June 25, 2012 – A year long effort to form a fenestration organization came to fruition in the spring of 2012. The new organization which has been incorporated as Fenestration Manitoba has roots which reach back a number of years. A core group including Brian Epp of PPG, Aurel Robin of Dominion Windows, Rob Johnstone of Accurate Dorwin and Brian Korchinski of Acrylon had been organizing an annual golf day and mini supplier showcase for quite a number of years.
June 25, 2012 – A year long effort
to form a fenestration organization came to fruition in the spring of
2012. The new organization which has been incorporated as Fenestration
Manitoba has roots which reach back a number of years. A core group
including Brian Epp of PPG , Aurel Robin of Dominion Windows , Rob
Johnstone of Accurate Dorwin and Brian Korchinski of Acrylon had been
organizing an annual golf day and mini supplier showcase for quite a
number of years.
This annual effort achieved a level
of interaction and communication within the industry that had not
previously existed. However, that group of individuals reached a point
where they had decided to discontinue. It had become apparent that there
was a need for more communication and stronger training efforts on an
ongoing basis. Finally, it was also clear that some Canadian regional
groups, such as those in Quebec and B.C., were having a favourable
impact on their fenestration industries.
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| Some members of the Fenestration Manitoba executive team. Left to right: Al Dueck of Duxton Windows and Doors, Ryan Dudeck of Paramount Windows and Doors, Dave MacKay of Polar Windows, Aurele Robin of Dominion Windows and Doors, Dan Friesen of Epic Windows and Doors and Brian Warkentin of Fenestration Consulting. Advertisement
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As a result, a representative mix of largely Manitoban window and door
fabricators and some suppliers met in late April. This meeting
was designed to achieve consensus that such an organization was needed
and should be formed. In addition, the initial basics of sub-committees
and an executive team were formed. The new executive team, including
committee responsibilities, is:
- Founding President, Al Dueck of Duxton Windows and
Doors - Secretary/Treasurer, Ryan Dudek of Paramount
Windows and Doors - Marketing and Government Relations, Dave
Mackay of Polar Windows - Swinging Doors, Brian Warkentin, an independent
consultant - Installation, Aurele Robin of Dominion Windows and Doors
- Technical, Dan Friesen of Epic Windows
- Contract Glazing, Ken Rowson of Alumicor
Subsequently, the legal incorporation and supporting
organization have also been completed with the support of Ryan Dudek,
Secretary/Treasurer. A membership fee structure has been established
and the core members have paid their fees. Notably, the prior annual
event committee also provided a substantial donation from 2011.
A number of initiatives have already been launched by members of this
group. The installation group has met to formulate some initial plans
on how to systematically strengthen the industry standards on this
topic. Dave Mackay has held a number of discussions with Manitoba energy
and provincial officials. This has resulted in some very important
conclusions that the fenestration industry is not being
sufficiently credited for the high performance products which are
available to Manitobans. Ongoing meetings have opened new channels of
communication whereby Fenestration Canada is being given an opportunity to
increase the visibility and recognition of high performance window and
glazing options.
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| Fenestration Manitoba meets with the provincial Innovation Energy and Mines agency. Present at the meeting are, from left to right, Ken Klassen, Harry Schroeder, Aurele Robin, Ryan Dudek, Rathan Bonam, Colleen Kuruluk, David MacKay, Doug Fosty and Al Dueck (not pictured). |
The new organization chose the name Fenestration Manitoba to mirror the
newly branded Fenestration Canada (formerly the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association). It is believed that
a win-win can be achieved by channeling information to the benefit of
the Manitoba industry as well as increasing the involvement of the
Manitoba members with the national organization. A specific vehicle for
this will be the hosting of the Fenestration Canada’s annual general meeting in Winnipeg in 2014. We
absolutely believe that this new organization can make a very positive
impact on the Manitoba fenestration industry.
Related links
www.fenestrationcanada.ca
www.manitoba.ca/iem
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