As 2023 comes to an end, it’s a good time to look back at the performance of both the U.S. and Canadian economies this year. Much has happened in both countries, and we might be able to glean some insight into the coming year based on what we’ve seen in the last 12 months. Let’s take a look at the state of the economy in both countries and look forward to 2024.The U.S. Economy TodayDespite strong forecasts early in the year that the U.S. was...

As of September 1, it has officially been one year since the newest FGIA region was created by the Association, a milestone that was celebrated during the recent FGIA FENBC Region Technical Summit held on October 18. It has been a big year for the FENBC Region, full of British Columbia-centric events with speakers and presentations most of interest to those in BC. The region’s leaders have been committed to both residential and commercial knowledge sharing. Let’s take a look back at the previous year...

The 20th GlassBuild America is getting closer. Not only is this a must-see event for the industry, it also serves as a great training ground for all levels of knowledge when it comes to glass and fenestration. FGIA is an association sponsor of the show and we are thrilled to be hosting two new education sessions at the show this year. Learn about performance of fenestration and glass when it comes to seismic movement and sit in on a session delivering insights on successfully managing...

I can’t stress enough how much I am looking forward to being in Denver, CO for the FGIA Fall Conference September 18-21. September is beautiful in the Centennial State, with ideal weather and scenery. Don’t miss this gorgeous location – register now for the Fall Conference and enjoy event attractions like the annual FGIA Product Showcase, an array of networking opportunities, dozens of working meetings and a slate of industry-focused speakers.FGIA Product ShowcaseThe FGIA Product Showcase Tuesday night, September 19 provides conference participants with the...

It’s that time of the year again: it is time to schedule your travel for the popular FGIA IG Fabricators Workshop, held in-person each November at the Intertek facility in Plano, TX! This year’s workshop will be November 7-9 and registration for this three-day, hands-on training opens in August. There is always a waitlist, so be sure to claim your spot early.The IG Fabricators Workshop addresses best practices for the most important aspects of fabricating and testing IG units. Since its launch in 2016, the...

Thanks to a recent webinar, FGIA members had the opportunity to have their specific questions answered about the market study research FGIA commissions each year, offering historic and current market information as well as forecasts into the coming years. The most recent report, the FGIA 2022/2023 U.S. Industry Review and Forecast, was released in May. It is a compilation of statistical data from government and industry sources useful in forecasting industry outlook. This report, coming in at 18 pages, contains unit or square footage data...

What an amazing experience it was to attend Top Glass in Mississauga, Ontario last month! Along with Amy Roberts, FGIA Director of Canadian and Technical Glass Operations, we had the opportunity to connect with literally hundreds of professionals in the Canadian fenestration and glass industry in the FGIA booth. We met so many people that day and I look forward to going back to Top Glass! Thanks to Patrick Flannery and his team at Annex Media, the organizer of the event, for putting on such...

Our first in-person conference in Canada since AAMA and IGMA unified to form FGIA is almost here. In June, FGIA members will be traveling to Vancouver, BC to get a new take on several facets of the fenestration and glazing industries and to meet many of our FGIA FENBC Region members where they live and work. This conference has a jam-packed schedule that ranges from big topics like bird-friendly glass and safety culture in the workplace to off-site activities like whale watching, a tour of...

Every spring, FGIA makes sure the industry is talking about an important issue: window safety. You might notice that our monthly newsletter, FGIA e-News, and our three monthly blogs in March all discuss Window Safety Week, recognized the first full week of April each year. That is because FGIA is a dedicated member of the Window Safety Task Force, a group that seeks to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their homes and families safer from the risks...

We were able to announce some great breaking news at the 2023 FGIA Annual Conference about the impending release of the latest version of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). As of February 23, it is now available! This is thanks to the hard work of representatives from three different industry Associations: CSA Group , FGIA and Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).The updated 2022 standard replaces the 2017 edition, representing a continued evolution of the standard to improve harmonization across North America. All three...

FGIA is pleased to offer several engaging, interactive sessions during our next conference, taking place February 13-16. The 2023 FGIA Annual Conference will feature the rare opportunity to tour a seismic shake test site in California, where building resistance research has been conducted on a full-scale 10-story mass-timber building. Also at the conference will be a roundtable discussion about innovation in the window industry as well as a multi-station demonstration of various types of fenestration hardware and related tests.Seismic Shake Test Site TourFGIA Annual Conference...

Things are winding down for the holidays as we close the books on 2022. It was a busy year for FGIA, with the Association hosting three conferences and, for the first time ever, three Regional events thanks to the creation of the new FGIA FENBC Region. We also saw several documents updated this year, along with new ones like IGMA TM-5000, Do’s and Don'ts of Glass Safety. But aside from what FGIA did, the industry at large saw changes in the economy, the labor market...

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly formally approved a resolution designating 2022 as the International Year of Glass. And for FGIA, what an international year of glass (and fenestration) it has been! The Association expanded services in parts of Canada, updated FGIA education offerings, released a new glass safety standard and boasted high turnout at FGIA events all year. There was a lot to be thankful for in 2022, but here are a few highlights.Expanded Canadian FocusIn a follow-up to FGIA’s collaboration agreement with...

Involvement in industry associations can be helpful to individuals and companies in a lot of ways, whether it means having a strong handle on news and updates, gaining knowledge from those closest to the work being done or doing the work yourself to shape an industry’s future. Trade associations like FGIA can gain you and your company access to things like the latest market study information, economic updates, opportunities for professional development and resources that can help your company plan for the future and succeed.Here...

FGIA is busy gearing up for GlassBuild America 2022, taking place October 18-20 in Las Vegas, NV. GlassBuild presents a unique opportunity for the industry to take advantage of learning opportunities to help advance their careers as well as to promote the availability of educational content to employees, encouraging their continued professional development.Our staff will be hosting three different educational sessions at the trade show, and we are looking forward to sharing our expertise – and visiting our many members at their booths on the...

After a long summer, I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things at in-person industry events this fall, including GlassBuild America in Las Vegas, NV and FGIA’s own 2022 Fall Conference this September in Chicago, IL. While we have managed to make the most of getting work done over conference calls and online meetings, I know nothing beats getting to see FGIA members in person. Both GlassBuild and the Fall Conference will offer a ton of much needed networking opportunities, adding...

In the current highly competitive job market, it is more important now than ever to invest in training and employee professional growth for those on your team. For veteran employees, it reinforces your interest in their career success and in supporting their personal and professional goals. For new employees, it’s a great way to make a first (or early) positive impression – showcasing the type of employer you are and how much value you place on your team.Industry training comes in all shapes and sizes;...

FGIA has exciting news to share about the activities of the Association moving forward, which include a commitment to high-value in-person events, expanding FGIA’s network of partnerships, broadening the use of FGIA’s education programs and funding crucial industry research projects.The FGIA Board has been doing some strategic planning work throughout the first half of this year, including the completion of a two-day retreat which took place May 12-13 as a hybrid event, with the majority of Board members participating in person. During the retreat, the...

You’ve probably heard about FGIA’s IG Fabricators Workshop, which is held in person each year at an Intertek facility in Plano, TX. The next opportunity to participate in this hands-on workshop is November 1-3, so save the date and prepare your team now.But did you know there is also a summary video version of this training? This video series can be viewed on your own time and mirrors the training offered in person.Since its launch in 2016, the IG Fabricator Workshop, led by industry experts,...

Have you seen the preliminary schedule for the 2022 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Virtual Summer Conference? It’s now available, with a final schedule expected by May 11. Register today for company-wide access to the FGIA Virtual Summer Conference, taking place June 6-9. Tier 1 early bird registration rates are available until May 11.As always, the meeting schedule will continue to address association business and committee work but with additional focus on Canadian issues. Plus, members can expect to hear firsthand about the results...

It is finally spring! I hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather outdoors as much as my family has. As always, with higher temperatures comes the challenge of ensuring the practice of good window safety. Companies that manufacture fenestration and glazing products for residential or commercial markets can benefit from having window safety knowledge on hand – being proactive and informed shows your customers you care about their wellbeing and that of their families. Read on for why your company should take up the cause...

In October, FGIA learned a lot from hosting the 2021 FGIA Hybrid Fall Conference in Phoenix, AZ – our first ever hybrid event. Offering in-person and virtual formats concurrently was a challenge, but we were proud to be able to offer an array of content options for two different audiences based on both their comfort levels and their companies’ willingness to allow travel. We will be reprising these roles next week at the 2022 FGIA Hybrid Annual Conference in Amelia Island, FL. In preparation for...

Following the success of October’s first-ever hybrid FGIA event, I am looking forward to seeing our members again at the 2022 FGIA Hybrid Annual Conference in Amelia Island, FL! The conference schedule is available, and I am proud to say it is full of technical content and engaging speakers, thanks to our staff team’s hard work and participant feedback.First of all, I know our keynote speaker will be an engaging one – his story is so interesting, Hollywood chose to adapt it in the popular...

With the current challenges in the labor market, it is more important now than ever for companies to retain their current talent. Ensuring employee satisfaction and positive morale at work can be a daunting task during normal times, but the problem is exacerbated now due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related pressures on personal and professional lives. FGIA prides itself on its high retention rate, with the average employment tenure currently being 7 years. I suspect this is, in part, the result of dedicating...

I’m very excited for our second hybrid event in the FGIA Annual Conference taking place in-person February 28-March 3 at the Omni Plantation in Amelia Island, FL with virtual participation available March 1-3. Many meeting sessions will be offered concurrently to online and in-person attendees, and moderators will ensure full engagement for all participants.We look forward to welcoming you to another content-rich event, where you can connect with an indispensable community of industry peers. Registration for the conference will open the week of January 3....

The 2021 FGIA Hybrid Fall Conference was a great success last week, merging an in-person audience with an online one for a widely attended event full of excellent speakers and presentations. From Janine Driver’s insight into body language and workplace culture to a live demonstration of InstallationMasters®, there was plenty to learn. We held several networking events, including online and in-person costume contests with prizes. See below for some photos from Phoenix and our online crowd.Before the conference officially kicked off, I went horseback riding...

FGIA recently announced the opening of registration for this fall’s Insulating Glass (IG) Fabricators Workshop! We are thrilled to once again be able to host this popular industry event in-person. We know the value of this predominantly hands-on, participatory event and what an incredible learning experience it is. The event will take place November 3-5 at the Intertek facility in Plano, TX. Registration is now open until October 8. Only a few of the available 32 spots remain and registrations will be accepted on a...

FGIA staff are very excited to visit with our industry friends in Atlanta, GA at GlassBuild once again. We all know we took last year off from an in-person gathering, but for 2021, we are back to business! FGIA will be in the reimagined Industry Pavilion in booth 3625, so be sure to stop by. Here’s what’s happening at the show overall, including the one-day Glazing Executives Forum, how to get free show passes and the FGIA members exhibiting at GlassBuild this year.You can find...

We are thrilled to announce the dates for this fall’s in-person IG Fabricator Workshop which will take place November 3-5, at the Intertek facility in Plano, TX. This is a popular industry workshop, but because it is such an interactive event where individuals must be in close proximity to get the full experience, it was not feasible to host in 2020. But, now it’s back!Since its launch in 2016, the IG Fabricator Workshop has hosted more than 300 practitioners of the IG industry, leading them...

We had a wonderful event in our 2021 FGIA Virtual Summer Conference, and we are so thankful our members enjoyed our speakers and work sessions. The FGIA team has worked diligently to continue to refine the virtual experience with meaningful content. That said, we are very much looking forward to our next event, because it will be the first opportunity we will have to be together in person in a year and a half.The 2021 FGIA Fall Conference October 18-21 will be a hybrid event,...

The FGIA team is excited to share that registration is now open for our 2021 Virtual Summer Conference, which will be held June 22-24! Maybe even more exciting than that is that this is the last fully-virtual event on the FGIA conference calendar! And, once again, we have a great line-up of speakers and topics to share.I’m anxious to hear keynote speaker Ken Gronbach (KGC Direct) explore the fascinating realm of demography and how counting people allows for accurately forecasting future markets to prepare companies...

As we move into warmer weather, interest in remodeling projects and window replacement increases among homeowners. With proper installation being such a critical component of realizing the full benefits of high-performing fenestration products, offering installation services performed by a qualified installer – evidenced by a third-party professional certification – adds value to your bid and allows your customers to be confident in the knowledge and expertise of your team.FGIA is proud to offer InstallationMasters® which has been available to the industry since the late 1990s....

As FGIA’s executive director, I have a lot of responsibilities, but limited time. After more than 20 years of experience in the industry, the last several of which have been in executive roles, I have learned a lot about leadership. With the online FGIA Leadership Development Program currently open for enrollment, I’ve been thinking about leadership lately and have settled on five traits that I’ve observed in great leaders and that I believe can go a long way to making sure your team is...

We at FGIA are thrilled to announce the opening of registration for the 2021 FGIA Virtual Annual Conference, which will be held February 23-25. This three-day industry event can be attended from anywhere, with breaks built in to accommodate a range of time zones. Plus, an upgrade option is available for those companies who seek multiple registrations from different locations. Let’s get into some of the highlights for this much-anticipated fenestration and glass event.First off: Back by popular demand, economic analyst Dr. Chris Kuehl will...

2020 has certainly been a year of challenges for our industry. It is a difficult prospect, looking into 2021 and attempting to predict what is to come, but we at FGIA remain optimistic about the coming year.It is with much relief that I can report many fenestration and glass industry companies performed better financially this year than they may have feared earlier in 2020. While for many it was not as lucrative as the first couple of months of 2020 indicated, recovery did come, and...

Now that the holiday season has arrived, things are winding down for 2020. But what is not taking a break is FGIA’s commitment to our industry, more important now than ever with the unexpected changes brought by COVID-19. Last month, FGIA sent a survey to members to ask how companies have fared this year, and what FGIA can do to continue to ease their burdens. Three things were frequently requested by membership: education opportunities; a return to in-person conferences; and ways to combat the labor...

We had an interesting safety speaker at the recent FGIA Virtual Fall Conference. Michael Cook, Corporate Safety Director for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, shared what his company has done during the spread of COVID-19 to adapt workspaces and ensure employees’ safety in the pandemic.Here are some tips Cook shared:Stay current on advances in COVID safety devices and strategies which have evolved since the onset of the pandemicOffer more paid leave so workers do not feel pressured to come to work sickProvide facial coverings along with other standard...

FGIA staff is eagerly preparing for the Virtual Fall Conference October 6-8 and we are all excited to share the knowledge and expertise of several speakers. Our presenters will focus on topics our members care about most, like the state of a post-COVID-19 economy, safety awareness during the pandemic, fenestrations of the future, commercial design trends for fenestration and glazing and more. If you haven’t already, you can still get access by registering now. Early bird pricing ends Monday, September 28.If you attended the Virtual...

As announced last month, FGIA is pleased to participate as an association partner in GlassBuild Connect: The Glass & Fenestration Online Experience, taking place September 1-30 at GlassBuild.com. We have prepared a slate of interesting and educational sessions that we are excited to share with participants, and we hope you’ll join us for this popular industry event in its new virtual setting. Read on for details of what to expect from FGIA at GlassBuild Connect.Starting September 1, those who register at GlassBuild.com can connect to...

Sometimes leaders are born, and sometimes they are built. You may already have the necessary knowledge to teach others and may have or be pursuing a management-level role. However, knowledge and experience do not always equate to skilled leadership. That is why FGIA is proud to offer the Leadership Development Program, which is geared toward honing skills to effectively lead your team.The FGIA Leadership Development Program focuses on the soft skills leaders need to achieve their full potential. Everyone in the workforce develops hard skills...

Every spring, we get eager emails and questions from members about the latest market information. That’s because spring is the time of year when we release the newest data available pertaining to the window, door and skylight markets in the United States. We are pleased to announce that the FGIA 2019/2020 U.S. Industry Market Studies were released on May 29. A complimentary copy was sent to the main contact of each FGIA Category 1 and 2 member company that same day.DuckerFrontier, who administers the study...

FGIA staff rapidly transitioned to full-time remote work, and we know many fenestration and glass companies have had to quickly adapt to a lot of change as well. Because of this, FGIA has been inventive in finding ways to help companies in our industry during this time of crisis. As a result of a recent survey of members seeking insight to better understand where and how  pressure points are hitting, FGIA will be announcing discounted rates for online education programs, a revised Virtual Summer Conference...

With current efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, those planning industry events in 2020 have had to improvise. The same is true for FGIA – our Summer Conference scheduled to take place in Chicago, IL is being transitioned from an in-person event to a virtual one. The dates remain largely unchanged with the conference taking place Tuesday, June 23 through Thursday, June 25. Registration for the virtual Summer Conference is expected to open the week of May 4.FGIA will provide the same high-quality industry...

With the spread of COVID-19 leaving so many confined to their homes, window safety for families is even more important now as warmer weather approaches. Window Safety Week, recognized every year during the first full week in April, serves as a reminder of recognizing the importance of window safety and fall prevention year-round. This year, Window Safety Week is April 5-11. The event is designed to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their homes and families safer from...

This year has already seen some big events take place in the industry, including January’s successful IBS 2020 and the inaugural FGIA Annual Conference earlier this month. Plus, next week is the Building Envelope Contractors Conference in Nashville, TN, with the theme of Glazing 2020: Advanced. Innovative. Complex.In addition to the 2020 Summer and Fall FGIA conferences (June 22-25 in Chicago and October 5-8 in Montreal, respectively), there are plenty of industry events to get on your calendar now, if you haven’t already. Here is...

Chip Barrett is the President of US Glass & Glazing. He is responsible for operations, product design and installation procedures. We spoke with him about his company, his career and where he sees the industry going a decade from now.Could you describe your role at your company?The US Glass team is made up of InstallationMasters® installers and glazers. My role is to train the installers and oversee the field operations and long-term company goals.What products does your company provide?We provide aluminum and vinyl windows, doors,...

The countdown to the inaugural FGIA Annual Conference has begun: This historic industry event is taking place February 10-13 in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL and FGIA staff is hard at work making sure it is the best event we can offer our members. Join us at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort for a week of excellent speakers, seminars and work group sessions with a schedule made to fit each member company’s interests. Plus, enjoy the Annual Awards Banquet, during which members are recognized for their...

With every new year comes change and growth, but in 2020, I am especially excited to kick off a new era as the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA)! As of January 1, 2020, AAMA and IGMA will be combined as this new organization and bringing the most critical fenestration and insulating glass content under one roof, providing members and other industry professionals more streamlined access to what they need to know.This unification affords opportunities to enhance education program offerings of value to the entire...