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...