Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/233313
SPECIAL / REPORT | by Howard Shingle | Taking the O pportunity Protection and mitigation 2013 industry gathers at stormEXP The storm protection and mitigation industry gathered at StormEXPO 2013, the inaugural product exhibit and educational program produced by Storm & Security Protection magazine. Held at the B Ocean Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL, September 26 and 27, StormEXPO offered the opportunity to bring together storm and impact protection suppliers and dealers, builders, and industry representatives for informational product exhibits and educational seminars. On the penthouse level of the hotel, the vendor area of StormEXPO was opened for a Thursday evening reception and then for all attendees all day on Friday. Industry manufacturers and suppliers exhibited products and services from fasteners to shutters, fabric opening protection, abatement systems, engineering and testing services, accessories and industry associations. More than 20 premium exhibit booths and tabletop displays were presented. Need to Know The StormEXPO 2013 educational seminars began Thursday afternoon with Frank Bennardo leading a session on lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy. Bennardo showcased dramatic photos of the aftermath of the superstorm that ravaged the Mid-Atlantic and New England in October 2012. Bennardo spent 12 weeks working at ground zero Networking and meeting up with colleagues was the agenda for the StormEXPO 2013 VIP and IHPA Member Reception held in the vendor area. 16 after Sandy and brought back critical lessons and information on the importance of proper design and construction against future design wind and surge events. Bennardo's seminar was followed by Darius Grimes speaking on expanding business opportunities for contractors, manufactures and suppliers by supporting and building to The FORTIFIED Home criteria launched by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) in 2010. The program, with various levels for new construction and existing homes, reduces exposure to preventable losses resulting in stronger, safer buildings. Key to the program is that some states and insurance companies offer credits to homeowners complying with the program. These homeowner incentives present opportunities for builders and mitigation professionals. "The awareness of business opportunities is critical to the ability to not survive but grow your business," Grimes said. The remaining seminar sessions were held Friday morning and afternoon. Building code consultant Joe Belcher led a CEU-accredited course summarizing the changes between the 2010 and 2013 Florida Building Codes. The session provided a strong basis for making sure suppliers of mitigation and protection products are in compliance with the newest, updated codes. "While there are many aspects to running a successful hurricane protection business, knowledge of the code is fundamental to making certain you are in compliance with the law," Belcher said. The afternoon sessions were led by William York and Don Leggett. York's seminar covered the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, which verifies for insurance purposes the protection products a homeowner has in place. "One of the biggest problems homeowners have is providing proof that their protection products meet the required standards," York said. The seminar showed attendees how to complete the opening protection section of the form and also covered changes in roof coverings, roof-to-wall connections and gable end bracing. Surviving changes to America's health care system is vital to every business, especially small businesses. In September, when Leggett presented the Health Care STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / IBS PREVIEW 2014