatively simple, extremely reliable, affordable fire protection. But because they have been mandated by law, many building owners, architects and specifying engineers see them as an "extra" in construction. They sometimes go to great lengths to avoid sprinkler protection.
     In reality, sprinklers not only provide excellent fire protection, they also represent an excellent investment opportunity for building owners. This paper will look at sprinklers from a purely monetary perspective.
Obtain the document here

Residential Fire Sprinkler White Paper
Buddy Dewar, NFSA's Director of Regional Operations, has prepared a "must read" paper on the economic and insurance perspectives of installing automatic fire sprinklers for life safety.  The entire paper is available on his page in the Department Section in PDF format.  If you want to have all the facts that support the need for residential fire sprinklers, this document is invaluable.  If you are merely considering them for your own home, you cannot afford to miss reading Buddy's paper.

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