Citrus Belt Chapter encourages emerging leaders

The Citrus Belt Chapter of ICC held its Annual Banquet and officer installation Feb. 17 in Calimesa, Calif. This chapter holds the distinction of being the oldest chapter of ICC, including the original legacy organizations. Originally founded in 1948, the Citrus Belt Chapter has served its members without a single interruption, and celebrates its 68th complete year.

Outgoing Chapter President Keith Hightower acknowledged the hard work by his predecessors, and many of the Chapter Past Presidents were in the audience to receive his gracious appreciation. International Code Council Board of Directors member Stuart Tom acknowledged the chapter for its continued efforts to encourage students and other young individuals to enter the code enforcement and code administration profession. He placed particular attention to the fact that one of the incoming chapter officers for 2017 is currently a full-time student who has been deeply involved with the chapter for the past few years.

Incoming Chapter President Ricardo Jacquez concluded the evening by acknowledging that the Citrus Belt Chapter will continue its legacy of encouraging students to get involved in chapter events and committees. He is proud to indicate that he also was a full-time student when he first joined the Citrus Belt Chapter, and was still a student when he was first installed as a chapter officer. It is quite fitting that as a past student member of the chapter, he has been sworn in as President for 2017, while Michael Duncan follows in his footsteps as a student who is now the Chapter Treasurer. Both President Jacquez and Treasurer Duncan give credit to Past Chapter President Patricia Link (2010 & 2011), who continues to encourage students in Inspection Technology to join the Citrus Belt Chapter. As a side note, Michael Duncan received his ICC Building Inspector Certification last week.