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Fenestration Canada – Change is the only constant

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

I recently read this on a colleagues post on Linkedin and thought how appropriate for this quote to reappear in my life. The quote from John F. Kennedy is more relevant to me now than at any time in my past.

Fenestration Canada has begun another phase in its journey to become the leading resource in all Canadian fenestration matters. Fully emerged into the second quarter of 2016, there is a general flurry of activity at both the association and membership level. The board of the association recognized that change was necessary to not only remain relevant but to also increase our effectiveness and influence on issues and opportunities that affect our members, our economy and our industry. After engaging a professional management company to help steer its activities, define its priorities, initiatives and policies, the association is fully poised to provide its membership with a competent and supportive voice in fenestration matters.

Now more than any time in the past, there is significant interest from young fenestration professionals to become involved and help define the direction our industry will take in the years to come. Fenestration products often take a backseat to other major building products such as kitchen and bath, flooring, lumber or roofing products, but are no less important and a major factor when energy efficiency and quality of living space are considered. Our industry will play a major role in shaping the way living and work spaces will look and act in the future.

The association has been asked to participate in determining future building codes, product specification guidelines, standards for sizing and placing of fenestration products for fire rated applications and many other fenestration- and building-related issues. By getting involved in these efforts, we deliver a benefit to fenestration professionals across Canada that cannot come from any other source. Governments and standards-developers can only act when the industry speaks with a unified voice that does not reflect the particular interests of any one company or region. We have recognized our power as a national association to act on behalf of the whole window and door sector, and are expanding our efforts to use that influence to help everyone. If you want to make sure your company’s interests are reflected in Fenestration Canada’s positions, I encourage you to get involved! Let’s make no mistake, Fenestration Canada is, in essence, its members, member companies and individuals who take the time to voice their opinions, listen to and understand those of their peers, apply their expertise and experience and learn from other fenestration professionals.

In the theme and spirit of change, exciting new programs and features are being put in action for both the upcoming Annual General Meeting in Mont Tremblant, Que., and the WinDoor show in Montreal. 2016 will mark the first year in its 21-year history that WinDoor will be located outside of Ontario. The decision to move the show to Montreal was not made lightly. Survey results from both exhibitors and attendees indicated that this move would not only cure the perception of “sameness” but would re-energize the event and promote the Canadian national perspective of our industry. Already the vibe surrounding the move is increasing in volume and several new features have been added. A new show committee, an experienced and engaged show management team and a unified commitment to change has never been more prevalent. Please commit to joining us for both these events. It is through the concerted effort, participation and involvement of Canadian window and door fabricators, suppliers and service providers that we can protect and promote our industry.

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.