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Fenestration Canada – Educating members part of our mission

As we near winter and reflect upon what I hope for many was a successful 2015 it is very difficult to predict what the New Year will bring. Many external factors significantly impact our forecasts and hopes for a strong business climate in 2016. Potential glass shortages, a weak Canadian dollar, low resource pricing, international trade pacts, skill shortages, export opportunities and rising raw material costs all present unique challenges and opportunities.

Fenestration Canada members may be better prepared to face these challenges and take advantage of any opportunities presented. The association has further focused its efforts to inform and educate membership on many of the issues that impact their businesses.

Webinar and seminar events encourage our members to discuss the latest code developments. Economic predictions and discussion of issues help us prepare strategies and policies to keep member companies informed and engaged. Having the benefit of being able to collaborate with other fenestration professionals on matters – whether technical, marketing, product development, human resource or professional development – is the glue that holds associations together. Fenestration Canada is no different.

Earlier this year a strategic group of member fabricators, suppliers and service providers met in Montreal to define our vision and mission statements and set us upon a path to pursue our goals. The vision is to be the leading resource on all matters that impact the fenestration industry across Canada. Our mission is supporting our members across Canada by providing education, networking and technical resources; connecting fenestration stakeholders; and addressing regulatory issues that affect our members. This same group will meet again at Windoor to further define this strategy and to help map our progress and future. I am encouraged by many of the younger fenestration professionals giving their time and energies to support and help shape our industry. Your business matters. Even the smallest fabricator, supplier or service provider from the most remote part of Canada can make an impact when you have the support of your fellow fenestration professionals.

Membership means you care enough about your profession to offer your opinions, experience and knowledge to help make our industry stronger. Together we can help prepare the next generation of window and door professionals take on the challenges the future will bring.

Some say that today’s business climate is harder, more impersonal and more difficult to navigate. The days of opening your door and business will just pour in are long gone. Companies and individuals armed with knowledge and supported by their colleagues and peers will most definitely have a better chance to prosper in tomorrow’s marketplace. You can too.

I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season and look forward to a very prosperous New Year! Mark your calendars Fenestration Canada Annual General Meeting, June 8 to 10, 2016, at the Fairmont Mont-Tremblant in Québec.

Skip Maclean is president of Fenestration Canada. He is business development manager for the Tru-Tech Doors and has over 40 years’ experience in the window and door industry.