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Fenestration Canada: October 2013

Today’s Canadian window and door manufacturing industry continues to
move through an important developmental period and it is fortunate in
being served by a revitalized leadership group and organization.

Today’s Canadian window and door manufacturing industry continues to move through an important developmental period and it is fortunate in being served by a revitalized leadership group and organization. This year saw Fenestration Canada launch an Ottawa-based industry office managed by newly appointed executive director Robert Rivard. This office provides an opportunity for strongly focused and effective management of the industry’s priorities. Activities include expanding membership recruitment strategies; creating suitable programming for events, including stronger shows; and fostering ever-important interaction and engagement with industry stakeholders.

Our newly elected president, Skip MacLean, along with a strong executive team of seasoned veterans from all facets of the window and door manufacturing sector, are well positioned to take on the challenges facing our industry. More frequent teleconference meetings for executive committee meetings have allowed a stronger level of communication and achievement of leadership/action items. A greater level of accountability is being developed at the committee level to ensure the industry is well served across a broad spectrum. Ongoing recruitment of candidates willing to give their time and effort to serve as volunteers is beginning to result in a wider and stronger range of membership representation at all levels. New initiatives on membership also have yielded some positive results, including stronger interaction with sister and affiliated organizations in Quebec, B.C. and Manitoba.

Fenestration Canada realized its largest-ever turnout for our annual conference program in St John’s, N.L. The conference featured a lot of excellent interaction and productive discussion. Responding to concerns raised by some members, the executive group launched a Fabricators’ Council initiative designed to attract a broader level of manufacturer involvement and help position fabricator members to take on the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s market issues surrounding regulations, codes and standards compliance requirements. Lisa Bergeron of Jeld-Wen Canada will chair a fabricators’ council meeting at Win-Door with a group of window and door fabricators who have expressed an interest in becoming involved. Together, they will begin the process of mapping out an action plan that will address the issues. Individual company owners and managers – no matter the size – need to realize and act on the fact that this is a very real opportunity to help determine the direction of their industry and organization.

Fenestration Manitoba will definitely be challenged to match the energy generated in St. John’s as host of the June 2014 AGM in Winnipeg. It is very clear that the annual AGM is proving to be a highly rewarding event where some very close bonds are developed amongst a wide range of industry members. Regular attendees have commented on how rewarding it has been to be able to combine networking with literally seeing our great country coast to coast. And the 2014 Winnipeg AGM will again offer some unique components as it centres upon North America’s “fenestration valley” and attracts some of the unique suppliers and resources of nearby companies. There will be opportunities to experience the infamous Exchange District, the nearby Forks and waterfront, and the monumental Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The 2014 AGM will be held at the Hotel Fort Garry June 11 to 14.

All of this and more can add value to your membership investment. Keep in mind that involvement and interaction leverages your benefits and ensures greater viability for your organization. Your company’s membership investment value and results are directly proportional to the time and effort you invest. We need you!

Merci and see you at Win-Door 2014. •

Al Dueck is the first vice-president -of Fenestration Canada and president of Duxton Windows and Doors based in Winnipeg.