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Fenestration Canada – Building on success

Windoor 2014 capped off what was, for most, a pretty good year overall.

All of the tasks and housekeeping chores that were put off due to a rather healthy and hectic fall season are now clearly staring us in the eyes and begging for attention. What exactly will this New Year bring? There are certainly no signs of the dreadfully slow start experienced for most of us last year.

Windoor 2014 capped off what was, for most, a pretty good year overall. Attendance at the 20th anniversary show, although hindered by horrific weather to the south, was fairly representative of previous years. Opening night celebrations included recognizing our 20 year exhibitors: Amesbury/Truth, IGMA, Novatech and TrimLite, as well as several  pioneers of the show. Congratulations to the show committee and management for a job well done. Results of a survey sent to exhibitors and attendees will help shape this year’s show and maintain Windoor North America  as Canada’s window and door showcase.

Congratulations to our winners from the survey respondents. Exhibitor winners were Brian Belzberg of Aribell and Bob Borkoski of Veka. Attendee winners were Jessica-Ann Runte of Patrick Morin Inc. and Kevin Becessar of Marvin Windows. There were quite a few suggestions and comments on how we can change and improve the show to keep it a must-see event. Look for more news concerning Windoor on the Fenestration Canada and dedicated Windoor websites.

The Fabricators Council held an open forum meeting at Windoor with the purpose of clarifying and bringing a common understanding and interpretation of NAFS  compliance testing requirements between labs and certifying agencies. Lisa Bergeron of Jeld-Wen and Greg Dickie of Atlantic Windows presided over the meeting which was chaired by none other than Morgan Hanam (Fenestration Services). Morgan has been instrumental in helping us develop this guideline and continues to assist us in technical issues. The meeting was attended by representatives of all of the certifying agencies and test labs either at the show or by teleconference and should go a long way to demystifying testing requirements and procedures.

A Technical Committee session was held at Windoor and the committee continues to do the spade work of code interpretation and keeping up with developments on the National Building Code and energy code fronts across the country. A number of technical bulletins are being planned for release in this current year. Work is underway to develop a North American Fenestration Standard FAQ section which will be posted on the association’s website to help members better understand the standard, testing and compliance requirements. Co-chairs Jean Marois of Royal Plastics and Robert Jutras of Air-Ins along with our technical advisor, Jeff Baker, continue to provide dedicated and valuable guidance on everything technical.

The Membership and Marketing Committee, chaired by Laura Weil of Euro Vinyl Windows, is about to announce the launch of our new website (oops, looks like I scooped them!) The new platform promises to be more user-friendly and current. Updates will soon be done internally allowing information and news to be current and timely. Members will also have access to update their information and profile. The new-look site was preceded by the creation of an improved prospect brochure and the committee is working hard to promote membership value. A newly formed committee was enacted to plan, organize and promote our upcoming AGM, being held in the breathtaking city of Vancouver. The planning process is well underway and details of the programs are expected shortly. Thanks to Terry Adamson of Westeck Windows and Fenestration B.C. for their support and contribution in organizing this event.

I would like to wish everyone a very healthy, prosperous and happy 2015. If you are a Fenestration Canada member, thank you! Please stay involved. It is only with your input and effort that we can truly represent our industry.

Skip Maclean is president of Fenestration Canada. He is business development manager for Tru-Tech Doors and has over 40 years’ experience in the window and door industry.