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CGA Newsletter – October 2016

Canadian Glass Association
In our fast-paced, technology driven business world, being able to manage change is a key differentiator. Industry professionals with a proven record of embracing change perform better.

Earlier this month, more than 75 industry professionals gathered in Ottawa at the CGA’s Glass Connections conference where the topic of change became a common thread throughout the event. From international code updates to fire-rated glazing updates, participants got up to speed on emerging compliance topics and new products. Thanks to presentations from Stanley Yee of Dow Corning, Tim Nass of Safti First, Bruce Milley of Guardian Glass, George Torok of Morrison Hershfield and Mark Silverberg of Technoform North America, participants left with a better understanding of changes coming to the trade in Canada and how they will drive future trends in products and business practices. [See Glass Canada’s expanded coverage of Glass Connections on page 24.]

The theme of change was also a factor in Canadian Glass Association’s Annual Meeting where it was announced that Susan Mahoney will serve as the new executive director of the CGA. Mahoney replaces Bill Yanek, who served as CGA executive director of the past year. Yanek has left to pursue new opportunities as the CEO of the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association.

The CGA is pleased to welcome Susan. Mahoney has served as a staff member of Centric Management and Consulting, the association management company that manages CGA, for the past two years. She specializes in event planning, board management and has a background in government and non-profit management.

The 2016 Glass Connections conference was a tremendous success and CGA would like to thank all the participants, exhibitors, sponsors, presenters and planning committee members who made it a great experience for all who attended.

Check out pictures from the event on our Facebook page: facebook.com/CanadianGlassAssociation.

Ontario Glass and Metal Association
Please see Frank Fulton’s “You Bet Your Glass” column on page 30 for a full update on the prompt payment process. The Construction Lien Act review report is due to be released at the end of September. The OGMA will be meeting with Prompt Payment Ontario within days of the release of the report to determine next actions depending on its content. Details will be distributed to the industry as soon as they are available.

We are still planning our Fall Seminar. Details will be sent to members when available.

Companies have until the end of the year to put accessibility policies and procedures in place and to prepare to communicate your information and employment practices for compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To find out your legal obligations, go to ontario.ca/page/accessibility-laws, then contact Workplace Safety and Prevention Services to help you put it in place.

If you are conducting business in the glass industry in Ontario, the OGMA is the voice that represents your interests at the provincial and federal level.  Protect your business and support our fight for prompt payment legislation by becoming a member or as an associate member if you are a consultant to the industry. Please visit the OGMA website for more information.

After a year of preparation, the OGMA/WSPS safety manual is now ready for use by the metal and glass industry. The manual was created by qualified health and safety professionals and is a timesaving tool enabling glass shops to establish their own company program. Not only will this support a company’s efforts to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses, it will also lower costs and time related to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims. Additionally, WSPS and the health and safety manual will get your company compliant with the new OHSA Regulation 297/13 as well as AODA requirements.

AGMCA
Dennis Haatvedt has announced he will step down as president of the AGMCA at the end of this year. A search for his replacement has been initiated. Haatvedt has held the position since April 2015. He has been in the glazing industry for 40 years, most recently with AGC Flat Glass North America.

Provincial Glaziers Association of Alberta
The PGAA held a board meeting July 20. Since then the association has launched a new website and are currently working on a refined, searchable database. The new website features a cleaner layout with some upgraded graphics and big, obvious links to important areas like the Master Glazier Program and our events calendar.

We held our annual golf tournament August 18, and had a good turnout, slightly down from past years. Business continues quite strong in the province, despite the oil industries continuing woes, with Edmonton particularly strong and Calgary and rural markets a bit softer.

Our next board meeting is September 21.