Features Community Event reports
Fenestration Canada: August 2014

The Fenestration Canada Annual Meeting and Conference held in June at
the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg saw just under 200 participants
register for meetings, social activities and various program events. It
was one of the most successful offerings ever.

The Fenestration Canada Annual Meeting and Conference held in June at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg saw just under 200 participants register for meetings, social activities and various program events. It was one of the most successful offerings ever. The association acknowledges the tremendous support received from sponsors and Fenestration Manitoba for helping make this event what it was. We wish to particularly underscore the tireless contribution of Al Dueck (Duxton Windows), who persevered in promoting the conference and effectively dispelling any misperceptions anyone had about Winnipeg as a site for the conference.

The annual conference program delivered an extensive package of programming and activities that easily met expectations by all who attended, and delegates were greeted with the patented Friendly Manitoba welcome. It was very significant that something in excess of 30 fabricators were registered – and that included 11 from Manitoba. This was an important milestone in developing greater involvement and, specifically, in the objective of achieving greater engagement by affiliate associations.

One of the key elements of the conference program was the introduction of a fabricators’ round table discussion during lunch. J.F. Kogovsek chaired a lively discussion that was intended to draw out the issues important to the fabricators. It was a genuine opportunity for fabricators to bring their concerns and main issues to an open forum for discussion by peers from across the country. Items generated from the session will be used to help build a NAFS Frequently Asked Questions section on the association’s website to provide further guidance to members.

Key technical presentations and discussions on Friday covered various topics, including: “Windows, Doors & Skylights: A New Standard” by Murray Frank of Constructive Home Solutions; “Phase 2 NAFS Mullion Labeling Guidelines” by Al Jaugelis of RDH Building Engineering; “Building Code Update and Case Studies” by Jeff Baker, Fenestration Canada’s technical consultant; the Energy Star program update by Steve Hopwood of Natural Resources Canada; “Energy Efficient Glazing in Cold Climates” by Tome Akerstream of Manitoba Hydro; and additional presentations by Murray Frank, such as “Embracing the Evolution of Codes,” “Windows: Energy In and Energy Out,” and “Putting Windows in Their Place.”

The Saturday morning program featured several interesting presentations, including Rod Smith, director of operations excellence for the DUHA group who presented their highly beneficial implementation of a continuous improvement program under the title “A Lean Manufacturing Journey.” This was followed by Wade Miller, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, discussing change management and leadership amidst the dramatic, ongoing changes with the storied football club. It was very clear that the smaller Saturday crowd was quite impressed by the additional professional learning opportunity.

Friday night featured the formal President’s Dinner complete with attendance by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Philip Lee, and highlighted by the C.P. Loewen award presentation to a local entrepreneur, Bill Fast. Bill and his family were specifically recognized for their innovative leadership of Willmar Windows, resulting in the creation of Canada’s largest window manufacturing operation in the mid-90s. Bill also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the world around him through his senior involvement in IDE, among other philanthropy commitments, resulting in huge improvements in the lives of the poorest in the world. A very energetic Ukrainian dance, performance by Troyanda, featured the dramatic Hopak in a concluding dance.

We truly appreciate the tremendous response for the numerous delegates who attended and benefitted from great program content and networking opportunities that were offered. Plans are already underway for next year’s conference in Vancouver B.C.

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.