Document ZBGyRm7rRKRo2q4X3RX0xn5wJ

Association Mr. Ci W, Lehnert..Cypeua Div'n OeorgU-Pacifle - TLgard, Or. 1603 Orrington Ave.. Suite 1210 Evanston. Illinois 60201 (312) 491-1744 \v"af i MAY 1 8 1978 My 15, 1978 TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE GYPSUM ASSOCIATION Gentlemen; Enclosed for your information and file is a copy of the minutes of the Gypsum Association Annual Meeting held April P 1573 at The Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois Yours very truly, AVA:nc Enc1osure A. Victor Abnee, Jj Executive Vice President PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT \aJlM22lD MINUTES ANNUAL MEETING THE DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO. ILLINOIS April 12. 1978 The 49th annual meeting of the Gypsum Association was called to order by President E.J. Killian at 9:00 a.m.t April 12, 1978, in The Drake Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Ki1 Iian welcomed all in attend ance and expressed pleasure at the excellent representation from all member companies and non-member companies. All present were asked to introduce themselves and state their affiliation. The following were present: -- J. Fisch E. R. Kiehl W. G. Lees W. J. Barney R. L. Murray C. T. Upshaw 0. E; Burch J. D. Friedlein J. R Hurd G. E. Wi1 son G. 1. Fischer N. F. Garceau J. L. Maddox W. B. Hoffman E. J. Killian R. L. 2a 1 e D. L. Cook 0. M. Montgomery G. E Burgeson R. P. Sma r t J. D. Cornell J. H. Crumbaugh R. P. Entz R. P. Faust H. D. Gobrecht M. L. Hipsher K. E. Mohler R. L. Selbe T. S Turton The Celotex Corporation The Celotex Corporation The Celotex Corporation The Flintkote Company The Flintkote Company The Flintkote Company Georgia-Pacific Corporation Georgia-Pacific Corporation Georgia-Pacific Corporation Georgia-Pacific Corporation Grand Rapids Gypsum Company Grand Rapids Gypsum Company Grand Rapids Gypsum Company Gold Bond Building Products Division of National Gypsum Company Gold Bond Building Products Division of National Gypsum Company Gold Bond Building Products Division of National Gypsum Company Republic Gypsum Company Repub!ic Gypsum Company Temple, Division of Temple-Eastex Incorporated Temple, Division of Temple-Eastex Incorporated United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company United States Gypsum Company 2- J. Rutherford 0. R Macdonald J. T. Rank A. V. Abnee, Jr. H. H. Brenner H. B. Carlsen R. W. Grove T. D. MacQueen F. J. Rogers Western Gypsum Company Division of Drywall Supply, Legal Counsel Legal Counsel Gypsum Association Gypsum Association Gypsum Association Gypsum Association Gypsum Association Gypsum Association Inc. Guests; C. Gessler J. E. Gillespie F. Smith Weyerhaeuser Company Domtar Construction Haterials, Ltd Domtar Construction Haterials, Ltd HEHORlAp^ President Killian, on behalf of the gypsum industry, expressed the sadness felt by all in the passing of two esteemed colleagues since the last meeting.' In respect to the memory of Hr. Chester E. Abbey and Hr. Clifford Gramer, the membership assembled observed a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF HINUTES On motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes of the October 12-13. 1977 semiannual meeting were approved as distributed by the Secretary. REPORT OF THE SAFETY COMHITTEE Chairman J. R. Hurd presented the report of the Safety Committee. On January 1, 1977, a new Association Safety Contest utilizing the OSHA recordkeeping system as a basis for our industry figures was begun. The industry incident rate for 1977 was 8.08 based on 821 cases, or an increase of 10.7 per cent over the 1976 incident rate. A summary of these statistics was included with the annual report to the membership. Hr. Hurd emphasized the need 4or all industry segments to turn this trend around by implementing and enforcing plant safety programs. Winners of the Association Safety Contest Awards for .1977 were as follows: Presidential United States Gypsum Company Shoals, Indiana Citation United States Gypsum Company Norfolk, Virginia Triumph National Gypsum Company Tampa, Florida 3- - Peerless - United States Gypsum Company Philadelphia, Pennsylvania It was announced the following six plants had achieved an incidence rating of zero for 1977: The Flintkote Company Savannah, Georgia National Gypsum Company Tampa, Florida United States Gypsum Company Gypsum, Ohio United States Gypsum Company Shoals, Indiana United States Gypsum Company Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States Gypsum Company New Orleans, Louisiana Mr. Hurd reported the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act became law on November 9. 1977- Enforcement began March 9, 1978. Enactment of the new law repeals the Federal Metal and Non-metal lie Mine Safety Act of 1966 and places mine safety enforcement under the Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Some major provisions of the new law are that underground mines re quire at least four inspections per year while surface mines would require two inspections. A maximum penalty of $10,000 can be assessed for each violation with a $1,000 per day fine for violations not immediately corrected within 30 days. Mandatory training of mine personnel is required at the operators expense. Although the law supersedes state enforcement plans, federal funds will remain avail able for state safety training activities. The Department of Health, Education and Welfare will also be conducting health inspections under this law. Advisory committees have been established for health and safety research activities. A committee to review current Mine Enforcement Safety Administration (MESA) advisory standards has met. Mr. Zimmerman of National Gypsum Company is a member of the committee. The Association will be closely monitoring these activities. Chairman Hurd reported the Safety Committee is developing a series of informative programs designed for use by the gypsum operations to gain a knowledge of their responsibilities under the new mine safety law. A taped slide presentation of the first of these programs was given to the membership. -k- Other programs would deal with specific provisions of the law, such as mandatory training. In addition to this program series, the committee recommended that one-day training seminars be conducted for member companies, including briefing on the mine safety law. It is proposed that the seminar be held in Central United States follow ing implementation of MSHA activities. Existing Association safety programs will be modified to include educational programs dealing with the new mine safety law. Mr. Hurd requested approval of $1500 for the development and implementation of these important programs. OSHA has a commendable program under way to revoke 1700 non-essential safety standards. The Association has sent a letter of support for this activity to Secretary Bingham. _OSHA has introduced a new activity called "New Directions in Training and Education." It includes a plan for a'nationwide competition for grants to support safety programs. Four categories have been established for monetary awards. These are: (1) labor, (2) employer associations, (3) educational institutions, and (4) organizations not irt the first three but which can undertake pro grams of equal merit. The committee requested support for the Association to enter competition for a portion of the $2.7 million funded. OSHA noise and silica standards are anticipated during the next year. The Association will closely follow these activities. MSHA and NIOSH are influencing all federal agencies to promulgate stricter health regulations concerning mineral fibers, . while MESA has proposed lower permissible limits on nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide resulting from the operation of diesel equipment underground. The Association intends to appear at public hearings on this issue. Mr. Hurd reported the Safety Committee is developing Volume III of the Plant Safety Training Program, and requested approval of $1800 to support this important work. It was reported the script for a new industrial safety training film was being reviewed in anticipation of film produc tion later in 1978. The committee requested approval of $23>925 for film production and promotional materials for this undertaking. Plans are underway to prepare a new safety decal with the caption: "Your Safety Depends On You." The new decal should be available to member companies in late 1978. The one-day Safety Seminars have been well received. The supervisor oriented programs have been modified to include case study and role playing situations which have generated enthusiasm. The committee intends to continue these at a rate of four per year. 5- - Mr. Killian thanked Chairman Hurd for his detailed report and remarked on the competence and professionalism of the committee in meeting its many challenges. REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE Chairman H. D. Gobrecht presented the report of the Traffic Committee which detailed the many legislative changes affect ing traffic and transportation throughout the United States in 1977, and generously supplemented his presentation with slides to clarify the many issues that are anticipated in 1978 and 1979. The Carter Administration favors the deregulation of the transportation industry in the belief that greater competition and lower rates would occur. In Hr. Gobrecht's opinion, this could lead to negotiation of rates, disruption of the entire system affecting service, afid. ^causing business failures among carriers. Moderate re form and modernization of the system would be a~better goal. Some of the results expected of this concept are expedited proceedings; more carrier management prerogatives through less govern ment interference; imposition of user charges on waterways, highways and airways; reallocation of traffic; increased private trucking; and strengthening of strong carriers, while weak carriers would suffer. Mr. Gobrecht reviewed a number of current legislative bills and noted their affect on the Association. The Mississippi River Locks and Dam 26 bill to authorize new locks and dam at Alton, Illinois and establish user charges is being considered and will affect government expenditures for waterway projects. The Cargo Claims Adjustment Act of 1977 gives the ICC power to adjudicate loss and damage claims. The bill permits recovery of attorney fees when decisions favor the claimant. The Department of Transportation is developing compromises to the legislation. The Association may need to write to the Congress on this issue. In the motor carrier area, the independent truckers state bill would exempt owner-operators from regulation by the ICC. The Traffic Committee opposes this concept. The Federal Transportation Improvement Act of 1977 would abolish the Highway Trust Fund, place motor fuel .taxes into the general treasury, provide a 90/10 per cent federal funding for all transportation, and seek to reduce highway weight limits from 80,000 to 73,000 pounds. The Association will advise the.Senate of their opposition to the weight reduction. The Uniform Standards for Motor Carriers Bill would author ize the Department of Transportation to establish mandatory standards for motor carrier regulation .i n vehicle size and weight, operator certification and speed limits. The Association is monitoring this bill. 6- - Action on the Motor Carrier Act of 1977 is anticipated in Congress and would liberalize requirements for entry into for-hire motor hauling. The Diesel Fuel and Gasoline Conservation Act to permit freight allowances to customers who arrange to pick up articles by private trucking is being considered. The committee is following this legislation, expected in 1979- Federal legislation affecting railroads includes the Rail Rehabilitation Act of 1977 which would transfer rights-of-way to the federal government. Railroads would pay user fees for use of roadbeds. Action is expected to be delayed pending Cbnrail studies. The committee is generally opposed to the Act. The State Rail Freight Assistance Act of 1977 provides for continuation of the period during which the government pays 100 per cent of*~the cost of rail rehabilitation, maintenance and improve ment of rail properties. The Traffic Committee is watching the progress of this legislation. On the issue of state highway weight limitations, bills to permit weights of 80,000 pounds have been considered in Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee, and Illinois. Only the Iowa and Illinois bills are active, as bills in Maryland, Missouri and In diana died while Tennessee reacted unfavorably. Bills in Connecti cut and Mississippi have also died. The Gypsum Association has attended hearings and actively supported the weight increase in the various states. In regard to regulatory agencies, the Regulation for Pay ment of Freight Charges, and Implementation of Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1977. requiring energy impact studies when re questing rate increases, are being watched by the committee. Re vision of Application Proceedings (Ex Parte 55), to expedite ICC approval for non-opposed applications for new motor carrier author ity, establish protest standards, dual common/contract operations, and service at new plant sites wi11 be monitored, although no action is currently indicated. Ex Parte 106 provides for expanded service corridors for motor carriers, lease and interchange of vehicles, motor carrier detention rules, substitution of for-hire in lieu of private trucking, and residential and redelivered ship ment charges. These rules are being monitored, especially where delivery to construction sites is involved. Mr. Gobrecht reported on the increase of freight rates in motor and rail transportation. Motor carrier rates have risen from $1.05 in 1976 to $1.29 in 1978, while rail rates advanced from $1.07 to $1.22 in the same period, per unit of freight. Further increases are contemplated and are affected by increasing labor costs. Rules to limit the distance and time of motor drivers are under study and if new regulations are imposed, some one-day move ments may go into two days because of the limitations. The com mittee expressed opposition to some of these changes.by DOT. 7- - In regard to rail shipments, a disposable air bag to be used in place of wooden packouts on bulkheaded flatcars is under investigation and, if permitted, could result in loading savings. Mr. Gobrecht warned that some plants in the industry are becoming lax in the proper loading of flatcars and must follow the Associa tion of American Railroads' regulations, or face more stringent procedures. A reorganization plan for the Traffic Committee is being adopted to better handle the increased volume of legislation and rule-making affecting transportation of gypsum products. Assign ments of responsibility to committee members for the several agenda items and topic categories has been implemented. Mr. Killian thanked Chairman Gobrecht for his detailed review of -the- important matters affecting transportation of gypsum commodi tres-rand further commended the Cha i rman on- the excellent proficiency exhibited by his committee during his past two terms as Chairman. REPORT OF THE MAHl'FACTUR I NG AND HI NI MG COMMITTEE Chairman w. B. Hoffman presented the report for his com mittee. The committee had met on February 11,1978 in Chicago and reviewed the many legislative items affecting manufacturing and mining operations. Increased legislative coverage has been provided through the establishment of an Association Washington, D.C. office. A semi-monthly report is being published on legislative activity while Congress is in session. Staff members are attending hearings, main taining liaison with other groups, and establishing contacts wi th legislators in this effort. The legislative surveillance and re porting is important and will be continued. With regard to water quality, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency is considering the measurement of levels of dissolved sulphates in streams. This could lead to removal rules of benign or malignant sulphates from streams if discharges are not carefully regulated. Federal Mine Surface Regulation may result in laws per taining to surface reclamation paralleling those for the coal in dustry. The committee will closely follow these matters. It was reported plans are being considered to consolidate federal civil rights programs in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The agency would assume responsibility for equal pay act, equal employment.opportunity for federal employees, and over all coordination of civil rights enforcement. 8- - Last October, the committee recommended expansion of an industry health surveillance program through employment of Dr. Clark Cooper. A task group met v;i th Dr. Cooper to discuss his findings and he advised that the industry appeared well within statistical averages for the hazards considered by him. Hr. J. D. Cornell re ported further on this aspect of the conference with Dr. Cooper. On the b3sis of Mr. Cornell's report, the committee reccommended that Dr. Cooper be engaged to conduct the study as pre viously covered in the budget by making visits to gypsum plants and developing a questionnaire for data collection. Mr. Hoffman reported on energy activities. The Association has actively participated in Federal Energy Administration's voluntary energy usage program since 197^. Average industry usage for the fourth quarte-^sf> 1977 was ?. 7057 million BTU's per MSF of board produced, an improvement of 12.7 per cent over the base year 1972. The target for the gypsum industry, assigned by FEA, is 16.7 per cent improvement by January 1, 1980. The energy legislation being developed in Congress is expected to have an effect on future reporting methods. The new Federal Mine Safety and Health Act wi11 require mandatory standards. An advisory committee is currently reviewing old MESA "advisory" standards to determine if they should be revoked or made mandatory. This is expected to have a significant effect on gypsum operations in the future. An advisory committee has been appointed to coordinate the required education and training of miners. It is expect_d tht program v. i I 1 be approved in July of 1978. The Association is closely following this legislation and attending the advisory com ii t tee meetings. He noted that the .".anufactur i ng and Mining Committee supported the programs of the Safety Committee and their budget requests. Chairman Hoffman reviewed a proposed "Industry Day in Washington" program and referred to an outline distributed to the membership. The purpose of the program will be to review major legislative issues of interest to the industry, while also pro viding a forum for members to meet with members of Congress to discuss matters of industry concern. A slide review of the topics and planned program was presented. Mr. Hoffman reported that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce legislative morning briefings would be followed by member company visits to members of Congress, and finally by a reception to which elected officials and their staff are invited. Finally, Mr. Hoffman announced that a U.S. Chamber of Commerce video tape program would be presented at luncheon. The program is entitled: "Washington Update" and is a panel discussion of a number of topics affecting .the nation's business. Mr. Killian accepted the report with thanks. 9- - REPORT OF THE METRIC COMMITTEE Chairman R. P. Entz presented the report of the Metric Committee. The committee held its second meeting on April 11, 1978 in Chicago, Illinois. Referring to the Annual Report to the Mem bership in which some history of metric development in the U.S. since 1866 was given, Mr. Entz reviewed briefly some further aspects of the December 1975 Metric Law. The act is voluntary with no time frame imposed for conversion. The President has appointed a 17 member metric board which has held an initial meeting. The United States remains one of five nations not yet using the metric (SI) system of measurements, in the world. A major organization has been formed to provide a forum for all industries in arriving at appropriate metric plans. This is the AmerTcirn National Metric Council (ANMC) whi ch i s -vol untar i 1 y supported through public subscription. It has a current membership of 300 trade associations and 500 corporations. It is organized into sectors and subsectors, with the gypsum industry a part of the construction sector.. A subsector committee, chaired by Mr. D. E Brackett of the Association staff, involves interior and exterior flat products (panels) and insulation, and they are attempting to develop a voluntary plan for the future on metric measures for panel products. American Society for Testing and Meterials Committee E-^+3 has been organized to coordinate the metric work within the 130 technical committees of ASTM. Both ASTM and ANMC are in the pre liminary stages of their activities and have representation from the Association. At the Metric Committee meeting, an attempt was made to arrive at a consensus on soft conversion measurements for gypsum board products which could be used in all Association literature and for discussion with other industries. In a straw vote of those present, it was the consensus that soft conversion should be used and a series of length, width, and thickness units were developed. Three motions resulted for the attention of the membership. These were: To request approval of the soft conversion measure ment comparisons developed by the committee, To recommend the Promotional Committee prepare articles for release to the publ ic, explaining our position on adoption of the soft conversion units, and Request the Technical, Building Code and Manufacturing and Mining Committees to provide data in their spec ialized areas to support the use of the soft conver sion measures selected. -10- Chairman Entz reported the significance of the committee reaching unanimity on metric units for use by the Association in only two meetings, and expressed his thanks to the committee mem bers for their fruitful work. He further requested that the mem bership continue to support this activity by participation, and recommended all members keep alert to the progress of metrication in the Uni ted States. Hr. Killian commended the committee for its achievement to date, and thanked Mr. Entz for his report. REPORT OF-THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mr. G. E. Wilson presented the slate of officers for the upcoming year, 1978-79: President W. G. Lees The Celotex Corporation First Vice President G. 1 . Fischer Grand Rapids Gypsum Company Second Vice President J. J. McLaughlin United States Gypsum Company T reasurer R. L. Murray The Flintkote Company Secretary-Executive Vice President A. V. Abnee, Jr. Gypsum Association There being no further nomina tions from the floor, and on motion made, seconded and carried, the nominations were closed and the above slate was unanimously elected. TREASURER'S REPORT Mr. A. V Abnee, Jr. presented the Treasurer's report. At the end of the II month budget period, the balance on hand was $66,000. Income for the period was $605,000 from assessments, $8,600 earned interest, and $14,300 from literature sales. It was estimated the Association would have expenditures of $596,000 at the end of the fiscal year, which is well within the approved budget. The Associa tion's auditor had reported the Association was in a sound and solvent position. There being no questions, the Treasurer's report was accepted with thanks. LEGAL COUNSEL REPORT David Macdonald presented the legal counsel's report. He noted, first, that the "legal health" of the Association was ex cellent, since there is no litigation or investigation pending, to -11- his knowledge, involving the Association. He commented that the structure and manner of operation of the Association was designed to prevent it from unintentionally engaging in any questionable practices. Hr. Macdonald then described the present status of the Pittsburgh antitrust case against certain of the member companies and individuals in the gypsum industry. This case has been argued before the Supreme Court, and the parties are now awaiting the decision of that court. The Association is not a defendant in that case. Mr. Hacdonald then outlined the status of an investiga tion being conducted by Congressman Rosenthal's House Sub-Committee on Government Operations into the subject of "grass-roots" lobbying expenses. These expenses are defined as lobbyrng expenses incurred when a company or association goes to the public or to third parties to urge them to contact Congress to promote or oppose legislation. Although ordinary lobbying expenses are deductible from income for federal tax purposes if -directly related to the business of the com pany or association, grass-roots lobbying expenses are not deductible under Section 162(e)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, even though the activity itself is entirely legal. Thus, associations that engage in grass-roots lobbying activities must account for and allocate that portion of the association dues of its members used for grass-roots lobbying. The Gypsum Association has not engaged in grass-roots lobbying to date. Hr. Hacdonald also discussed, on a more general subject, the trend tbward the "Criminalization of America." REPORT OP THE BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE Secretary H. B. Carl sen presented the report of the Build ing Code Committee. The committee met last February 21 in San An tonio, Texas, with representatives of 7 member companies present. A staff representative has been assigned to each model code group in order to afford the most detailed observation of their activities and to facilitate handling of the variety of items affecting our industry. A Building Code activity that has been on agenda these past two years is the difficulty we have experienced with the In surance Services Office of New York. They currently recognize only masonry as an appropriate material for fire separation walls, while equally acceptable gypsum fire separations are subjected to excessive insurance rates. The Insurance Services Office has rejected our most recent documentation submitted through National Loss Control Service Corporation as an effort to influence change in their insurance rating system for gypsum fire walls. -12- The committee now feels that confusion existing in sections of the National Building Code of the American Insurance Association should be clarified on the definition and use of fire walls. American Insurance Association has indicated they would consider an appropriate code revision. if this is successful, the Insurance Services Offices of New York could be asked for further consideration on our fire wall designs for use in two story wood framed residential construction. The committee feels that gypsum fire walls provide a safer construc tion which would decrease fire insurance ratings and thus increase the housing construction business. Moreover, present rate schedules of the Insurance Services Office of New York may carry over to other states and compound the problem. The committee will be following through on this activity in the coming weeks. Tte-Hding Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA) recently experienced some trauma when their executive director was discharged. A new director has been appointed. The technical director was also discharged and a former technical director rehired. The Chairman believes these changes will strengthen the organization. BOCA is currently attempting to get Ohio to adopt the BOCA Basic Code as the state code, and BOCA cannot afford to have internal problems while the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) is challenging adoption of BOCA in Ohio. The annual BOCA meeting will be held in Milwaukee in June, and the Association films "Time to Live" and "Fire on the Rise" are included on their program. There.has been favorable progress in the International Conference of Building Officials to combine the Association research reports 1628 and 1632 for plaster and wallboard. The combining of these reports and the addition of a number of member company systems to the reports is expected to result in savings to members of nearly $1500 annually. Other activities relate to the addition or revision of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) gypsum standards, such as the new ASTM veneer plaster specification. Rec ognition of GA 216 in the Uniform Building Code, and other model codes is being emphasized. An important committee project was successfully completed since the last report. On the basis of test data submitted by the Association to the City of New York on impact and vandal resistance of stairwell and corridor walls, the City reopened hearings on some previously denied applications. Assemblies built in accordance with the tested designs are now approved and all gypsum manufacturers can submit designs for approval on the basis of the Gypsum Association test data. This allows gypsum construction where only masonry was previously allowed. Another highly successful activity of the committee has been to gain the wide adoption of the Fire Resistance Design Manual in the model, state, and local codes, as well as federal agencies such as the Federal Housing Authority's Minimum Property Standards. -13- Recently, the staff made a study of the 50 largest cities in the United States to determine how many had adopted the manual by reference as part of their building code. It was determined 36 of the 50 cities surveyed, either directly, or through adoption of one of the model codes, reference the Fire Resistance Design Manual. Each of the \U cities that does not reference the manual in the text of their building code, does use the Fire Resistance Design Manual and recognizes it for authoritative use by their officials, inspectors, and plan checkers. The committee is attempting to convince the American Insurance Association to reference the manual in their code as the other model codes do. Ohio will have public hearings in April on the adoption of either BOCA or ICBO codes. Should one of these be adopted, then Cleveland and Cincinnati will be added to the list of major cities which have adopted the manual by reference. Con necticut ajwL-Massachusetts ere currently considering the BOCA Code, which would add Boston to our list of major cities referencing the manual, (although they would rather keep their old city code). We have learned that the City of Los Angeles is giving consideration to adoption of the ICBO Code. However, wherever the Federal Minimum Property Standards are applied, the Fire; Resistance Design Manual is referenced nationally. -5* * The Council of American Building Officials (CABO) has recently announced some progress toward the creation of one United States Model Building Code. Their goals include the opening of a central headquarters to consolidate common activities in the member ship and publication fields. In addition, programs are being planned to publish one building official magazine; to promulgate one national plumbing code; to assign one supporting staff member to the National Research Board; to establish a Research Council for the building officials; to provide reciprocity in building inspector certifica tion; to develop a rehabilitation code; to write a solar code; to publish a book of structural code requirements; to develop a con sensus procedure for the One and Two Family Dwelling Code; and to provide reciprocity between the model code groups on manufactured bui1dings. The long range goal is the eventual consolidation of BOCA, ICBO and Southern into one organization in a national headquarters, probably Washington, D.C., with regional offices in Birmingham, Ala bama, Chicago, Illinois and Whittier, California. This will result in the promulgation of one set of codes and services in the building, mechanical and plumbing fields using national consensus procedures. It is necessary to consider the ramifications of this consolidation and how it might add to or detract from our goals. Where we are now dealing for desirable changes with three codes, we would face the prospect of having our recommendations accepted or rejected in only one attempt. The CABO plan may take some time to -14- organ i ze, but the three model code groups are meeting and working toward this end. Their activity could eventually lead to the demise of the National Building Code. The committee will be discussing this program in detail to rationalize cur position with respect to a single national mode) building code. At the last meeting, it was proposed that an economic study be undertaken to evaluate the options for fire protection now available in the various codes affecting high rise construction. Code changes in recent years have permitted devices such as sprinklers, alarm systems, television monitoring, smoke detectors, and the like, to be included in high rise buildings at the expense of reducing or eliminating fire resistive construction. It was thought a comparison study of two buildings should be undertaken: one with the new options to reduce-fire resistive construction as allowed.in_the codes, and the other^wtth traditional fire resistive construction, less the new options, also allowed by the codes. It was suggested this study ought to be done by a recognized analytical firm so the data would be widely accepted. Other industries, such as portland cement and steel, have expressed an interest in co-sponsoring such a study. The National In stitute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has also shown interest through the urging of Senator Proxmire, and might be in a position to allocate a major portion of funds for such an evaluation. If they were to conduct the study, they could issue the resulting report. The Build ing Code Committee is requesting Board of Director approval of $2500 toward establishing and participating in the program, either with co-sponsors or with NIBS. The report was accepted by Hr. Killian with thanks. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPORT Chairman J. H. Crumbaugh presented the report of the Tech nical Committee. The committee had completed its 100th regular meet ing last February 22 in San Antonio, Texas with eight member companies represented., Mr. Crumbaugh related some of the milestones of the com mittee over the past 48 years. During the committee's 100th meeting, a number of ASTM topics were reviewed. The committee supports activity to change the title and scope of Committee C-ll to include all gypsum products. All Association literature and ASTM standards that refer to foi] back gypsum board are to be corrected to delete the term "insulating" from the product, as this could be misleading. Mr. Crumbaugh reported that efforts in C-ll to advance the proposed Standard C-340 for the application and finishing of gypsum board have been suspended because of disagreement on the issue of permitting water based spray texturing to 1/2 in. gypsum board in ceilings attached to framing spaced 24 in. o.c. A task group has been appointed to meet with representatives of contractor groups to explain -15- the Association position against this practice, which has resulted in sagging ceilings- In the meantime, the committee supports efforts to distribute the GA 216 specification and to get it included as a reference document in building codes. It was reported Association sponsored impact tests on walls designed for use in certain stairwell and corridor enclosures had been accepted by the City of New York and some design approvals already granted. Member companies may now apply to New York City for approvals on the basis of the Association test data. At this time, cooperative testing of ceramic tile appli cation to water resistant gypsum board is underway at Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates Laboratories. The shower stall tests are sponsored-by Tile Council of America and the Gypsum Association in an effort-^ determi ne correct adhesives, grotrt, joint treatment, and installation procedures. The tests are expected to be completed in August 1978. The Association was asked by the Manufactured Housing Institute to consider joining with them and the Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association in underwriting a fire review study of mobile homes. The study would be prepared by Firepro, Inc. of Massachusetts, headed by Mr. Rexford Wilson, an eminent fire pro tection authority. The Technical Committee did not feel this study would present any information not now being prepared by several fed eral and private agencies. It is understood the Manufactured Housing Institute is prepared to sponsor the study without the help of others, if necessary. The Association has been asked by HUO to furnish data on performance of gypsum board in mobile homes A member company re cently surveyed 50 of their clients and compiled statistics on mobile home manufacturers' experience. It has been suggested the Association conduct a like survey of approximately 300 MH manufacturers to deter mine their experience and any problem areas encountered with the use of gypsum board. Mr. Crumbaugh requested approval for the Association to conduct such a survey. The Technical Committee recommends that either 1/2 in. type X wall board or 1/2 in. type X backerboard be promoted as a substitute for 1/2 in. roof underlayment board (ASTM C 707 and requested approval of this recommended substitution. Mr. Crumbaugh requested approval for other technical projects as follows: $7,000 for full scale shear tests of 5/16 in. MH gypsum board. -16- $900 for a sound test of a two hour - 50 STC wood stud shear wall and, If successful $7,000 for a fire test of the same wall design $8,000 for a UL fire test on an elevator entrance in a gypsum cavity shaftwall with all components described in non-proprietary terms. Mr. Crumbaugh thanked the membership on behalf of the committee for their continuing support of the many technical pro grams . Mr. Killian thanked Mr. Crumbaugh for his detailed and interesting report. REPORT Of THE PROMOTIONAL COMMITTEE Chairman R. L. Zale presented the report for his com mittee. The committee had two recent meetings: in San Francisco on February 2k, 1978 in conjunction with the iaWCC/GDCI Conference, and on April II, 1978 in Chicago. Both were well attended by mem ber company representatives. Mr. Zale reported that the promotional objectives of the Association would be directed toward merchandising and building upon the several marketing type programs developed in the past 18 months. Foremost among these is the mobile home program which offers great potential for the use of gypsum products. Continuing attention is needed to educate and maintain good relations with that industry on the use of gypsum. A number of communication tools have been developed to reach manufacturers and consumers. These include literature, point of purchase display material, exhibits for conventions, television commercials, advertising and film. A market ing kit has also been developed, and 1300 of these have been dis tributed to date. The TV commercials have been used on nearly 100 stations. In addition, 10 newsletters have been distributed and maga zine .advert i s i ng instituted which stresses the conventional home appearance of gypsum mobile home interiors. The distribution of market ing kits will be continued. The Association has had an exhibit at mobile home dealer shows where the new film "Time to Live" has been a main feature. Exhibits are planned at mobile home shows in Indiana in August and at the Manufactured Housing Institute supplier show in St. Louis in the fall. The staff has been invited to participate in other regional shows and meetings throughout the United States where they are able to distribute promotional information. -17- Mr. Zale referred to the many federal legislative ac tivities, especially in HUD, that affect the safety of mobile homes. These activities are closely followed by the staff and will be re ported on as required. The i6 minute "Time to Live" film which describes the fire resistive qualities of gypsum construction in all types of buildings has been well received and is being made avail able to schools, community groups, building code officials and other trade related audiences. Television offers potential for reaching mass markets of consumers with the gypsum story and the Promotional Committee has developed a plan for not only broader showings of the film to interested groups, but to distribute the film for wide television coverage. Modern Talking Pictures Service proposes to book the film into 250 TV outlets, reaching eight million viewers, at a cost of $1*500. An additional 50 copies of the film, edited to 13-1/2 minutes, would be required at a cost of $5700. Mr. Zale requested approval of these budget amounts to carry out the program. A comprehensive slide presentation on gypsum wallboard in construction for use in classroom instruction at architectural and building technol'ogy schools has been under development the past two years. It is a professionally rewritten expansion of the former architectural slide program which has been outdated. The revised program has been designed to be further used as a product training program for industry personnel as well, and would also satisfy a long time need for an instructional program for contractor and building code officials. The slide program would consist of seven modules designed to be shown independently. Topics covered are: mining and quarry operations and processing of various products; product application; wall and ceiling assemblies; sound control; fire performance; Fire Resistance Design Manual; and development of on-site inspections. The committee recommends that the initial step be the module on sound control at a budget estimate of $4000. Mr. Zale reported on efforts to advise the various trade factor segments in the country on the role of gypsum in the economy. Mr. A. V. Abnee has recently appeared on three regional programs of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association to advise them of gypsum industry activities in the past year and the outlook for the future. The staff continues to respond to invitations from trade factor groups such as iaWCC/GDCI and CISCA to assist with their train ing programs. An important feature of these relationships has been the Association-sponsored reception at the iaWCC/GDCI annual convention The most recent in San Francisco was highly successful and the com mittee recommends approval of a budget of $8000 to cover this event at the next IaWCC/GDCI conference. -18- On the subject of literature produced by the Association, the Fire Resistance Design Manual continues to be most important. "Using Gypsum Board for Walls and Ceilings" was recently revised and is being widely distributed. No new major publications are anticipated in the next year, but reprinting of current literature is expected. Mr. Zale noted that 126 building trade and architectural schools have included "Using Gypsum Board for Walls and Ceilings" as a reference text in their courses. It is felt that this audience is important for the future of the industry, and the committee is pleased they have been highly receptive to our programs. The Promotional and Building Code Committees are cooperating on the development of a new silent film on fire testing for use with code officials. Much of the film i$ in our library but some new footage is needed_-JTb is short film is budgeted at $1700 and approval for this project was requested. Mr. Killian thanked Mr. Zale for his informative and detailed report which reflected the professionalism of the committee. SECRETARY'S REPORT Secretary A. V. Abnee, Jr. thanked the membership for their attendance and support of the Association's meetings this past year. He remarked on the expanded agendas and projects reported by the various committees during the meeting and their impact on the efforts of the staff. The staff, consisting of 12, have a combined experience of 190 years-in the industry. The loss of Mr. C. E. Abbey during the year has been a set back to the Research Associate program at the National Bureau of Stand ards. There are no candidates to replace him at the present time and Mr. Abnee requested the member compa/iies consider appropriate persons in their organizations for this important assignment. The efforts of the various committee chairmen were acknowl edged with thanks for their skillful work. Mr. H. Gobrecht, it was noted, was stepping down as Chairman of the Traffic Committee after two highly successful terms. He was congratulated on having been installed as President of the National Industrial Traffic League, a major national organization in this area. Mr. Abnee reported the Association statistical program was not problem-free. Statistics were to be in Association hands by the 20th of each month and are being received late, which delays U.S. Bureau of Mines reports. He requested that attention be given to meeting the agreed-upon timetable. During 1977, industry capacity increased from 16.5 billion square feet to 17 billion. Two new plants are being constructed and eight plant expansions are underway. Latest 1978 production reports show that 2.^ billion square feet were produced in January and Feb ruary, an increase of 23-6 per cent over the previous year. -19- Finally, guests from non-member gypsum companies were recognized and a welcome extended to them during their visit to the Association meeting. The Secretary's report was accepted with thanks ADJOURNMENT President Killian thanked Mr. Abnee and the staff for their ongoing efforts on behalf of the industry. He also thanked the committee chairmen for their past efforts leading to the ex cellent reports delivered at this meeting. There being no further business to come before the meeting, and on motion made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjournecUat 1*:00 p.m. _ l \ \ \