September 30 (TODAY) is the deadline to enroll in RRP training!

The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule went into effect on April 22, 2010. The Frequent Questions on EPA’s June 18, 2010 Implementation Guidance for the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule explained that renovators had additional time to obtain the necessary training and certifications to comply with the RRP rule.  

Today, September 30, 2010, is the deadline to enroll in an EPA approved certified renovator training program. The certified renovator class must train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. All training must be completed by December 31, 2010.

The EPA will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP rule’s firm certification requirement until October 1, 2010.  The EPA will not enforce violations of the RRP rule's renovation worker certification requirement against individual renovation workers if the person has enrolled in a course by September 30, 2010.

Renovators who have not completed the training requirements should review the EPA’s  training materials. Additional information on lead-safe work practices can be found on the EPA's site or obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Plan for Auto Glass Week and GlassBuild in 2011!

The industry is still in the midst of fall conference season, but it's time to mark your calendar for  events in 2011: Auto Glass Week™ and GlassBuild America. 

• Auto Glass Week™ will be held September 15-17, 2011, in Memphis, TN, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center and Memphis Marriott Downtown.
  
  The 2011 event will bring together the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Council Inc., the Independent Glass Association (IGA), the National Glass Association (NGA), National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA), AGRR Magazine’s Auto Glass Technician Olympics and the Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics for one event in one venue. The International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference also will be held concurrently.
  
  Auto Glass Week, managed by AGRR magazine, will be the only Auto Glass event these organizations hold in 2011. That makes it the place to be for Auto Glass businesses! Further details will be announced on www.autoglassweek.com.
  
  
• GlassBuild America 2011 will be held September 12-14, 2011 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. 
  The Show Floor at GlassBuild America is over 150,000 net square feet of exhibit space and is the  central showcase for glass processing equipment, window and door manufacturing equipment, and the latest technologies for all types of glass and fenestration products in North America. In addition, the show floor is home to the Innovations Pavilion which showcases cutting-edge technologies and other groundbreaking advances.
  
  Seminars offered daily address the unique concerns of the glass window and door industries providing insight into emerging technologies, industry trends and market updates. Planned sessions for 2011 include the 6th Annual Glazing Executives Forum, the 2nd Annual Window & Door Dealers Forum, and the Inaugural Architectural Forum. More information is posted throughout the year on www.glassbuildamerica.com.

Mark your calendars today for these exciting industry events!

You can follow all of the fall conference coverage, including coverage of GlassBuild America and glasstec, through Glass Magazine and Window & Door.

Reeling Them In

Fishing is a great sport that requires a lot and I mean A LOT of patience to be done properly. Carefully we prepare our special bait, disguise the hook, prepare the pole and the line then cast it into the water. We do all of that in hopes of a huge return. We win some, we lose many, but when that line tightens what happens? WE REEL EM’ IN!

Many of you have had the opportunity to attend huge events that can lead to new potential business; thousands of dollars are spent in renting booths, travel time and booking hotels. We go into these with high expectations of huge returns, but in reality how effective are they? Instead of focusing on the past, I want to take the opportunity to look to the next big event and maximize our time on the floor and make those hard earned dollars work for us.

I have had many opportunities to experience the same feelings, the same thoughts and the same expectations. I have made it a goal to out-perform any other company in our same field and any other company in the event for that matter, by maximizing my time and essentially reeling in new customers and intriguing those around me to test drive our product.

In most cases what normally happens on a show floor are people sitting around “hoping” someone will come to them, with expectations of getting some leads  on the floor or getting a nibble from a fish that day. Then they voice opinions to their boss afterwards like “It really was a terrible show, no one was that interested or too busy.”

To reel them in I suggest the following:

1. First: Think outside of the box! I had an opportunity a few months back to do just this. The convention center had a cheese table right next to our booth. It was a huge hit for all of the consumers at the show, so what did I do? I stood on top of our table and yelled “Thanks for eating our cheese! Come see me when you are done!” People laughed and it produced results.
2. Second: BODY LANGUAGE!  55% of how we act in front of people is our BODY LANGUAGE. Be excited! Get out there and love what you do. Be animated and smile when showing potential customers your product. This is YOUR time to shine!
3. Third: TONE! 38% of a face to face interaction with someone is our TONE. Tone is best described as: The quality or attitude conveyed by the persons voice. Believe it or not, consumers can tell if we are genuinely excited or faking it and not giving 100%.
4. Last but not least: TALK to people! Avoid saying menial phrases like “How are you?” Instead say “Hello!” or “Hey let me show you how my product will change your life!” Be creative, the idea is to hook or peak their interest then get them to our booth and sell them! The more people you talk to, the higher chances you will have at being successful! OPEN YOUR MOUTHS!

My thoughts are this: JUMP! Jump outside of being mediocre and SELL yourself! However we look at life we are salespeople. I invite you to look deeper and ask yourself: “Am I giving 100% to this?” and “Do I believe in what I am selling?” These 4 suggestions may be difficult for some, but with practice it will become second nature and you will be POWERFUL!

Kelly Wasden

ContactPoint NGA WDDA

GlassBuild Round-up!

Another GlassBuild America is now behind us, and it was an educational and rewarding week for all of us at the NGA and WDDA. As you all get back into the grove of your normal work weeks, take a minute to read all about GlassBuild (whether or not you attended). A couple of links to GlassBuild releases and information:

• GlassBuild America
• Live From GlassBuild America 
• GlassBuild America STANDS TALL – Attendance Up – Booth Sales for 2011 Brisk
• Glass Magazine
• glassblog: Day two at GlassBuild America, according to Max Perilstein
• Economy not headed for double-dip recession, Dietrich assures
• glassblog: Day one at GlassBuild America, according to Max Perilstein
• Glazing Executives Forum highlights productivity, solar and estimating
• GlassBuild America 2010 opens today in Las Vegas
• Industry pays tribute to Don Johnson upon his retirement
• National Glass Association
• NGA Announces New Chairman of the Board
  
• Leading Economist Addresses 5th Annual NGA Glazing Executives Forum
• Window Door: GlassBuild America Off to Good Start 
• Window Door Dealers Alliance
• In-Depth Web Site Clinic A Hit At Inaugural Window and Door Dealers Forum

Send us links to more articles or share your experiences here.  We'll see you next year in Atlanta!

GlassBuild America is Here!

GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo is the  most important event in the North American glass industry.   There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas -  even when there isn't a tradeshow to attend - how can you decide what to do during the tradeshow this week?

Here are the educational opportunities the NGA and WDDA think you should make time for September 14-16:

1. Trends in Decorative Glass Seminar (September 16) -- Led by industry favorite Bernard Lax, this interactive panel discussion features three leading experts exploring how specialty glass is selected and perceived by each facet of the glass industry.
2. NGA's 5th Annual Glazing Executives Forum (September 14) -- One of our most popular events every year, the 2010 forum will again feature several interactive breakout sessions, dynamic speakers and a must-see economic forecast of the glazing industry.
3. Innovations Pavilion -- Returning for its second year, this year's pavilion will feature even more cutting-edge technologies and exhibiting companies.
4. WDDA's Inaugural Window & Door Dealers Forum (September 15) -- Created exclusively by and for independent window and door dealers, this much-anticipated program is patterned after the Glazing Executives Forum.
5. Solar and Energy Efficiency Seminar (September 16) -- Sure to be one of the most talked-about sessions of the week, this educational program will examine architectural and other technological considerations driving the fast-growing photovoltaic industry.
6. AAMA's Fenestration Masters Program -- This exciting new training -- availalbe on MyWindowClass.com and designed specifically for the window and door industry -- will be launched at GlassBuild in the NGA Theater.

Remember, it's the only event in North America this year where the entire industry will be under one roof.  Don't miss out on this unrivaled opportunity to generate new business, expand your professional network and build your sales pipeline for the coming year.  The 2010 GlassBuild America Expo begins TOMORROW!

Mr. Donald Trump: You Can Buy American

While speaking on the state of the economy this morning on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Donald Trump lamented that he had to use Chinese windows for one of his projects. Precisely, he said “I ordered windows…thousands of windows…the other day. They’re made in China. I don’t want to buy them. But it’s hard to get them anywhere else.” (Click here for his comments.)

As an employee of the National Glass Association, I'm certainly sympathetic to Mr. Trump’s desire to use North American products for his projects and I applaud his support of the North American fenestration industry. However, I wonder if he did his due diligence. If he had used the NGA website to find a business, he could have found any number of providers who would be more than happy to work with him.  A quick glance at the NGA's Find a Member function (available to the public at no charge) shows the following NGA members in the New York/New Jersey area, who might be able to help Mr. Trump find the windows he needs:

• All Action Architectural Metal & Glass
• Clifton Architectural Glass & Metal
• Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc.
  

Plus, many other business are available in the area, including members of the Window & Door Dealers Alliance.

Mr. Trump, here's your invitation to attend next week’s GlassBuild America in Las Vegas, which includes exhibitors from around the world. It’s your chance to see just how dynamic the market is for windows in North America. Perhaps you could find an appropriate partner there.

Members of the glass industry: Tell me what you think by posting your comments here.

Matt Rumbaugh
Sr. Manager of Education, Training, and Certification
National Glass Association, Window & Door Dealers Alliance

Go Back to School with the NGA!

Are you ready to start the year right? The NGA is offering educational programs throughout the year so you can learn more about the glass and glazing industries.

• Fall Semester: The NGA’s Educational Webinar Series
  Educational Webinars are designed to help you make your business successful. The fall webinar series includes sessions on: Handling Coated Glass (October 5, 2010), Glass Receiving, Cutting, and Washing (TBD),  Understanding Design Requirements for Glazing Systems (TBD). For NGA members, the cost per webinar log-in is $50.00 per webinar. For non-members, the cost is $100.00 per webinar.  Register today!
  
• Spring Semeseter: The NGA’s Glass Management Institute
  Glass Management Institute (GMI) brings comprehensive management training to the glazing industry. GMI offers an advanced curriculum to mid- and upper-level glass company executives. This professional development program is taught by some of the leading executives and brightest minds in the U.S. glass industry. For NGA members, the cost per student is $1,195. For non-members, the cost is $1,795. Individual modules are just $395.  Register today!
  
• Year-Round: MyGlassClass.com
  MyGlassClass.com was designed for Architectural/Flat Glass, Auto Glass, and Window and Door companies as an affordable resource for improving worker skills, enhancing workplace safety, achieving professional certification, and complying with training requirements.  Courses include standards and regulations, best practices, product design and selection, performance requirements, and more. MyGlassClass.com is your one stop source for glass training.

Sign up for the Spring Semester by September 30, 2010 and attend the Fall Semester for free!

For more information, email training@glass.org or call 866/342-5642 ext 182.

Back to School Week: Online Glass Training and Internships

A lot of schools have been back in session for weeks now, but in Northern Virginia, today is the first day back.  Students spent Labor Day weekend packing their bags, making their lunches, and sharpening their pencils.

Now that kids are back in school, it's time for YOU to focus on your continuing education.  The NGA and WDDA have several educational opportunities to ensure that you are prepared for your future in the glass and window and door indsutries.  View the NGA education and training programs and training available through the WDDA. And now there is a new opportunity for people entering the glass industry - your future coworkers and employees.

Today the NGA announced an alliance with Education To Go (ed2go).  This alliance will make NGA and WDDA online training and certification programs to be available to students at more than 1,900 colleges, universities, community organizations, and other education providers across the United States.

ed2go has officially launched three Career Training Programs: Certified Auto Glass Technician, Certified Architectural Glass Technician, and Certified Window and Door Installer.  Students will now be able to purchase training on  MyGlassClass.com along with a 40-hour unpaid internship, a training manual, and a voucher for the NGA certification exam.

For more information on the the new program, view the ed2go site or the NGA press release.

Alyssa Kirkman
Sr. Manager, Association Services

Announcing New Member Service: Equipment Financing and Leasing

The NGA has partnered with American Equipment Finance LLC to provide innovative equipment financing & leasing to member businesses. AEF provides instant access to capital for businesses - both large and small - seeking to acquire assets necessary to expand and grow. Dozens of NGA members have already benefited from these services, and now you can tap into this resource to grow your business.

As a member of the NGA, AEF has an understanding of the glass, window and door industries and the ability to assist your business as you seek to acquire new & used machinery, computers & software, trucks, and other items needed to grow your company.

NGA members qualify for a $300.00 discount off the processing fee (regular price $450.000.

Stop by GlassBuild America booth #1751 to learn more about AEF or any of the NGA's other member services.