ICC Region II Spans Six States with a Unique Range
The International Code Council’s Pacific Northwest Region II covers a diverse area serving 28 member chapters across six states. Encompassing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming, Region II employs vastly different construction methods, seismic zones, high and low elevations from oceans to mountains to plains and permafrost.
The International Code Council’s Pacific Northwest Region II covers a uniquely diverse area serving 28 member chapters across six states.
Encompassing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming, Region II employs vastly different construction methods, seismic zones, high and low elevations from oceans to mountains to plains and permafrost.
“Even with these differences, we all speak the same code language, have a lot of the same common issues and are like a happy blended family,” said Ted Zuk, CBO, Development Services Director, Jackson County, Oregon and Vice President, Region II. “The camaraderie and friendships formed are an important part of who we are as a region.”
New & Notable: Boosting Member Support, Services and Recognition
“Region II, led by President Cache Olsen, a Plans Examiner II for the City of Nampa, Idaho, focuses on supporting its member chapters across its expansive and diverse area,” said Zuk.
“We inform members of all educational events through our state and regional chapter trainings, our job opportunities page and through our monthly business meetings,” said Zuk. “We also offer virtual training.”
Pending approval from the Code Council Board of Directors, the Eastern Oregon Building Code Officials Association will be formally inducted as a new Region II Code Council chapter at the 2024 Code Council Annual Conference, Expo and Hearings which will be held in Long Beach, CA in October.
Additionally, Region II’s latest initiative is a new website designed to streamline activities for members and staff, offering easier navigation and enhanced capabilities for updates.
“It also enables e-commerce for membership dues, merchandise, raffles or other items on the website instead of having to invoice and take info over the phone or by check,” said Zuk.
Zuk said Region II is also working to support a new Women in Code Enforcement and Development (WICED) chapter that continues to generate interest. Region II’s LinkedIn page features a call for members who are interested in joining.
Members and organizations of Region II have also been recognized for their notable work and accomplishments in the building safety industry. In 2023 alone, several members earned Code Council awards, including:
- Andy Higgins, 2023 Emory R. Rodgers Leadership in Building Safety Fellowship
- Oregon Permit Tech Association, 2023 W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award
- Dan Carlson, 2023 Raising the Profile Award for his work with the Chemeketa Community College Chapter
- Tela Gardner, PermitTechNation Member of the Year
Giving back and volunteering is a cornerstone of Region II’s mission.
“Region II members also participated in volunteer events held by member chapters such as the Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity build, various local outreach efforts in several states promoting our profession to high school and prospective recruits and the 2023 PTN Habitat for Humanity Day of Service in St. Louis,” said Zuk.
2024 Code Council Annual Conference Lineup: First Raffle, New Chapter Induction and Much More
Region II is casting a wider net at the 2024 Code Council Annual Conference. In addition to inducting its new chapter, activities include its first fundraiser raffle, a popular social gathering and more.
“Region II always looks forward to the Code Council’s Annual Business Meeting,” said Zuk. “It is really the only chance with such a large geographical region to get together and meet in person. We also get to see, reconnect and network with all our other friends from other regions and states.”
The inaugural raffle grand prize features a Montana destination fishing trip: a full-day guided float trip for two, donated by Ben Abbey at Montana Troutfitters that includes a $500 travel stipend. Raffle tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased on Region II’s website.
“It seemed like a fun way to connect with hopefully not just our region but other regions in the Code Council,” said Zuk. “We hope this endeavor is successful and maybe have salmon fishing in Oregon or Washington or halibut fishing in Alaska in the future.”
Zuk said that Region II members will also volunteer at this year’s PTN Day of Service for the Century Villages of Cabrillo playhouse and beautification project serving veterans and their families.
Additionally, Region II will also host an increasingly popular social gathering for its members that has now expanded to include sponsors.
“We learned quickly from that occasion just how much we have grown as a chapter and how much of a cohesive group we have become,” said Zuk. “It also necessitated us getting outside sponsorship help.”
Learn more about and get involved with the International Code Council’s Pacific Northwest Region II here. For more information about the Code Council’s regional chapters, click here.
About the Author
Lorelei K. Harloe is an independent communication partner and writer to national trade associations, primarily in the building, architecture and energy industries. She has held leadership roles with professional groups and is located in the Washington, D.C. area. Her outside interests include hiking, golf, teaching English as a Second Language and other volunteer activities.
