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CGA Newsletter – June 2016

Canadian Glass Association
The Canadian Glass Association has prepared a lineup of expert presenters for the 2016 Glass Connections conference. This annual event will be held in Ontario at the Westin Ottawa Hotel on Sept. 13 to 14. The event will open with an evening welcome reception followed by a full day of industry programming.

 The CGA is pleased to announce Safti First as the exclusive Platinum Sponsor for this year’s conference and Dow Corning as the Gold sponsor. Safti First has over 35 years’ experience in testing, innovating and providing technologically advanced fire-rated glass and framing systems. Dow Corning is a global leader in silicone-based technology and innovation.

 “For two consecutive years now, Safti First has served as the Platinum Sponsor of Glass Connections,” shares Bill Yanek, CGA executive director. “Their commitment and support is invaluable and helps us provide the best content possible for attendees.

“Dow Corning is an industry leader and we’re pleased to have their support as a sponsor of Glass Connections,” Yanek adds. “Their expertise is key to providing attendees with timely and relevant industry updates.”

 In addition to providing sponsorship support, Safti First will also provide attendees with valuable updates and insights during the presentation “Code Considerations in Fire-Rated Glazing” presented by Tim Nass, vice-president of national sales, for Safti First. This presentation has been approved for one learning unit by the American Institute of Architects and will discuss fire-rated glazing products that are new to the market and provide clarity on which products are appropriate for certain applications based on current code requirements.

Dow Corning will also provide attendees with valuable updates on international code activity. The presentation, “What’s Happening in the International Code Arena?” will be provided by Stanley Yee, LEED-accredited professional and façade design and construction specialist for Dow Corning High Performance Building Solutions.

The Safti First and Dow presentations are two of many sessions addressing critical updates in code requirements and business operations. The 2016 Glass Connections conference will also feature a presentation on international codes and a keynote presentation on prompt payment and the proposed changes to the Construction Lien Act in Ontario.

Provincial Glaziers Association of Alberta
Gary Porter of Alberta Glass has been elected president of the PGAA. He is a management professional with over 40 years experience in the glazing industry. With many years spent in residential, light commercial and commercial markets, Porter has seen the industry develop and professionalize over the course of his career. He has always participated in industry associations, saying it is this collaboration and sharing of ideas and beliefs that propels the industry forward. Porter is part of the leadership team at Alberta Glass Company and carries responsibility for estimating and branch operations.

 “Over my tenure at the head of the PGAA I hope to continue and enhance the stated purposes of the association,” Porter says, noting this includes speaking for the glazing and auto glass industries in Alberta on matters of provincial concern and interest; promoting the pursuit of excellence within the industry; achieving and maintaining compulsory certification through continuous apprenticeship training; promoting safety and environmental responsibility for the public and the glass worker; promoting harmonious working relationships among members for the benefit of the industry as a whole; providing opportunities for the exchange of opinion and coordination of efforts among members; encouraging ethical conduct in all matters by members and growing involvement with all municipal and provincial government bodies to both better ensure industry standards are improved upon and maintained and to have a voice in future legislation that might affect the industry.

Ontario Glass and Metal Association
The legal review of the Construction Lien Act has been ongoing but the review group requested another extension to the end of April, 2016. Prompt Payment Ontario has begun the lobby effort by mailing letters to all MPP’s requesting their release of the report to PPO and to a timely vote in provincial parliament.  A lobby day at Queens Park was also held. [See the full report on page 6.] To review up-to-date information on issues, surveys, and submissions, go to constructionlienactreview.com > documents.

In August, get ready for an evening of exciting thoroughbred racing, outstanding food, and great camaraderie in the decadent Woodbine Club dining room at the Woodbine Racetrack.  It’s the perfect venue for getting to meet and have a drink with industry colleagues.  Keep your eye open for your flyer or look on the OGMA website to register.

If you like getting up early and welcoming the sunrise with a beer, the OGMA Fishing Derby is for you!  Details shall be forthcoming.

The Ontario Glass and Metal Association presented its Awards of Excellence to two Ontario companies at the Top Glass trade conference on April 20. TAGG Industries won the award for Excellence in Architectural Glass Execution, and Perkins Plus Will won Excellence in Architectural Glass Design. TAGG won for its work on Google’s Canadian headquarters in Kitchener, Ont., and Perry Plus Will won for Mohawk College’s David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre. The award was judged by Adrian Phillips and Paul Marcoccia of CS&P Architects. Only OGMA members could nominate winners, but any Ontario architectural glass provider was eligible to win the awards. The OGMA is accepting nominations for its 2017 Awards of Excellence, which will be presented at Top Glass on April 19, 2017.