As you may already know, FGIA recently rolled out new training materials and classes for the InstallationMasters® Combined Training and Certification Program, which addresses proper installation of windows and doors for both new construction and replacement/remodeling. Made available as of June 1, this program replaced the “Original” program training materials, which was sunset as of July 1. Not only that, but an in-person class for individuals interested in becoming newly accredited to teach the InstallationMasters Combined Program installer training is now scheduled for August 30...

FGIA members know a large benefit to membership is being able to have a say in the development and updating of industry standards and documents. Throughout our history of industry leadership, FGIA has become recognized for the development of comprehensive standards that provide third-party validation of product performance and quality. We also continue to develop specifications, test methods and technical information reports. In short, we are committed to quality. To promote and ensure the highest standards, we are involved in a multitude of activities that...

Members in FGIA leadership roles didn’t automatically start out there right away. They identified areas of interest within the Association, joined relevant committees and became emboldened by their successes on the committee and task group level. That is when they decided to take their involvement even further by becoming a leader within FGIA.As we’ve discussed before on the Member Edge blog, FGIA leadership roles matter: FGIA standards are developed in response to the needs of our member companies to solve critical issues in the industry....

The International Codes Council (ICC) Group A Committee Action Hearings (CAH) now underway are making history - not because of the proposals themselves but instead because these hearings are taking place virtually, due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.Code Hearings in a Virtual WorldHow exactly do building code hearings take place online? Through the wonders of technology, participants are able to virtually testify for or against building code changes or proposed modifications to them in ICC’s Group A cycle via Zoom rooms.Some of ICC’s committee members...

The Ontario Glass and Metal Association (OGMA) used to have a regular get-together at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Having no idea of the difference between a good horse and a bad one, I never bet much but I did usually go for the chance to have a beverage with my friends in the glass business. And as so often happens over a beverage, a great idea came up. This was in 2012, so I was still fairly new to the industry. I was chatting with...

It’s been a year since the world stopped in its tracks, and if you’re like me, you’re tired. Tired of social distancing. Tired of mask wearing. Tired of missing loved ones. Just tired. Special shout-out to all you tired parents out there! When it’s acceptable to do so, let’s all get together for the world’s largest high five. We are parenting during a pandemic, and it’s exhausting. So exhausting. As a parenting researcher put it when describing parents’ roles right now, “There’s just a lot...

During next week’s FGIA Virtual Annual Conference, we will gather (remotely) to engage with speakers and learn from presentations on several important industry topics. Of equal import, we will also take the time to recognize our leadership during the Virtual Annual Awards Ceremony. This ceremony is a time to reflect on the members who make our Association as efficient as it is, and to honor their hard work. Those who take on leadership roles often do so in addition to their regular work assignments with...

It’s that time of year when we resolve to do better – for example, I have decided to invest more time in my health and wellness in 2021! If you started the new year with a resolution to advance your career or further develop your skills, FGIA provides an avenue for working toward those goals. The FGIA Leadership Development Program focuses on the soft skills a leader needs to achieve his or her full potential.Leadership is influence. The Leadership Development Program will help you connect,...

FGIA just wrapped up its annual Holiday Staff Week, but this year, it looked a little bit different. Instead of celebrating with games and movies in the Schaumburg office, we gathered on Zoom to play remote BINGO and hold a gingerbread house decorating contest with prizes. Samantha Allen and I mailed boxes of supplies and tiny gifts to each staff member so they could participate. We met each morning for a “coffee or hot cocoa break” to share holiday stories of Christmases past and to...