Glassweek is underway in California... so far so good, the fun stuff really gets going on Monday including a squaretable session that will have a 30 minute talk about my good friends from the NFRC.
Also China and the World Economy is on the docket.
Also in case you missed it, USGNN ran a great piece on Cliff Monroe and his attempt to find out the truth behind that classifications that the NFRC arranged for the past election.
Here is the link: http://www.usgnn.com/newsnfrc20060123.htm
Comical.. as stated here many times, the NFRC board will do whatever they want. It is sad really.
One item not noted previous. The fee structure that NFRC has is to soak the manufacturers and glaziers badly, while charging a flat fee to labs and inspection agencies. So in the Fenestration category that Marcia Falke won (despite Jim Benney's lame argument) while not meeting the "criteria" she only pays $400 for her membership... while everyone who should be eligible in that category pay ALOT more (up to $17,500! per year)
Someday the light will shine bright enough on this...........
By the way, as a guy living in Detroit but growing up in Pittsburgh, this coming Sunday will be a truly amazing time... the Steelers are in town (Did you know Jerome Bettis was from Detroit? ha ha) and the game is in my new home town. While I will not be going to the game (leaving that honor to my brother and his family) it will truly be awesome.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Survey
There's a survey from the Department of Energy now out about the services that they fund. Hopefully it will not get filtered and contaminated by the NFRC and people will be able to give their true feelings on what is happening with that organization and the charade of servicing "the public"
If you are an NFRC member you can fill it out by going through their site and I would assume you could do the same by going through AAMA as well.
With all that is good that is provided by the DOE (LBNL especially) we can only hope that they step up and put their fingers, hands and arms around the NFRC and Potomac Communications as they do all they can make a living off of the public....
If you are an NFRC member you can fill it out by going through their site and I would assume you could do the same by going through AAMA as well.
With all that is good that is provided by the DOE (LBNL especially) we can only hope that they step up and put their fingers, hands and arms around the NFRC and Potomac Communications as they do all they can make a living off of the public....
Monday, January 16, 2006
24
24 is easily the best show on TV today... how about yesterday, with great football games topped off by the season starter of 24.
Anyway, even as good as Jack Bauer is, he probably could not infiltrate that iron clad containment around the NFRC! I mean after all they are 501C3!
Anway, this week is the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain and its expected to be a strong show. Like mentioned here previous the Colorado Glass Association does a nice job in organizing events and with good market like Denver, this one should be good.
The BEC show, coming round the corner in afew weeks should also be a show stopper!
Anyway, even as good as Jack Bauer is, he probably could not infiltrate that iron clad containment around the NFRC! I mean after all they are 501C3!
Anway, this week is the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain and its expected to be a strong show. Like mentioned here previous the Colorado Glass Association does a nice job in organizing events and with good market like Denver, this one should be good.
The BEC show, coming round the corner in afew weeks should also be a show stopper!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
NFRC "Communique"
Last night NFRC Board members got a "communique" from Jim Benney- basically Jim defended their election process and had some other classic Potomac Communications talking points.
However, one passage caught my eye....
Fenestration Industry - Five (5) representatives who are employed or affiliated with Members involved in manufacturing fenestration products or components or with Members who are trade associations or other organizations formed to represent such manufacturers. Of those five positions, at least three (3) shall be filled by one individual from each of the following categories: (i) a primary glass manufacturer; (ii) a manufacturer that sells the majority of its fenestration products for use in non-residential construction; and (iii) a manufacturer that sells the majority of its fenestration products for use in residential construction.
Can someone explain to me how Marcia Falke, as a owner of an inspection agency, fits in ANY of the above. Does she manufacture? NO Does she represent? NO
Yet she probably pays her dues to that category... another classic NFRC maneuver to allow them to do whatever they please.
However, one passage caught my eye....
Fenestration Industry - Five (5) representatives who are employed or affiliated with Members involved in manufacturing fenestration products or components or with Members who are trade associations or other organizations formed to represent such manufacturers. Of those five positions, at least three (3) shall be filled by one individual from each of the following categories: (i) a primary glass manufacturer; (ii) a manufacturer that sells the majority of its fenestration products for use in non-residential construction; and (iii) a manufacturer that sells the majority of its fenestration products for use in residential construction.
Can someone explain to me how Marcia Falke, as a owner of an inspection agency, fits in ANY of the above. Does she manufacture? NO Does she represent? NO
Yet she probably pays her dues to that category... another classic NFRC maneuver to allow them to do whatever they please.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Sleeping with the enemy
This was posted a while back on another website, but it really did not get the play it deserved. I am amazed at the people who give this a "free pass"- Anyway this article was in China Daily and it talks about PPG helping the Chinese get into the float glass operations... not as a joint venture, but as consultants. I really don't need to say any more...
Sleeping with the enemy
DAI YAN2005-08-22 07:26
SHANGHAI: "We are businessmen," says James C. Diggs, senior vice president of PPG Industries, when asked how the company manages to co-operate with its Chinese rivals.
As a major flat glass producer in the United States, PPG was among three US companies to launch an anti-dumping lawsuit against several Chinese windshield manufacturers in 2001. PPG Canada Inc later initiated a similar case against Chinese imports.
The US Department of Commerce started imposing punitive tariffs of 3.71 per cent to 124.5 per cent on Chinese-made replacement windshields in 2002.
The trade battle became something of a legend in Chinese business circles after several domestic windshield producers pioneered an expensive fight against anti-dumping charges.
The results were not in PPG's favour and the Chinese companies emerged relatively unscathed. Xinyi Automotive Glass was slapped with low tariffs of 3.71 per cent, Shenzhen Benxun Automotive Glass Co Ltd was hit with 9.84 per cent in penalties and the largest company, Fuyao Group, received a punitive tariff rate of 11.8. Subsequent appeals brought Fuyao's tariffs down to zero.
"We were angry and upset. We were concerned about the implications," says Diggs. "Then we decided to have to find a way to address these concerns."
PPG now actively co-operates with many Chinese glass manufacturers, ranging from contractual arrangements to technology licencing.
"We give orders to Chinese companies and then we supply them in the United States or we license our technology to local companies to help them develop better glass," Diggs says.
Fuyao Group collaborated with its former foreign nemesis to launch three new float glass production lines in June, which is expected to boost the nation's lagging float glass production technology. Float glass is clear and flat, making it ideal as a major raw material for producing automobile glass.
Fuyao has spent 1.7 billion yuan (US$210 million) on the development of the enhanced production capability. The company has installed the world's most advanced float glass equipment and technology.
Cho Tak-wong, Fuyao's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), says the joint effort with PPG, the world's industry leader, has created a firm technological base for Fuyao's future development.
"We are businessmen and we have the role to turn a good business," Diggs says.
"Now we've reached an appropriate middle ground, which is in both the interests of Chinese companies and PPG. That's the best way to do it."
The foreign manufacturer sold its flat glass manufacturing facilities in China to sharpen its competitive edge.
"In the flat glass business, we do not have the scale to compete effectively in China. We will focus on coating and fibre glass," Diggs says.
Besides flat glass, the Pennsylvania-based PPG is also a global leader in timber, automotive parts, aerospace technology, and industrial and packaging coatings. It is also a leading North American producer of architectural coatings. PPG also manufactures fabricated glass, continuous-strand fibreglass and chemicals. Sales hit US$9.5 billion in 2004.
China holds huge growth potential for PPG.
"We are excited about the market. It is big and we have to move aggressively to achieve the market position we have in other countries," Diggs says.
PPG started to invest in China in the late-1980s; its first project was supplying auto coatings for Beijing Jeep Company. Then it extended its scope, providing products such as industrial coatings, auto refinishing paint, packaging coatings, astronautics coatings and glass fibre products.
PPG has already established plants in Tianjin, Suzhou and Kushan, and business offices, labs and training departments in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing.
Its Asia-Pacific headquarters were moved from Malaysia to Shanghai last March, and it shifted its strategic emphasis from Chinese multinational auto manufacturers to both domestic and overseas auto makers.
"China plays a significant role in the overall growth of our company and we have targeted the country as a key region for investment and an important area for producing a range of products," he says.
Diggs says PPG is looking at expanding its coating and fibreglass business in China. The company and its joint venture partner, Nan Ya Plastics Group, started to build a second fibreglass manufacturing furnace at their Kunshan facility last year.
The additional furnace, with 38,000 metric tons of annual capacity, will serve the expanding electronics and thermoplastics industries. The new furnace is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2006.
The plant opened in September 2003 with one 30,000-metric-ton fibreglass furnace. The Kunshan plant can accommodate up to four furnaces, capable of collectively producing more than 120,000 metric tons.
This rapid plant expansion symbolizes PPG's ambition to be a leader in the Chinese market and meet the growing demand for fibreglass in Asia.
"We have already invested tens of millions of US dollars and we will invest even more in the second phase. It is our major commitment," Diggs says.
The company is also seeking to merge with domestic counterparts in order to expand more quickly. PPG faces several strong competitors in China, including BASF, Dupont, Kansai Paint and Nippon Paint.
"We are looking at the possibilities for mergers and acquisitions in China, with partners who can match our unique customer profile and share similar cultural values," Diggs says.
PPG recently expanded its Asia business by acquiring Crown Coating Industries of Singapore, a privately held manufacturer of specialty wood coatings. Incorporated in 1991, Crown Coating leads the Asian flooring industry in radiation-cured coatings. Crown operates facilities in Singapore and Shanghai.
"We have many choices, ranging from greenfield investments to mergers and acquisitions. We want to grow organically in China," Diggs says.
Sleeping with the enemy
DAI YAN2005-08-22 07:26
SHANGHAI: "We are businessmen," says James C. Diggs, senior vice president of PPG Industries, when asked how the company manages to co-operate with its Chinese rivals.
As a major flat glass producer in the United States, PPG was among three US companies to launch an anti-dumping lawsuit against several Chinese windshield manufacturers in 2001. PPG Canada Inc later initiated a similar case against Chinese imports.
The US Department of Commerce started imposing punitive tariffs of 3.71 per cent to 124.5 per cent on Chinese-made replacement windshields in 2002.
The trade battle became something of a legend in Chinese business circles after several domestic windshield producers pioneered an expensive fight against anti-dumping charges.
The results were not in PPG's favour and the Chinese companies emerged relatively unscathed. Xinyi Automotive Glass was slapped with low tariffs of 3.71 per cent, Shenzhen Benxun Automotive Glass Co Ltd was hit with 9.84 per cent in penalties and the largest company, Fuyao Group, received a punitive tariff rate of 11.8. Subsequent appeals brought Fuyao's tariffs down to zero.
"We were angry and upset. We were concerned about the implications," says Diggs. "Then we decided to have to find a way to address these concerns."
PPG now actively co-operates with many Chinese glass manufacturers, ranging from contractual arrangements to technology licencing.
"We give orders to Chinese companies and then we supply them in the United States or we license our technology to local companies to help them develop better glass," Diggs says.
Fuyao Group collaborated with its former foreign nemesis to launch three new float glass production lines in June, which is expected to boost the nation's lagging float glass production technology. Float glass is clear and flat, making it ideal as a major raw material for producing automobile glass.
Fuyao has spent 1.7 billion yuan (US$210 million) on the development of the enhanced production capability. The company has installed the world's most advanced float glass equipment and technology.
Cho Tak-wong, Fuyao's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), says the joint effort with PPG, the world's industry leader, has created a firm technological base for Fuyao's future development.
"We are businessmen and we have the role to turn a good business," Diggs says.
"Now we've reached an appropriate middle ground, which is in both the interests of Chinese companies and PPG. That's the best way to do it."
The foreign manufacturer sold its flat glass manufacturing facilities in China to sharpen its competitive edge.
"In the flat glass business, we do not have the scale to compete effectively in China. We will focus on coating and fibre glass," Diggs says.
Besides flat glass, the Pennsylvania-based PPG is also a global leader in timber, automotive parts, aerospace technology, and industrial and packaging coatings. It is also a leading North American producer of architectural coatings. PPG also manufactures fabricated glass, continuous-strand fibreglass and chemicals. Sales hit US$9.5 billion in 2004.
China holds huge growth potential for PPG.
"We are excited about the market. It is big and we have to move aggressively to achieve the market position we have in other countries," Diggs says.
PPG started to invest in China in the late-1980s; its first project was supplying auto coatings for Beijing Jeep Company. Then it extended its scope, providing products such as industrial coatings, auto refinishing paint, packaging coatings, astronautics coatings and glass fibre products.
PPG has already established plants in Tianjin, Suzhou and Kushan, and business offices, labs and training departments in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing.
Its Asia-Pacific headquarters were moved from Malaysia to Shanghai last March, and it shifted its strategic emphasis from Chinese multinational auto manufacturers to both domestic and overseas auto makers.
"China plays a significant role in the overall growth of our company and we have targeted the country as a key region for investment and an important area for producing a range of products," he says.
Diggs says PPG is looking at expanding its coating and fibreglass business in China. The company and its joint venture partner, Nan Ya Plastics Group, started to build a second fibreglass manufacturing furnace at their Kunshan facility last year.
The additional furnace, with 38,000 metric tons of annual capacity, will serve the expanding electronics and thermoplastics industries. The new furnace is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2006.
The plant opened in September 2003 with one 30,000-metric-ton fibreglass furnace. The Kunshan plant can accommodate up to four furnaces, capable of collectively producing more than 120,000 metric tons.
This rapid plant expansion symbolizes PPG's ambition to be a leader in the Chinese market and meet the growing demand for fibreglass in Asia.
"We have already invested tens of millions of US dollars and we will invest even more in the second phase. It is our major commitment," Diggs says.
The company is also seeking to merge with domestic counterparts in order to expand more quickly. PPG faces several strong competitors in China, including BASF, Dupont, Kansai Paint and Nippon Paint.
"We are looking at the possibilities for mergers and acquisitions in China, with partners who can match our unique customer profile and share similar cultural values," Diggs says.
PPG recently expanded its Asia business by acquiring Crown Coating Industries of Singapore, a privately held manufacturer of specialty wood coatings. Incorporated in 1991, Crown Coating leads the Asian flooring industry in radiation-cured coatings. Crown operates facilities in Singapore and Shanghai.
"We have many choices, ranging from greenfield investments to mergers and acquisitions. We want to grow organically in China," Diggs says.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Codes
Another interesting sideline of the whole NFRC debacle is the manipulation of the energy codes by special interests. Amazing that it will come down to whomever has more money and time to affect the process.
One interesting example is that John Hogan, one of the founding fathers of the NFRC, is a chairman on a code committee with ASHRAE 90.1 He is personally pushing for changes to the U-Factor to basically encourage the outlawing of aluminum windows. You wonder why a guy like John Hogan, who works for the city of Seattle, is so determined to do such... Plus you wonder why a guy who works for the city of Seattle wields so much power... and how a guy who works for the city of Seattle can afford to be at all of these meetings all over the place... Including one in India... and it goes on. Hey the guy is dedicated to his cause, just wonder how the City of Seattle or its taxpayers could benefit from it...
Anyway, moral of the story is in the past special interests have had free reign- well now is the time to get more in tune on what could happen.
Also on the code horizon, a push for more visible light... While the "Green" folks like this and it has some merit- it does not work nationwide and building with high natural light in Vegas or Phoenix would suffer and thus any gains from an energy standpoint would be frittered away.
All I ask for is common sense....
One interesting example is that John Hogan, one of the founding fathers of the NFRC, is a chairman on a code committee with ASHRAE 90.1 He is personally pushing for changes to the U-Factor to basically encourage the outlawing of aluminum windows. You wonder why a guy like John Hogan, who works for the city of Seattle, is so determined to do such... Plus you wonder why a guy who works for the city of Seattle wields so much power... and how a guy who works for the city of Seattle can afford to be at all of these meetings all over the place... Including one in India... and it goes on. Hey the guy is dedicated to his cause, just wonder how the City of Seattle or its taxpayers could benefit from it...
Anyway, moral of the story is in the past special interests have had free reign- well now is the time to get more in tune on what could happen.
Also on the code horizon, a push for more visible light... While the "Green" folks like this and it has some merit- it does not work nationwide and building with high natural light in Vegas or Phoenix would suffer and thus any gains from an energy standpoint would be frittered away.
All I ask for is common sense....
Friday, December 30, 2005
Munich
Went and saw "Munich" today. It was interesting- but very long at 2-1/2 hours...
Obviously I am just a lowly marketing foof but I was shocked that Steven Spielberg veered away from the book "Vengeance" (that it was based upon) as much as he did. "Vengeance was a great read and really did not have to be messed with. However Spielberg did take some creative license in more than a few scenes and in a few events.
He also tried in my opinion (and in the opinion of some reviews I read) to not take sides in the on going Middle East dispute- but by trying to straddle he really ends up getting both sides infuriated. People have mentioned this movie as an Oscar contender- but I think with its mixed messaging it could affect that.
Finally a portion of the ending was downright bizarre to me- but until you see it, I won't divulge that here.
This was the first time I went and saw a movie so soon after reading the book and all in all it was a good effort but I did hope for better.
Look at this way, for what a day at the movies cost now-a-days, you will get your money's worth with this one and you will have plenty of things to talk about afterwards.
Obviously I am just a lowly marketing foof but I was shocked that Steven Spielberg veered away from the book "Vengeance" (that it was based upon) as much as he did. "Vengeance was a great read and really did not have to be messed with. However Spielberg did take some creative license in more than a few scenes and in a few events.
He also tried in my opinion (and in the opinion of some reviews I read) to not take sides in the on going Middle East dispute- but by trying to straddle he really ends up getting both sides infuriated. People have mentioned this movie as an Oscar contender- but I think with its mixed messaging it could affect that.
Finally a portion of the ending was downright bizarre to me- but until you see it, I won't divulge that here.
This was the first time I went and saw a movie so soon after reading the book and all in all it was a good effort but I did hope for better.
Look at this way, for what a day at the movies cost now-a-days, you will get your money's worth with this one and you will have plenty of things to talk about afterwards.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to one and all...
One quick note on the postings (or lack there of) here. Only getting a few replies on the actual message board is not a major concern to me as I still get a steady flow of replies to my e-mail. I think some are uncomfortable about posting here, even as anonymous. I have no problems with that plus I am heartened by the viewing stats that I am provided that show a lot more views and visits than I ever thought possible. So thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, view, comment and e-mail.
Also on a non NFRC or glass note- just read the book Vengeance- it was the story that inspired Steven Spielberg's new movie Munich. The book was tremendous- now I have to carve 3 hours out to go see the movie and see how it is portrayed on the big screen. In any case the book was an intense ride.
One quick note on the postings (or lack there of) here. Only getting a few replies on the actual message board is not a major concern to me as I still get a steady flow of replies to my e-mail. I think some are uncomfortable about posting here, even as anonymous. I have no problems with that plus I am heartened by the viewing stats that I am provided that show a lot more views and visits than I ever thought possible. So thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, view, comment and e-mail.
Also on a non NFRC or glass note- just read the book Vengeance- it was the story that inspired Steven Spielberg's new movie Munich. The book was tremendous- now I have to carve 3 hours out to go see the movie and see how it is portrayed on the big screen. In any case the book was an intense ride.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Happy Holidays
Hope everyone is well at this time of the year... Things are somewhat slower right now as everyone is hustling to get their shopping and cooking done.
As for the Glass and Glazing business, some good things coming up, with Glassweek and the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain in January and the BEC Conference in February.
Of course we'll stay on the NFRC track- while they stress more open-ness, I'll believe it when I see it. Hard to be more open when the cat is guarding the henhouse each and every day. But I am just one guy- On the other side is a monstrous machine led by Potomac Communications- one of the heaviest players in the PR world when it comes to these energy "concerns"
We'll keep at it though- whether it's screaming in the wind or not, I am not going just sit back and let things like this happen without a fight-
So that said, happy holiday and a healthy 2006 to all...
As for the Glass and Glazing business, some good things coming up, with Glassweek and the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain in January and the BEC Conference in February.
Of course we'll stay on the NFRC track- while they stress more open-ness, I'll believe it when I see it. Hard to be more open when the cat is guarding the henhouse each and every day. But I am just one guy- On the other side is a monstrous machine led by Potomac Communications- one of the heaviest players in the PR world when it comes to these energy "concerns"
We'll keep at it though- whether it's screaming in the wind or not, I am not going just sit back and let things like this happen without a fight-
So that said, happy holiday and a healthy 2006 to all...
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
2 things
Two items- check out www.4specs.com good site-
Also check out the first paragraph from the press release from NFRC...
NFRC is committed to open and transparent communications. In response to membership requests for additional information regarding Board activities, NFRC will provide these informational updates following all Board meetings.
Wow. Could it be that they are opening up? This paragraph led off a long "communique" from Jim Benney-
Who knows, maybe they are planning to open up, but I will believe it when it I see it... Keep in mind that the NFRC has unreal PR agency working for it- The Potomac Group- These folks are good and they know that they have to start spinning some public perception... I would settle for doing the right thing and stop trying to cost the public significant money while feigning- "We're working for the public...."
By the way, next NFRC meeting is in San Diego in March- wonder what it will be like having it in a major continental US City for the first time since early '04.
Also check out the first paragraph from the press release from NFRC...
NFRC is committed to open and transparent communications. In response to membership requests for additional information regarding Board activities, NFRC will provide these informational updates following all Board meetings.
Wow. Could it be that they are opening up? This paragraph led off a long "communique" from Jim Benney-
Who knows, maybe they are planning to open up, but I will believe it when it I see it... Keep in mind that the NFRC has unreal PR agency working for it- The Potomac Group- These folks are good and they know that they have to start spinning some public perception... I would settle for doing the right thing and stop trying to cost the public significant money while feigning- "We're working for the public...."
By the way, next NFRC meeting is in San Diego in March- wonder what it will be like having it in a major continental US City for the first time since early '04.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
New Leader at NFRC
Well it is true as Marcia Falke is now the Chairman of the NFRC replacing Marvin Stover.
Wow.
The NFRC website is now updated with the new board positions with Marcia on top. While I am sure she is capable of leading an organization I still can not fathom how someone who's life's income depends on the programs that are being implemented can be in that position. Then again most of the board, board ex officio's and committee heads all are in the same boat.
So basically, Marcia and the folks that make their incomes off of these programs will use the public (and good ole 501c3 status) as a shield to cover their own interest.
How does more costs benefit the public?
Wow.
The NFRC website is now updated with the new board positions with Marcia on top. While I am sure she is capable of leading an organization I still can not fathom how someone who's life's income depends on the programs that are being implemented can be in that position. Then again most of the board, board ex officio's and committee heads all are in the same boat.
So basically, Marcia and the folks that make their incomes off of these programs will use the public (and good ole 501c3 status) as a shield to cover their own interest.
How does more costs benefit the public?
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Get Ready for Glassweek and BEC
The Glass Association of North America has two HUGE events coming up- Glassweek and the BEC show. They are the events that make this industry fly- it is where the movers and shakers go and they are the times and places where things happen for the positive growth of our industry.
For more info go to: www.glasswebsite.com
For more info go to: www.glasswebsite.com
Friday, December 02, 2005
Changes at NFRC
Supposedly some channges are coming on the Board of the NFRC, though they aren't good ones for those of us who believe the public is NOT being served by their profiteering motives. (At the profiteering of certain board and very influential members)
Marcia Falke may be the new Chairman of the Board- which makes sense since Marcia's income or at least 72% of it, comes from the NFRC policies they enact. So now it will be easier for Jim Benney and Potomac Communications to state that the Board and Chair only "do what is in the best interests of the NFRC"- of course they will... they are financially motivated too!
How does the group keep its powerful 501 c 3 status? How are they considered the same as a charity?
Marcia Falke may be the new Chairman of the Board- which makes sense since Marcia's income or at least 72% of it, comes from the NFRC policies they enact. So now it will be easier for Jim Benney and Potomac Communications to state that the Board and Chair only "do what is in the best interests of the NFRC"- of course they will... they are financially motivated too!
How does the group keep its powerful 501 c 3 status? How are they considered the same as a charity?
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Two Links- One Sports and One NFRC
Two links for you to check out...
The first is from Glass Magazine on an article about the NFRC and their Board structure. In the coming days there's going to be ALOT more on this issue! Plus I have not spent a ton of time reviewing this piece yet and I plan on a comment or two....
http://www.glassmagazine.net/news.php?id=997
The second link is sports and as I said at the start, I still have to write about sports- anyway, Jay Mohr is a comedian, movie star and he also writes for SI.com- his column this week was about Michael Irvin, the former WR from Dallas and current ESPN personality. Irvin was just arrested and Mohr takes a hard look at it- great read...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/jay_mohr/11/30/mohr.sports/index.html
The first is from Glass Magazine on an article about the NFRC and their Board structure. In the coming days there's going to be ALOT more on this issue! Plus I have not spent a ton of time reviewing this piece yet and I plan on a comment or two....
http://www.glassmagazine.net/news.php?id=997
The second link is sports and as I said at the start, I still have to write about sports- anyway, Jay Mohr is a comedian, movie star and he also writes for SI.com- his column this week was about Michael Irvin, the former WR from Dallas and current ESPN personality. Irvin was just arrested and Mohr takes a hard look at it- great read...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/jay_mohr/11/30/mohr.sports/index.html
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
NFRC Meeting in Santa Fe/China
As I write this, the Fall meeting of the NFRC is going on in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The tough thing about trying to introduce other opinions on this group is that its last three major meetings have been in absolutely impossible and expensive locales. Hawaii, Quebec and now Santa Fe- one heck of a travel club eh?
Well amazingly despite their plans to have meetings in Asheville, NC and Alaska- the NFRC did change their meeting locations for next year- San Diego, Minnesota and Washington DC! So the hope is that with meetings in easier to access to cities we can get more people involved and engaged in the process.
Also on a side note, my column in the current US Glass is on China and their effect on our industry. I have gotten some super feedback so far, and for that I am thankful. You know on these issues that I lay out all my passion there's days I feel like I am screaming in the wind- so its nice when others feel similar.
Well amazingly despite their plans to have meetings in Asheville, NC and Alaska- the NFRC did change their meeting locations for next year- San Diego, Minnesota and Washington DC! So the hope is that with meetings in easier to access to cities we can get more people involved and engaged in the process.
Also on a side note, my column in the current US Glass is on China and their effect on our industry. I have gotten some super feedback so far, and for that I am thankful. You know on these issues that I lay out all my passion there's days I feel like I am screaming in the wind- so its nice when others feel similar.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Giving Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving!
Always the best weekend of the year- 4 days filled with food and football- really what more could you ask for?
But on such a good weekend it is also time to reflect...
Many thanks to go around...
Thanks for the obvious- family, friends and co workers- without them, life is not as meaningful.
From an industry standpoint- thanks for people like the gang at US Glass- who support this industry without batting an eye.
Thanks to the primary glass manufacturers- while we all like to pick on them, they do come to market with good products with unmatched quality 99.9% of the time.
On that note, thanks for products like SN 68 (Guardian) , and OptiView (Pilkington) that are trendsetting and helpful to the industry.
Thanks to the NFRC, as if not for them, I'd be bored... ha ha but seriously they were created to serve a purpose and they did- on the residential side... (hey did ya think I could get through blog entry without mentioning them?)
All in all we have much t o be thankful for- with the exception of one state, the economy for our industry is solid- we have caring people and organizations and healthy competition. Believe me things can be much worse.
Always the best weekend of the year- 4 days filled with food and football- really what more could you ask for?
But on such a good weekend it is also time to reflect...
Many thanks to go around...
Thanks for the obvious- family, friends and co workers- without them, life is not as meaningful.
From an industry standpoint- thanks for people like the gang at US Glass- who support this industry without batting an eye.
Thanks to the primary glass manufacturers- while we all like to pick on them, they do come to market with good products with unmatched quality 99.9% of the time.
On that note, thanks for products like SN 68 (Guardian) , and OptiView (Pilkington) that are trendsetting and helpful to the industry.
Thanks to the NFRC, as if not for them, I'd be bored... ha ha but seriously they were created to serve a purpose and they did- on the residential side... (hey did ya think I could get through blog entry without mentioning them?)
All in all we have much t o be thankful for- with the exception of one state, the economy for our industry is solid- we have caring people and organizations and healthy competition. Believe me things can be much worse.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Check this out
Glaziers.... industry....
Check out this site: http://www.powrgrip.com/cgi-bin/powrgrip/glass_related_sites.html
Good resource!
Check out this site: http://www.powrgrip.com/cgi-bin/powrgrip/glass_related_sites.html
Good resource!
Denver
Just got back from a visit to Denver to speak to the Colorado Glazing Contractors Association. (CGCA) Good people and very well run organization by Rebecca Kaspari. Rebecca used to work for US Glass and is married to Mark Kaspari of Agalite Shower Doors so she has a pretty solid knowledge of what make our industry tick.
Anyway, I spoke about green building and LEED. And yes I did mention the NFRC but avoided going into detail because when I start that it's hard to get me to stop. Green building practices make sense and I guess because of my opposition to some of the things that NFRC does people may think I am against energy efficiency and advancement. That could not be further from the truth. I want and we need better performing building and we need the tools to be able to deliver that- we just do not need extra validations and on site inspections that the NFRC wants to go with it.
LEED as it stands right now is not perfect- but it is a start- if anything it gives architects a roadmap and ideas to do things better.
By the way, Denver will be in the glass industry news quite a bit as they host the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain in January (which is starting to fill up nicely exhibitor wise) and GreenBuild from the USGBC next fall.
Anyway, I spoke about green building and LEED. And yes I did mention the NFRC but avoided going into detail because when I start that it's hard to get me to stop. Green building practices make sense and I guess because of my opposition to some of the things that NFRC does people may think I am against energy efficiency and advancement. That could not be further from the truth. I want and we need better performing building and we need the tools to be able to deliver that- we just do not need extra validations and on site inspections that the NFRC wants to go with it.
LEED as it stands right now is not perfect- but it is a start- if anything it gives architects a roadmap and ideas to do things better.
By the way, Denver will be in the glass industry news quite a bit as they host the Glass Expo Rocky Mountain in January (which is starting to fill up nicely exhibitor wise) and GreenBuild from the USGBC next fall.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Comments
Just a note- I've gotten a couple of e-mails that asked if I'll be bummed if I don't get comments to the subjects and the debate is little. Well at worst this process is therapeutic for me. If there's constructive debate great... If not I still have an outlet to release to....
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Election Results
The election for the Board of the NFRC has now closed- hopefully we will see results on Monday.
There were some solid candidates who could start to make a difference on that board, but I have a feeling that they will probably be on the short end of the stick- but we will see.
I, along with others, made a ton of phone calls on behalf of Cliff Monroe- one of the candidates. Many of the people we talked to were very supportive of Cliff- the question is "Did they vote for him?"
Whether they did or not, all but 1 person we talked to believed that the Board needed new blood- so hopefully those wishes will be granted!
There were some solid candidates who could start to make a difference on that board, but I have a feeling that they will probably be on the short end of the stick- but we will see.
I, along with others, made a ton of phone calls on behalf of Cliff Monroe- one of the candidates. Many of the people we talked to were very supportive of Cliff- the question is "Did they vote for him?"
Whether they did or not, all but 1 person we talked to believed that the Board needed new blood- so hopefully those wishes will be granted!
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