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....