PGC International Annual Symposium Provided Forum for Collaboration
The Protective Glazing Council (PGC) International's Annual Symposium in Arlington, Virginia, featured a great deal of discussion about collaboration between the organization and other industry trade associations, such as the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).  PGC International held a joint strategic planning session with GANA at the event, followed by committee work on the Protective Glazing Manual, which is being authored as a collaborative effort by PGC International and GANA.  During the joint sessions, several members of both organizations remarked on the benefits of tackling important issues together, as well as the importance of PGC International in the industry.

"There's a lot of overlap with the associations, and some of our members belong to one or more of the other organizations," said PGC International Ron McCann of Viracon.  "But I think what PGC International brings is opportunity for different groups to come together without a specific goal in mind.  GANA is glass and glazing focused, primarily, while AAMA is a manufacturers' association, with a lot of test methods and standards.  PGC International has members from both segments, and we bring in members from the film side of the industry as well.  I think we have an opportunity to have a more broad-based membership, providing a neutral voice speaking for the industry."

During the join strategic planning session, members of both organizations discussed recent efforts by the National Institute of Building Sciences to move towards a formalized set of standards and third party ratings, a potential "protective glazing ratings council" and its effects on the industry in light of widespread complacency among the government and private sectors.  "If such a ratings council is to be considered," said Bill Yanek, Executive Director of PGC International, "It is vital to insure those creating and overseeing such a program are well versed in the widely varying technologies and applications on the market today.  PGC International plans to survey member customers about the need for such a ratings council.

At its PGC Annual Symposium meeting, the joint Protective Glazing Manual Committee developed an ambitious timeline for completion of the joint Protective Glazing Manual.  The Committee has been working on the Manual since its initial formation at the PGC International Spring Meeting this past April in Orlando, and a draft outline was discussed by the Committee at the Annual Symposium.

"This group is moving very swiftly," said Sara Neiswanger, Account Executive for PGC International.  "Our plans are to release the final version for sale in 2010, but a good amount of legwork has already been accomplished."  During the meeting, the Committee voted to have a first draft of the Manual for review at the PGC International Spring Meeting in May of next year, also in Orlando.  "Our plan is to fast track the effort, and have a substantive draft to showcase during the meeting in Orlando, something which will please our attendees a great deal," added Neiswanger.

The 2009 PGC International Spring Meeting is currently being planned, with registration opening for the meeting by the end of December.  To learn more, please visit the PGC International website at www.protectiveglazing.org/events.

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