The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members this week, by congratulating winners at an annual awards banquet. The ceremony was part of the alliance’s annual conference, held this week in San Diego.

Robert Jutras

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through their work and dedication to the advancement of FGIA and the industry as a whole. The award this year went to Robert Jutras, principal engineer, building envelope performance at UL.

Jutras serves as co-chair of the Joint Document Management Committee Group, which is responsible for updating the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). Additionally, he serves as chairperson for several FGIA groups, including the Methods of Test Committee, the Accredited Independent Laboratories Committee and more.

Steve Fronek

The Architectural Distinguished Service Award was presented to Steve Fronek, vice president of preconstruction at Apogee Enterprises. This award recognizes an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of FGIA and the Architectural Products Council (APC).

In his four decades with his company, Fronek has filled several technical and management roles, officials said. He is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin and served as chairperson of the AAMA board in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his FGIA leadership, Fronek has represented his company’s membership in the U.S. Green Building Council and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s High-performance Building Façade Solutions’ Public Advisory Committee.

Kevin Seiling

Kevin Seiling, vice president of engineering and new business development at VEKA, received the Residential Distinguished Service Award, a distinction that’s given to a member who excels in work toward improving FGIA and the Residential Products Council (RPC).

Seiling serves as first vice president of the alliance’s Vinyl Material Council and as vice chair of the Residential Technical Committee. He is an RPC representative for the FGIA board of directors and ex-officio for the Southeast region board. He serves as chair of several groups, working with vinyl certification and more.

Jim Blamble

Jim Blamble, key account manager at Sika Corp., was presented with the Distinguished Service Award in the glass products council, which recognizes one who excels in work toward improving FGIA and the Glass Products Council. Blamble serves as chair of the Field Correlation Task Group and the Field Study Installation Work Group.

The Marketing Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bruce Carriere, architectural specification manager at AkzoNobel Coatings, which acknowledges a single individual who has exhibited leadership and outstanding service in marketing activities for the alliance.

Bruce Carriere

Carriere is an active participant and leader for both the AMC Marketing Committee and the Aluminum Strategic Marketing Committee. He also serves as a mentor for new conference participants and as chair of the Corrosive Environment Coating Task Group and the Architectural Aluminum Handling, Cleaning and Maintenance Task Group.

Milgard was honored with the first-ever 2022 Bill Briese Education Excellence Award, which recognizes significant support of and distinguished commitment to education excellence within FGIA.

Milgard representatives

Members of the alliance’s Education Steering Committee were asked to vote for candidates for this inaugural award to select a corporate member company or employee demonstrating ongoing support of and significant participation in FGIA education programs and initiatives, officials said. Milgard has submitted a group order of 22 participants to the Fundamentals of Fenestration Program, in addition to a group order of 39 participants for the FenestrationMasters program. Six individuals with this company are currently accredited instructors in the InstallationMasters combined program, and three employees are registered for instructor training in 2023. Milgard participated in the InstallationMasters advanced training program in 2018 and 2020, which included a commitment to teach 100 installers within 12 months. Finally, many of the company’s employees participate in or lead education-related committees and task groups.