A new chapter was opened this morning at the Annual Conference of the Fenestration Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA). The event marked the first gathering since the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) joined as a new entity.

The meeting began with an official unveiling of a new logo by Angela Dickson, FGIA marketing and communications director—a visual representation of the FGIA brand. Dickson explained that FGIA’s new strategy for branding follows an archetype of mentorship, as the Alliance looks to serve as a source of deep knowledge and a trusted guide in fenestration and glass.

“We say what we mean and mean what we say,” Dickson explained, adding that one part of the association’s message includes enlightening and sharing wisdom. To reiterate its goal, the organization is going with the position line: Your trusted industry resource setting the standards for fenestration and glazing.

Donnie Hunter, FGIA chairman, shared some of the details from a strategic plan, including FGIA’s mission, vision and five goals which center around community, education, certification, advocacy and research and technical standards.

World Vision’s Mary Garcia reported that in 2019 $2.5 million in window and door products were donated by industry companies to those in need.

“These are the guiding principles as we move forward as FGIA,” said Hunter.

He also introduced some icebreakers to the event in order to encourage members from both past organizations to become acquainted. Attendees were asked to find someone they had never met, take a selfie with them and then post their images to social media, tagging their own companies or organizations and FGIA. At lunch, again members were asked to find someone they had never met and learn three things about them.

Continuing with the meeting, Janice Yglesias, executive director, said the organization has welcomed 13 new members since fall of last year and welcomed 38 first-time participants to the annual conference.

Janice Yglesias, presents Mark Silverberg with a plaque recognizing Technoform for its many years of service to FGIA. Earlier he was recognized for his retirement and all the years he as served FGIA.

Mary Garcia, from World Vision, informed members of generous donations to her organization from Soft-Lite, MI Windows and Doors, ProVia and Winco, which together donated a combined $2.5 million worth of doors and windows in 2019 toward those in need. Additionally, PGT and FGIA both hosted backpack events for World Vision to help children.

The meeting ended by recognizing individuals and companies serving the organization. Hunter started with the retirements of three individuals who have devoted decades of service, including Mark Silverberg, of Technoform, Chuck Gilderman, of FeneRep, and Randy Heather, of Wasco Skylights, part of Velux Group.

FGIA also recognized companies with membership tenure awards, three of which were recognized for 40 years of service: Deceuninck North America, Gerkin Windows and Doors and ITW.

The Annual Conference continues through Thursday. Check dwmmag.com for further updates from the conference.