Salute to Construction: Southwest Missouri Code Officials

SMCO is a nonprofit organization formed to afford a voice in the development of code standards and to exchange views on the impact and implementation of various code requirements at the local level.

The organization’s members are local professionals in code enforcement, building design, technical systems and fabrication. Membership is open for professionals in 22 southwest Missouri counties, but members from other nearby communities in the four-state area would be welcome, as the codes are a widely adopted standard.

SMCO works with the International Code Council to present educational seminars focused on various aspects of the codes, changes to the codes and implementation of the codes into building design and construction. Attendees are awarded continuing education credits toward professional licenses, inspection certifications and other professional credentials.

This year SMCO has sponsored seminars on the development of safe and sustainable standards for a proposed green code standard and fire-stopping systems. Future topics include the Simpson anchorage systems for concrete and wood-frame structures. Seminar fees are kept at a minimum due to the efforts of the SMCO membership and officers, resulting in reduced costs for continuing education, code books and standards, professional tools and clothing, and technical information resources for the 120-member group.

SMCO funds a scholarship for Ozarks Technical Community College students pursuing careers in construction or code enforcement. The group is proud to be part of Salute to Construction, promoting the construction industry in southwest Missouri and providing speakers to various schools to discuss career opportunities in construction with students.

Art Dotson is treasurer of Southwest Missouri Code Officials. For more information, visit www.smcoweb.org.