State of Louisiana
"I have just completed a four day visit to our 11 most distressed coastal parishes in Louisiana. I traveled to these parishes as NACo's representative to the Institute for Building Technology and Safety [IBTS] Board of Directors. I am pleased to report that I received glowing reports from many local parish officials, from our State affiliate, from Jerry Jones, State Director of Facility Planning and Control, from Bhola Dhume, Deputy Director of the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, from Henry Fry, Office of State Fire Marshal, and even from the Governor's office regarding the exemplary performance by IBTS, NACo's strategic partner. The most repeated accolade was "I don't know how we could have made it without IBTS". It was so rewarding to hear how initial concerns about "outsiders intruding in our parishes" were quickly replaced in just a few months by glowing reports of success. Many of these parishes had never adopted building codes prior to the devastation caused by Katrina. The insurance industry prompted the state to retain IBTS over the initial strong objection of many local officials. But in just a few months time IBTS won over these same officials.
NACo's obligation to assist our counties in distress could never have been accomplished without the assistance of our partner IBTS. I am very proud of our alliance and wish to share our success story with our membership.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety sent an unsolicited letter of commendation to IBTS because of its "exemplary job performance while providing much needed building inspection services to the citizens of Louisiana." Highlights of the letter include the following: "It has been astonishing to see IBTS mobilize over 80 Building Code Professionals into the 11 affected parish areas in such a short period of time. The response and feedback that we have received has been positive and with the highest marks related to professional management, service, knowledge and expertise of your staff. The vast majority of our local officials have communicated that they would never have been able to provide the needed services with their existing resources. IBTS has been able to win the support of local building officials while allowing each governmental agency to retain its autonomy and administration. Attitudes have been transformed concerning the pursuit of professional certifications, as well as membership in local building associations to enhance participants' development. IBTS has been the shining star among providers."
--Robert S. Weiner Esq., National Association of Counties (NACo)
Bossier Parish, Louisiana
"The entire staff at IBTS has been very responsive to our changing needs as we continue to develop the permitting process in Bossier Parish... I commend IBTS for their outstanding work ethics and high standards."
--Michelle K. Rodgers, Bossier Parish
Federal Emergency Management Agency
"I just wanted you to know that [the IBTS inspector] has performed brilliantly, in knowledge, ideas, computer skills, and has shown an incredible work ethic towards the group. It has been my pleasure to work with him and the others. I just thought you should know that from his efforts, many desperate hurricane victims are now in safe, sanitary housing."
--Craig Brown, Deputy Director, FEMA Florida Hurricane Ivan Strike Team Leader