Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County Honored With Chapter of The Year Award 2023

The Chapter of the Year Award is presented to an International Code Council chapter that best promotes the goals and mission of the organization. During the Code Council’s 2023 Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the 2023 Chapter of the Year was awarded to the Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County (B.I.A.N.C.O.). 

In recent years, B.I.A.N.C.O. has supported local youth through championing education and holding meetings with legislators and fire marshals ensuring the safety of building structures. 

Steve Haramis, President of B.I.A.N.C.O. from the Village of Hewlett Harbor, accepted the award on behalf of his team.

“To [receive] Chapter of the Year is very honorable”, said Haramis. “We are so proud as an organization to get that. We go above and beyond…to educate our members. That’s what feels good…is when you actually get the recognition from your peers.”

Championing Education Through Mentorship and Scholarship

As an organization that champions education, community and building safety, B.I.A.N.C.O. is dedicated to supporting local youth and its members. Haramis and his team actively participate in local events hosted by high schools, offering mentorship and scholarship opportunities.

They present students with the various career options available in building safety, such as becoming an inspector. This not only builds students’ confidence but also promotes the longevity of the inspection industry. High schoolers are given the chance to shadow organization members, learning everything from code formulation to compliance. Those who participate in shadowing, attend meetings and pursue building inspection courses in higher education have the opportunity to receive scholarships.

This initiative also benefits B.I.A.N.C.O. members who seek to advance their careers or stay updated on new developments. Together, with the help of its members, legislation and the greater community, B.I.A.N.C.O. is shaping the future of the building industry.

“The biggest accomplishment for me is being able to mentor people in this industry… telling them about different certifications, classes and educational opportunities. Then people in our industry [get] to move up the ladder. So we pride ourselves [on] that especially,” Haramis said. “I always tell people nobody can ever take the education away from you. So whatever knowledge you have in this field, it’s only going to help your career.”

Empowering Locals Through Promoting Building Safety

Haramis extends an open invitation to everyone to join B.I.A.N.C.O. He recognizes that the organization’s work impacts not only its members but also everyday people who are updating their homes or engaging with construction sites. Haramis encourages locals to communicate their needs, ask questions, and, more recently, to view inspectors as allies.

Inspectors have the responsibility and pleasure of working with locals to ensure their safety by educating them on the latest rules and developments within the construction industry. With the rapid advancements in construction and inspection, there are always opportunities for organization members to learn and enhance their skills. This continuous learning enables them to better serve the communities of Nassau County. 

B.I.A.N.C.O. is committed to sharing vital information on topics ranging from demolition and construction to fire safety. The classes offered all share a common goal: keeping everyone safe.

“The minimum standard in New York [for educational opportunities within inspection] is 24 hours. Last year we gave about 52 hours of classes. So we don’t just do the bare minimum. We look to educate our members so that we’re all on the same page, on the same team. And we work very well together, hand in hand.”

Community Ties Contribute Towards B.I.A.N.C.O.’s Success

Legislators have also played a role in the success of B.I.A.N.C.O. when it comes to promoting building safety. In their support of the organization, they offer spaces where Haramis and his team can host free classes. They also spread B.I.A.N.C.O’s message to a wider audience of locals by speaking to issues like compliance and/or fire safety. The organization’s work has created a cycle of information flow between themselves, the community and the city council.

“That is a big, big part of what we do, working with the county officials. When you go to a county official and you’re asking them to support you on something that you believe in…they don’t have to support you, but they often do.”

Haramis’ welcomes and appreciates their support, allowing it to fuel him in supporting his staff, and local youth. His impact, and that of the organization, has transcended events and meetings, empowering students and organization members to pursue higher education and careers in the field. Many of them have written letters to B.I.A.N.C.O. thanking them for their efforts.

When asked about the impact of his role and the greater organization, Haramis said, “I’m the person that likes to work through the obstacles. If there’s a way, let’s figure out a way. Let’s fix it. I love the community I work in. I love all the constituents and I want to make sure everybody’s safe. And, when I say me, it’s the organization. We all do.”

The Code Council celebrates Steve Haramis and the Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County, New York, winning the 2023 Code Council Chapter of the Year Award.

To learn more about the Code Council’s annual awards, visit the dedicated webpage here.