Greetings BOAT family and friends,
Wow! Who would have ever imagined we’d be faced with, and working through, this incredibly trying challenge in our nation and our great state? But, Texans are tough, resilient, and have grit. When faced with adversity, we find ways to get the job done and we grow stronger through it all.
From the beginning of this unusual and challenging trial, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with, email, and work with many of you. I’ve been very impressed and inspired by the creativity, resilience, and tenacity I’ve witnessed. I know many of you have ramped up and created new, more efficient, and effective ways to get your jobs done and to serve your customers. I believe when we overcome this challenge and have it behind us; we will all realize that we’re better because of it.
It’s been a busy and productive year for BOAT. Our February Houston BPI was a success. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we made the difficult decision to cancel our North Texas BPI, West Texas Regional Training in El Paso, and our annual BOAT Conference scheduled for Georgetown in August. The biggest disappointment, in my opinion, is not being able to be with and share that time with you. And obviously, not being able to offer the educational opportunities we all benefit from.
With that being said, I’m very excited to inform you, if you’re not already aware, that BOAT/BPI has ramped up and is currently offering online educational courses. Just click here https://boatx.org/bpi/, hit the virtual training button, and take a look. The available classes include a six-hour IRC wood framing course, a three-hour IRC means of egress course, and a three-hour safety glazing course. As I write this message, we are working to produce additional courses on advanced exiting, code enforcement, which includes the required one hour legal training, and electrical, which includes the basics for the combination inspector. We’re definitely looking forward to resuming BPIs in person when we can but are thrilled to make these online classes available now.
On behalf of the BOAT Board, I want to welcome all the new members and thank you for joining. We look forward to meeting, getting to know, and serving you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s any way we can assist you.
BOAT committees are currently being formed. If you have an interest or passion for the work a committee may undertake over the next several months, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the committee chair or myself and express your desire to help out. Or, if you simply have an idea about something a committee could consider working on, let us know. Find committee information and details at https://boatx.org/leadership/committees/.
Lastly, I want to congratulate all of our 2020 award and scholarship recipients: https://boatx.org/2020-winners/ The BOAT Board was honored to recognize you, and we are proud of you. Keep up the great work.
As you and BOAT work together as first preventers, we are building a safer Texas. Thank you for all you do for your communities and our great state. The best is yet to come!
Jeffrey Widmer, CBO
President, BOAT
Building Official, City of Rockwall