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CFSEI CONFERENCE, ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPO
   

During May 26 – 27, 2010, the Atlanta/Southeast chapter of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineer's Institute (CFSEI) hosted the CFSEI conference, national meeting, and expo at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in downtown Atlanta.  There were over 120 participants and 22 sponsors, which included exhibitors and attendees from as far away as California and Hawaii.  “The local chapter volunteers really did a great job of pulling this meeting together, and making both sponsors and exhibitors feel welcome.” stated outgoing CFSEI President John Matsen. “They set a high bar for future CFSEI events.”

The CFSEI Operating Procedures require an annual meeting of the membership for installation of officers, to provide an open forum for members to discuss ways the CFSEI can better meet their mission, and to help attendees learn more about CFS framing.  This once-a-year meeting has grown into what is now a full conference and show: including seventeen educational sessions, 19 exhibitors, 22 sponsors, and extensive opportunities for networking and continuing education.  Thursday’s keynote luncheon was from marketing expert Pam Scott of Armstrong Scott Consulting, discussing how to grow engineering practices in tough times, and how to market to engineers and architects.  Wednesday’s over-the-top dinner (the incredibly elaborate and beautiful desert table was the topic of many conversations) and awards banquet included keynote speaker Tim Reinhold of Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).  Dr. Reinhold discussed the new multi-hazard testing facility currently being built in South Carolina, which will include whole-house testing for wind and windborne debris.  Both presentations were well received, with attendees finding the educational sessions engaging and worthwhile. 

The conference closed on Thursday evening with the State of the Institute address by outgoing CFSEI president John Matsen (of Matsen Ford Design Associates, Inc., Waukesha, Wis.) followed by the swearing in of three new CFSEI directors, and the new president and vice-president of the institute. Sutton Stephens of Kansas State University was elected to a second 2-year term on the board, and was sworn in with new board members John Lyons (of Walter P. Moore & Associates Atlanta office) and Howard Lau (of Shigemura, Lau, Sakanashi, Higuchi and Associates, Inc. in Honolulu.) In addition, Ed Kile (of Structuneering, Inc., Houston) was sworn in as CFSEI vice-president, and Bill Babich (of ITW Building Components Group Inc., Haines City, Fla.) was sworn in as the new CFSEI president.

Bill Babich then led the annual meeting forum where participants expressed ideas for new ways the CFSEI could help the industry as well as their engineer and non-engineer members. 

The next CFSEI expo is planned for Spring, 2011.  Details will be posted to www.cfsei.org as they become available.
Robert Warr (left) of ClarkWestern Design coordinates volunteers.
 
Atlanta/Southeast President Mitch Hughes of DSi Engineering opens the conference.
 
Steel Framing Alliance (SFA) president Don Moody of NuconSteel gives opening keynote.
 
Sutton Stephens, was re-elected to a two-year term on the board of directors.
   
Attendees at opening keynote: Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atlanta   Attendees at opening keynote: Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atlanta
     
Volunteers from ClarkWestern Design staff the registration desk   Atlanta/Southeast board member Bill Holley of Infinity Structures (right) takes a break with Steve McDaniel of Marino\Ware
     
Scott Bundy and Hien Nguyen of Simpson Strong-Tie taken in the show   Tim Grant and Bill Gould of Hilti watch opening remarks from their booth
     
Incoming CFSEI president Bill Babich (left) discusses strategy with outgoing president John Matsen (center) and Florida Chapter president Barry Edie.   Board member Jay Larson (left) with Terry Westerman (center) and Ryan Smith of ClarkWestern.
     
Board members Rick Haws and Sutton Stephens are recognized for their past two years of service   John Lyons of Walter P. Moore & Associates provides introduction for keynote speaker Tim Reinhold of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).
     
Dr. Reinhold receives “Lab Apparel” from CFSEI Technical Director Don Allen.   Ed Kile (center) of Structuneering, Inc. is pleased when notified of his election as CFSEI vice-president, as Barry Edie (left) and Jeff Klaiman provide encouragement.
     
Randy Shackelford of Simpson Strong-Tie presents wind design with steel.   Maria Elliott of ClarkWestern Design provides volunteer assistance at registration.
     
Pam Scott of Armstrong Scott, Inc. provides Thursday’s keynote luncheon, while John Lyons looks on.   Board members Jay Larson (left) and Rick Haws (center) discuss the role of the CFSEI with AISI Vice-President of Construction Market Development Robert Wills.
     
From left: new directors Sutton Stephens and John Lyons are sworn in alongside new CFSEI president and vice-president Bill Babich and Ed Kile, by CFSEI Technical Director Don Allen. Not pictured, new director Howard Lau.   In his new role as CFSEI president, Bill Babich leads the CFSEI annual meeting.
     
 
 
 
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