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CGA Newsletter: October 2014

Just in time for Halloween, the Canadian Glass Association has some changes brewing that we are excited to share.

Canadian Glass Association
Just in time for Halloween, the Canadian Glass Association has some changes brewing that we are excited to share. In previous years, the only way to become a CGA member was to also belong to your local provincial association. While that option still remains, it is now not the only way you can gain membership in the association. Effective immediately, CGA membership is now open to all industry representatives for a flat fee. The dues for non-provincial association members are $500 per year. A sampling of current membership benefits are:

• Discount on event registrations
• Support for the Glass Connections conference
• Working relationships with provincial associations
• Exposure in Glass Canada magazine
• Benefits that the CGA are currently working on include:
• Working relationships with like-minded industry associations
• Educational webinars
• Social media (Facebook and Twitter) interaction and updates
• LinkedIn group discussions

If your company is interested in learning more about membership in the CGA, contact the association at info@canadianglassassociation.com or via phone at (785) 271-0208. We look forward to speaking with you on how your company will benefit from CGA membership immediately.

Ontario Glass and Metal Association
Early clouds gave way to a beautiful day for golf at the Ontario Glass and Metal Association’s fall golf tournament Sept. 18, but the big story was a huge outpouring of support for Wounded Warriors, a charity dedicated to helping Canadian Forces veterans. The OGMA collected $5,500 that will go toward helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and those who have had other difficulties re-integrating into society after leaving service. The tournament took place at Richmond Hill Golf Club in Richmond Hill, Ont.

Richard Martin, a board director for Wounded Warriors, accepted the big cheque from Doug Morris of Morris Glass and Windows. Golfers were challenged to show up wearing camouflage clothing, spurring a donation by the OGMA which was matched by donations from several sponsor companies. Matching the OGMA’s $1,000 donation were: Valley Metals, Tagg Industries, Security Mirror and Toro Group/Commdor Aluminum/ProTemp Glass. Quiktemp/Ultimate Creative Designs also chipped in $500. Ron Knox of Security Mirror made his donation in dramatic fashion, joining the sponsors at the front of the room following Martin’s moving description of the program at the post-golf dinner.

Also announced at the dinner was the recipient of the OGMA’s $500 education bursary, Shawn Perry. Perry was selected by the staff of the Ontario Industrial and Finishing Skills Centre to receive the OGMA’s fourth bursary recognizing an outstanding glazing apprentice. Perry works for Erie Glass in Chatham, Ont. OIFSC instructor Steve Laird noted Perry is extremely knowledgeable in the trade, getting top grades and showing great willingness to help other students.

Ennio Rea of Trulite crushes one at Richmond Hill Golf Club. It was a beautiful day for golf with over 100 OGMA members in attendance.

There was some golfing, too. Low score on the day went to the team of Ron Knox and George Hunak (Security Mirror), Brian Hall (Brichem Sales) and Pastor Jim Nolson of the Campus Church. Most honest golfers were Jen Harnest (Prelco/PGP), Doug Lilja (Ferguson-Neudorf) and Al Perrault. Numerous other prizes were handed out for closest to the pin, long drive and other games.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour announced in November, 2013, that all workplaces governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act had to provide training for supervisors and workers by July 1, 2014, and that the training had to meet the specific requirements set out in the regulation. It is imperative that your company satisfies these requirements as penalties will be imposed on those that have not complied.

In January, 2014, the OGMA reached agreement with the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), formerly the IAPA, to proceed on the creation of a manual geared specifically for small and mid-sized glazing contractors and glass shops.  A draft prototype of the new “OGMA/WSPS Glazing Contractor Health and Safety Manual” was displayed for the first time at las spring’s Top Glass Conference and Exhibits Show.

The WSPS will work with your company to implement the safety program, will keep you updated on all changes to laws that you must be in compliance with, put you in a strong position to withstand a Workwell audit, and help you to defend yourself with the Ministry of Labour in the event of a workplace accident.  Your participation in this program is an absolute must for many obvious reasons.  Contact an OGMA director for more information.

This committee held its last meeting in May on the topic of Contractor Safety.  These meetings are of great value and benefit to glazing contractors and glass shops and cover many topics that have a significant impact on your business. If you are interested in attending a future meeting or joining the group contact Steve Ringler at steve.ogm@bellnet.ca

Our inaugural fishing derby was held on August 6 with a fabulous turn out and a great day of fun, fish, and camaraderie.  If you missed this year, give it a shot next time.  You won’t be disappointed.