To My FSSA Family,
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, whether that means poolside relaxation, family vacations, or just finding a few extra minutes of daylight after work to remember there's a world beyond special hazards, though let's be honest, we never really stop thinking about them.
While many of us have been soaking up some well-deserved downtime, the FSSA hasn't slowed down. Our board, committees, and task groups have been busy advancing our mission; and I'm excited to share some of the progress we've made.
Recent FSSA Initiatives
White Paper Release: We've officially released our latest white paper on Clean Agent Total Flooding Systems, Agent Adjustments for Continuous Mixing, another valuable resource for our members developed through the dedicated work of our Technical Committee. The response has been tremendous, with record-setting downloads and engagement from our community. This paper addresses a critical design question about the common "15% additional agent" rule for continuous mixing situations, providing data-driven analysis that challenges conventional assumptions and offers more nuanced guidance for designers and installers. It's always rewarding to see how eager our community is for practical, research-backed guidance that helps improve system design and safety.
EPA Petition Response: We've submitted formal comments to the EPA regarding a petition requesting review of the "powdered aerosol E" listing on the EPA SNAP list. Our response emphasized critical safety principles that apply to all special hazard fire suppression systems, including the necessity of proper training, manufacturer certification, and adherence to installation guidelines. This submission reinforces FSSA's commitment to advocating safety standards and proper practices across our industry. We'll continue monitoring this docket and keep you informed of any developments.
Membership Growth: The FSSA continues to see strong membership growth across all categories. Regularly receiving applications is a clear indication that our value proposition and industry leadership continue to resonate. Additionally, our Global Outreach Committee has secured three new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in recent months, further expanding our international partnerships and reach.
These achievements wouldn't be possible without the expertise and dedication of our volunteer members who contribute countless hours to advance our collective goals.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Annual Forum
Save the date and keep your eyes peeled as we'll be releasing registration for our 2026 Annual Forum very soon. Between the Florida sunshine, Valentine's Day weekend, and what promises to be our most comprehensive program yet, we're expecting this to be a forum you won't want to miss. Our program committee is hard at work ensuring our next program is nothing short of spectacular. A special shout-out to our marketing team for their outstanding efforts on social media. If you haven't seen the new engaging content, building excitement for the event, visit our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Fair warning: secure your hotel reservations early, as we expect another sellout!
Oh, and a little bird has told me that new FSSA merchandise is nearly ready to rollout. I can't wait to share it with you when it all becomes available, though I promise it's worth the suspense!
More details are coming your way shortly.
Board of Directors Nominations
Here's something that deserves your serious consideration: we'll be launching nominations for our board of directors soon. If you've ever thought about stepping into a leadership role within the FSSA, or if others have suggested you should, this is your opportunity.
I know many of you are on the fence, thinking "I'm too busy" or "someone else would be better suited." Trust me, I've heard it all, and probably said it myself at some point. But remember, our association thrives because members like you bring diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and real-world experience to the table.
Board service is rewarding, manageable, and a great way to shape the future of special hazards fire protection. If you're even slightly curious, I encourage you to throw your hat in the ring when nominations open. The FSSA, and our industry as a whole benefit when engaged members step forward.
As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement. Whether you're contributing to task groups, attending meetings, or simply staying engaged with our initiatives, you're helping advance the critical work of fire protection.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to connecting with many of you as we head into the fall season.
Best regards,
Robert Ballard, FSSA 2025-2026 President
Director of Fire Suppression Technology, Victaulic
