tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81694005006715969682011-07-31T01:23:56.752-04:00Glassblog has moved. Please visit us at our <a href="http://www.glassmagazine.com/glassblog">new address</a> to read recent posts and join the ongoing glassblog discussion. See you there!Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.comBlogger1671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-50172867145296398282010-06-22T10:21:00.006-04:002010-06-22T13:34:07.322-04:00

A panel of experts talked about Keys to Enhancing productivity at the 4th Annual ENR-CURT Construction Business Forum, June 15-16, at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Va. Paul Goodrum, associate professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Lexington, Ky.; Albert Schwarzkopf, senior project engineer, Merck & Co. Whitehouse Station, N.J.; Jim

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-20144525094358940772010-06-21T17:17:00.003-04:002010-06-21T17:27:34.426-04:00

Are you considering jumping into the fray to receive some of the trickle-down recovery money? Perhaps you’re considering a project that requires blast-resistant glazing. If so, it's important to know what to expect, as many architect design teams have hired blast consultants to review submittals in detail. The stickiness of the submittal process really depends on who is looking at the submittals

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-92074134931292808762010-06-14T17:35:00.005-04:002010-06-14T21:10:39.154-04:00

My first introduction to Building Information Modeling was way back in 2006 at the first annual Glazing Executives Forum during GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo. Patrick MacLeamy from HOK gave a luncheon presentation to a group of contract glaziers saying that BIM was coming, fast—and boy was he right.The number of firms that have obtained BIM software has doubled between 2006

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-17823827126883400962010-06-07T12:40:00.007-04:002010-06-07T16:28:07.113-04:00

I was struck last week by a member of the industry, with whom I chatted on a conference call. He remarked he'd just heard for the first time about an important piece of legislation that I thought "everyone" knew about. The bill offers potential rewards to those prepared to capitalize on it, and could be a short-term "game-changer" once it passes.The experience got me to thinking about the word

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-75943535164508914632010-05-28T12:14:00.004-04:002010-05-28T12:39:27.044-04:00

Recently, I’ve seen a number of articles, blogs and online discussions regarding U-factor and R-value, especially with regard to fenestration products. It’s time for NFRC to set the record straight on this important issue.NFRC recognizes only U-factors for energy ratings for important technical reasons, consumer reasons and legal reasons.This is not a simple issue. From a technical perspective,

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-74730271091907050222010-05-24T08:33:00.003-04:002010-05-24T15:05:42.743-04:00

You’ve probably heard that “a 1000-mile journey begins with a single step.” This is true. Just as true is the fact that “the journey continues with a single step.” In previous blogs I stated that I am training to run 56 miles on my 56th birthday. Also stated were potential conflicts/obstacles that could interrupt my training.During my training every time an obstacle has appeared, I have been

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-89708000609323620512010-05-17T17:32:00.008-04:002010-05-18T08:28:53.791-04:00

2009 was a tough year for contract glaziers. Of the companies that made this year’s Top 50 Glaziers and provided exact sales figures for 2008 and 2009, 55 percent reported a decrease in sales volume. Glaziers cited decreased backlogs and increased competition among the reasons for the slide. Some described a bidding environment in which general contractors were “shopping numbers,” looking for the

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-81641661422245215552010-05-10T13:57:00.000-04:002010-05-10T13:58:22.018-04:00

A Census Bureau person was on the news saying that, if conservatives don't participate in the census (due to their presumed anti-government sentiment), then they will be under-represented for the next 10 years in Congress, school funding, highway funding, etc. But really, everyone feels like "their position" is under-represented, whether they are liberal or conservative. We all believe that most

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-50948721846303756242010-05-03T13:59:00.004-04:002010-05-04T16:12:58.100-04:00

The glass and glazing industry is starting to see the trickle-down of government recovery money, but it is not without a price. These projects are tagged with important features that glaziers will do well to be aware of. Most of the projects are for Department of Defense installations or GSA, and have blast resistance requirements.A significant percentage of the recovery money ends up in the

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-49785387130454410472010-04-23T15:17:00.015-04:002010-04-26T10:59:30.631-04:00

Solar panels have opened up a booming market for glass and glazing professionals. Most big names in the industry have entered the niche. Just in the recent past, Solutia, St. Louis, agreed to acquire Etimex Solar; the Dow Chemical Co. picked Midland, Mich., as the site for the first full-scale facility for its Dow Powerhouse Solar shingles; Cardinal Solar Technologies, part of Cardinal Glass

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-19432847960627769862010-04-19T11:27:00.003-04:002010-04-19T11:39:12.454-04:00

The first quarter has ended. Let’s review our goals. You are either on track to achieve your goal(s) for the year or you are not on track. So what are you going to do about it?If you are on track, you run the risk of taking your success for granted. You begin to think it’s easy to reach your goals and this can lead to complacency. You have worked hard so far this year. You have been doing the

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-85203894223087619132010-03-29T14:41:00.010-04:002010-04-05T13:50:28.971-04:00

E-mail is easy. Too easy. Richard Kelson, Esq., Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir P.C., Pittsburgh, says careless or casual e-mails can open companies up to problems if a legal dispute arises. Kelson spoke March 29 during the last day of the BEC Conference at Paris Las Vegas, hosted by the Glass Association of North America, Topeka, Kan.Kelson emphasized to the audience of glaziers and suppliers

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-58704697603072260652010-03-29T03:14:00.007-04:002010-03-29T11:35:20.577-04:00

Lions and tigers and bears? That’s nothing. The glass industry’s got codes and standards, and emissions regulations. Oh my.The major threat to the glass industry right now, according to some presenters and industry officials here at Glass Week in Las Vegas, isn’t the economy, but proposed codes and standards, and emissions regulations or legislation. The economy, and construction industry, will

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-24929803721163358092010-03-21T18:11:00.004-04:002010-03-21T21:51:07.431-04:00

Last week, President Obama signed an $18 billion jobs bill to spur hiring by giving tax breaks to small businesses. The bill also includes $20 billion for highway and transit programs.The bill was passed March 17 on a bipartisan 68-29 vote, according to an AP report. The new measure would exempt businesses hiring unemployed from the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax through December and

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-79895549580359773432010-03-15T11:11:00.014-04:002010-03-15T13:19:50.896-04:00

Like you, I’m not immune to the seeming barrage of discouraging news regarding the construction industry out there. And frankly, sometimes I find it hard to see beyond the negative headlines. So, in an effort to brighten my outlook, I recently contacted several industry executives whose companies are doing well in this tough economy. Perhaps not surprisingly, some common strategies emerged as I

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-19446770990274215292010-03-01T12:16:00.010-05:002010-03-08T12:45:04.280-05:00

Official Washington leaves much to be desired these days.Here we have the presidency, the House and the Senate all in the hands of the same party, and yet we have a classic case of legislative gridlock. We're even starting to see progressive senators jumping ship, including Indiana's Evan Bayh, who cited partisan bickering and a disturbing lack of progress for his decision to retire.Frankly, it's

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-42479032738861258282010-02-26T11:02:00.016-05:002010-03-01T15:36:46.760-05:00

I got an e-mail the other day from a Mr. J.E. Swain, and he asked two questions:1. "Why is the double-glazing industry producing 20-millimeter space partially filled argon gas units? Considering argon gas optimum gap between glass panes is 14 mm with a maximum of 16 mm, any wider, the gas reduces the efficiency and durability by approximately 35 percent, and why partially filled instead of full

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-17524553874355624722010-02-22T09:59:00.006-05:002010-02-23T11:11:41.756-05:00

In my last blog we covered the basics of goal setting: 1) set the goal, 2) develop a plan, 3) keep the goal and plan in front of you, 4) focus on the reward for accomplishing it.By now, you have either done nothing toward achieving your goal, have started but lost confidence in achieving your goal, or are making progress toward reaching the goal. Regardless of which stage you are in, it is most

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-57009134976969842152010-02-18T16:44:00.000-05:002010-02-22T20:43:22.452-05:00

The architectural community has struggled through this recession. Faced with two years of declining business, firms have downsized, cut services and, for many, closed. According to a Jan. 20 New York Times article, employment at architectural firms nationwide was 184,600 in November, down almost 18 percent from its peak of 224,500 in July 2008. And in a recent AIA survey, 18.8 percent of

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-20546089297327196462010-02-15T07:42:00.009-05:002010-02-15T14:04:44.987-05:00

All the news on the economy trending toward the negative can wear you and your co-workers down. The construction and our glass industry have been down. All companies have made changes and adjustments.There are small signs of rebounding segments in the economy. It’s time to turn our mindsets, energies and strategies to the positive. The glass industry saw unprecedented growth during the last

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-82687050695892120902010-02-05T16:05:00.025-05:002010-02-08T21:22:02.634-05:00

I honestly didn’t know what to think when I learned last year that the bid to supply blast-resistant glass for the new World Trade Center tower went to a Chinese company. On the one hand, I’m all for cost savings, provided the product or service is high quality. On the other, I identified with PPG spokesman Jack Maurer when he said in a Patriot-News interview: "This is going to be an iconic U.S.

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-14099567563172895652010-02-01T09:50:00.007-05:002010-02-01T10:06:46.401-05:00

It's easy to remain committed when times are good. Everyone's busy, days and weeks run together as we go about our business, and we do the things we planned to do and are expected to do. Others do what they're supposed to do, just as we expect them to. Contracts are honored, customers pay, you pay your vendors, and everything trickles down and steamrolls ahead like it is supposed to. Sure, some

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-64915843256280739952010-01-22T13:30:00.005-05:002010-01-25T12:48:31.299-05:00

—Matt Rumbaugh, division manager, Education, Training and Certification, National Glass AssociationAre you on Twitter? How about Facebook? Even if you're not, you probably know people that are. Technologies that people had barely heard of two years ago are now major factors in how they communicate, how they advertise, and how they learn.In my role here at the NGA, I spend a lot of time thinking

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-38536999517719204262010-01-19T00:14:00.007-05:002010-01-19T13:16:37.991-05:00

Do you perform residential glass and window applications? Or install products at child care facilities? If so, it’s time to get up to speed on new lead paint requirements coming from the Environmental Protection Agency.Starting in April, any contractor completing work in pre-1978 homes must follow the new procedures. Not doing so could result in fines up to $37,500 per day, per violation. Some

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-50913421382017312412010-01-11T08:22:00.007-05:002010-01-11T08:40:38.171-05:00

Let’s focus on goals. The theme of this and succeeding blogs will focus on goals, goal setting, and goal achieving.We have just begun a new calendar year. If you have not set one or more goals for this year, do it now. Several clichés come to mind: if you don’t have a target, you can’t hit it; you can’t take a journey without a map. They go on and on. Suffice it to say that goals are mandatory,

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-13787852796752914512010-01-01T19:39:00.013-05:002010-01-04T10:21:05.899-05:00

2009 has wound down, leaving in its trail blood, sweat and tears. Arch filed for bankruptcy; Coastal Glass ceased operation; Oldcastle and PPG closed plants; PPG slashed 2,500 jobs; and AGC laid off workers. It was a rough 12 months, to put it mildly.To add to misery, in 2010, glass and glazing folks will face challenges in the form of cap and trade and health care reform. In a rare Christmas Eve

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-46283782653095186162009-12-14T15:30:00.010-05:002009-12-14T21:16:57.102-05:00

As the editors and I conducted interviews for the January 2010 forecast issue of Glass Magazine, we spoke with a number of glass company execs about their plans to remain profitable in what forecasters predict will be a challenging year ahead. Several themes emerged, among them: cutting costs, diversifying product and service offerings, and extending marketing efforts.We found that the economic

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-62421504802132943342009-12-07T14:08:00.000-05:002009-12-07T16:37:14.121-05:00

It’s been more than three weeks since I returned from the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Phoenix, but the green dust certainly hasn’t settled. Maybe it’s all the press coverage about President Obama’s upcoming visit to the climate summit in Copenhagen, or maybe it’s the news that my alma mater was just named America’s Greenest Campus (Let’s go Maryland! *clap* *clap*), but I just

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-74215561611659190142009-12-01T08:27:00.009-05:002009-12-01T12:23:27.560-05:00

One of the big names in aluminum storefront and glass fabrication tripped last week: Arch Aluminum and Glass Co. filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Nov. 25, with the Southern District of Florida U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Court documents list the fabricator's assets at $0-$100,000, with $100MM-$500MM in liabilities, according to TrollerBk.com. The filing does not include Arch's Canadian

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-70237478592558427002009-11-23T10:51:00.003-05:002009-11-23T11:00:57.905-05:00

You've been sued. It could have been prevented, or you could have at least had a solid defense to get you out. It's too late for that now.That should grab your attention. That's the situation one glass shop recently found itself in, and shared what they learned the hard way so that the rest of us might avoid the same perils in the future. So, without going into the whole case, here are some

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-47029195699858485802009-11-15T20:31:00.006-05:002009-11-16T20:09:57.316-05:00

I have spent a fair amount of time in Phoenix and never considered it a green, environmentally friendly city. The city, located in Sonoran Desert, far from its main water source, the Colorado River, sprawls 517 square miles and has a population of more than 1.5 million, ranking it the fifth largest city in the country and the largest capital city in terms of population. All of those people in all

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-85109011406872837012009-11-09T14:51:00.007-05:002009-11-09T15:23:15.584-05:00

According to the hundreds of glass company executives who have already responded to Glass Magazine's 2010 "State of the Industry" survey, the answer is "no" by a slim margin. But the jury is still out. If you'd like to participate in this important industry survey, you have until Nov. 23 to do so. We will reveal the final results for this question and many others regarding the financial health of

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-844123542213237622009-11-08T12:36:00.000-05:002009-11-16T13:37:45.271-05:00

Anyone who ever doubted the sincerity of “Safety first” corporate value statements need only look at recent industry events to see that the phrase is more than just a catchy slogan.In fact, safety has been driving many of the most important developments in the auto glass industry over the last few weeks.In Vegas, Cindy Ketcherside of IGD Industries won the first Carl Tompkins Distinguished

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-24685411637731902009-10-30T11:56:00.005-04:002009-11-03T11:14:25.519-05:00

We are in the 4th quarter of the calendar year. What can you do to impact the current final weeks of 2009? It is at this time of year that many companies get off schedule. They lose their focus as holidays approach, the temperature changes, and preparation for winter begins. To use a sports analogy, most games are won or lost in the 4th quarter; most races are won or lost in the final

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-45401243581427924862009-10-26T11:37:00.011-04:002009-10-26T12:34:30.650-04:00

When I bought a home in 2005, banks were more than willing to finance the purchase. Some were offering loan amounts that exceeded my comfort level by tens of thousands of dollars.Today, banks are much more cautious, and loans are hard to come by, say glass company execs. “From our standpoint, one of the most major challenges right now is the availability of money,” says Newton Little, executive

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-63740269962701490042009-10-19T12:04:00.004-04:002009-10-19T12:17:57.516-04:00

In recent years, architects have begun to see some of the many creative uses for glass, and they have incorporated more and more of it into their spaces. This was not by accident. Many companies in our industry have spent a great deal of money in getting our products in front of the architectural community. Even more money has been spent in the development of new glazing products to keep the

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-80074362209766425622009-10-09T14:04:00.008-04:002009-10-12T12:08:48.523-04:00

Opportunity for the glass industry in the emerging solar market has been the topic of much discussion for some time now. Big companies, such as Guardian, have already climbed on the bandwagon; small companies are looking for ways to get their piece of the pie.I attended the solar seminar at GBA: The Glass, Window & Door Expo Oct. 1. Panelists at the seminar, moderated by Russ Ebeid, made amply

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-71052031148839673352009-10-05T22:52:00.009-04:002009-10-06T10:40:34.632-04:00

Talking to attendees and exhibitors at GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, I repeatedly heard stories of companies involved in bidding wars where the job ultimately went to the lowest bidder without regard to the quality of its product or service. In one incident, a developer installed more than $1 million worth of windows, only to pull them out due to poor quality, said Charlotte

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-32555921201174676142009-10-05T11:41:00.001-04:002009-10-05T16:21:36.362-04:00

When a colleague forwarded me this video of what appears to be a primitive bullet-resistant glass demonstration, three thoughts came to mind:1. Is this video real or fake?2. This woman must really trust this gentleman's marksmanship.3. When selecting a product or service, there's no substitute for experiencing its capabilities firsthand.At GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo,

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-15031969710507964242009-09-28T12:07:00.017-04:002009-09-28T14:42:56.433-04:00

Glass is not just a means of enclosing a building or home; as the following examples illustrate, it can also be a conduit for personal expression.German firm Project Blinkenlights is transforming building façades into digital art installations using computer-controlled lamps placed behind darkened windows to create large-scale animated images on glass façades. As part of its most recent

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-29109851907710555262009-09-21T11:53:00.002-04:002009-09-21T13:20:59.019-04:00

My wife and I enjoy watching America’s Got Talent. It’s amazing to us how many people have a talent that has been hidden from most of America and the rest of the world. That television show made me realize that everybody has talent. It may not be entertainment talent; it may be some undiscovered administrative, sales, marketing, installation, or creative talent. Every company has a hidden talent

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-33024981040922205592009-09-10T10:03:00.012-04:002009-09-14T13:27:04.900-04:00

Autumn brings us many things each year ... football, falling leaves and the return of Congress from summer recess. Ah, it's that time of year again. Autumn has a feel all its own. We get the sweet aroma and “crunch” of dried leaves on the ground. Not to mention the smell of burgers and dogs on the grill as tailgating fills the air at every football stadium across America.Meanwhile, the smoke from

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-17669462000773679322009-09-03T16:00:00.006-04:002009-09-04T10:59:22.169-04:00

While I support the U.S. government’s efforts to stimulate the economy through legislation such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, I have to admit that sometimes I find myself asking: what’s in it for me? I missed out on the first-time homebuyers’ credit; my car didn’t qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program; and although I’d like to take advantage of the tax credits

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-20526083318984570902009-08-31T11:46:00.005-04:002009-08-31T12:05:52.533-04:00

It seems this recession has sent scammers into overdrive. Maybe they hope that companies struggling to stay afloat during the slow economy will be easy targets for scams, perhaps taking business they would avoid during better times. Or maybe the scammers themselves are feeling the economic pinch (not that my heart bleeds for them).These scammers are stepping up their efforts to steal from

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-63887226386421392552009-08-19T10:24:00.009-04:002009-08-24T14:20:34.393-04:00

A recent survey of senior U.S. manufacturing executives examines their midyear outlook for the U.S. economy, attitudes toward the proposed cap and trade legislation, and current international presence and expansion plans. Baker Tilly commissioned the survey and KRC Research conducted it. Overall, the survey indicates a tale of two manufacturing sectors: the winners and the losers.Three-hundred

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-83843955638310532142009-08-17T09:29:00.015-04:002009-08-17T17:01:38.897-04:00

Every Memorial Day for at least eight years, my wife, Linda, and I have traveled to Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, for a week to be part of a medical and missionary team from our church, Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock. We go out into the city and set up a site with doctors, dentists, an optometrist, a pharmacy and a children’s area. The peoples’ physical needs are the draw we

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-82063418268915972012009-08-10T09:02:00.006-04:002009-08-10T12:54:33.910-04:00

I just got back from a two-day trip with my two partners to visit a colleague in the glass business 1,500 miles away. Some would say that now is not the time to spend money on flights and hotels, and that they can't spend time away from their businesses when times are tough. I say that it has never been more important than it is now! None of us can just keep doing what we have always done and

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-85560293552122063142009-08-03T14:39:00.010-04:002009-08-03T22:48:43.615-04:00

—The following is the transcript of a July 27 letter from Chuck Knickerbocker, curtain wall manager, Technical Glass Products, Snoqualmie, Wash., chuckk@tgpamerica.com, to officials of NFRC.I appreciate the work the National Fenestration Rating Council has done with regard to getting the residential window industry playing on a level field as it relates to ratings for energy performance. I have

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-91361582591373880122009-07-27T12:09:00.005-04:002009-07-27T12:38:52.547-04:00

We’ve been hearing some positive economic news lately. New-home sales jumped 11 percent in June. The Dow managed to top 9,000, and Goldman Sachs reported $3.44 billion in second quarter earnings earlier this month. Larry Summers, top economic advisor for President Obama, said the economy is “back from the abyss” in a July 17 Forbes article.According to a July 20 Bloomberg report, the index of U.S

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-60471686378725124182009-07-18T14:06:00.013-04:002009-07-20T13:08:22.091-04:00

In a CNBC Financial report, I heard an investment guy who summarized it all brilliantly.He was discussing the fact that emerging market funds will be where the money is made. He said that the Chinese are using their currency to buy up and hoard commodities (oil, metals, etc.) at the current bargain prices in preparation for the turn around that will surely come at some point in time.He said this:

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-27388654930289706822009-07-13T09:46:00.004-04:002009-07-13T11:44:52.106-04:00

There are only three three things we can control:1) Our work habits2) Our study habits3) Our attitudeIt is easy to define work habits. At Evans Glass Co., we define our work habits by what we call The Five Main Things; communication, daily quality results, customer service, teamwork and personal growth.However, our study habits directly influence our attitude. Consider an analogy of the Dead Sea

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-78704983075374476552009-07-06T09:25:00.033-04:002009-07-06T16:47:18.551-04:00

Anybody who knows me knows I am easily enthused. Let's face it, sometimes the little things, even the most trivial, matter. And I am excited as I pen this note on this beautiful July 4 weekend.True, my mood was just brightened as I listened to the Brewers walking in the Cubs’ winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Sorry, fellow Domer/Brewer Craig Counsel. Them’s the breaks.But my excitement

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-13637075731677595452009-06-26T11:01:00.039-04:002009-06-29T16:12:28.600-04:00

How much involvement should the federal government have in the personnel policies of U.S. business owners? That is a question at the heart of the debate surrounding the Healthy Families Act (H.R. 2460/S.1152). If passed, it would require employers with 15 or more employees to offer paid sick leave to their staff: about seven days per year for full-time employees and one hour for every 30 hours

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-35108418511746922642009-06-18T13:36:00.004-04:002009-06-22T12:08:45.681-04:00

On June 10, the ConsensusDOCS coalition published 11 new contract documents and forms to help make bidding, negotiating and managing construction projects easier and more efficient for sub-contractors.At a time when the stimulus and other federal construction programs are rapidly expanding, general and specialty contractors will benefit from using the first standard subcontract to address new

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-65234464718875161312009-06-12T19:23:00.004-04:002009-06-15T17:12:48.479-04:00

Glass companies have been forced to make some drastic and painful cutbacks during this recession. However, one business area that has remained fairly unscathed during the downturn at most glass companies is research and development.According to the May 19 e-glass poll, only 21 percent of respondents reported cutting R&D during the slower economy. Forty-seven percent said their activities had

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-59459149743011766452009-06-08T09:47:00.008-04:002009-06-08T17:54:49.662-04:00

—Matt Rumbaugh, division manager, Education, Training, and Certification, National Glass AssociationOne of my first projects when I started at the NGA was to work with Mike Burk of Edgetech IG to get his presentation on Glass Handling Safety onto MyGlassClass.com. I traveled to Cambridge, Ohio, with a video crew to watch Mike demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment, two-man

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-81590821178586519112009-05-29T10:38:00.012-04:002009-05-31T18:05:16.227-04:00

I know all you folks out there are proud of your rides. Sure, they carry your product from point A to point B, but is that all they do? I bet, no. Your trucks are little pieces of you. They reflect the personality of their owners and their companies.For instance, I heard of a guy at one GBA who outfitted the inside of his sprinter van with a full set of decorative glass and a tile floor to take

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-9399130711817925202009-05-25T15:32:00.006-04:002009-05-26T13:05:48.944-04:00

--By Chris Mammen, president, M3 Glass Technologies, Irving, TexasI am a big believer in what my friend Bill Evans preaches in this same blog: a positive attitude can and will drive our economic recovery. Most of the time I do have a positive attitude, and when I don't, I'm pretty good at faking it. So I had a real conflict going on inside of me last week after spending just three days in

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-55703041034058539622009-05-18T13:34:00.015-04:002009-05-19T10:07:23.212-04:00

During a recent staff meeting, I was reminded just how many important initiatives are underway here and pleased by the forward momentum we are making in spite of the current economic situation. I decided to share a few quick highlights on GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door expo with you in hopes that they will both encourage and inspire you to increase your involvement with your

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-78778814572483364202009-05-11T11:27:00.005-04:002009-05-15T10:32:02.201-04:00

Making a profit is vital to a business. That is obvious to all. Getting paid is even more important. At my company we concentrate on getting paid quickly and creating positive cash flow. We have regularly scheduled meeting, every Wednesday morning, which includes all salespeople and our bookkeeper.The bookkeeper gives a report of all accounts that are at least 30 days old. Each respective

Bill Evanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06596384983523409194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-58827780156743183072009-05-01T13:59:00.004-04:002009-05-04T21:57:25.702-04:00

It's that time of the year again. Give us your best, the most innovative and out-of-the-box products and/or projects, and you might just get to be a proud winner of Glass Magazine's 2009 Crystal Achievement Awards.For 2009, we’ve added several new categories for the commercial, retail and fabrication markets. Review the instructions for submissions, categories and judging process below; then fill

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-74772264438999597892009-04-27T12:27:00.003-04:002009-04-27T14:45:26.966-04:00

In case you missed it, NBC's Today Show ran a story, April 17, on concerns about the safety of table glass in American homes.Citing a study by Children's Hospital Boston and Consumer Reports, the segment stoked fears about the perils for young children exposed to non-tempered tabletop glass and related furniture. The NGA is quoted near the end of the segment supporting both the increased use of

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-49769289107315967832009-04-17T11:52:00.007-04:002009-04-20T16:55:23.767-04:00

In the beginning of this month, the Texas Supreme Court upheld its decision that an injured employee of a contractor cannot sue a "premises owner," according to an USA Today article April 3. The court granted a rehearing, but stuck to its decision.The court made the decision on the case of a turbine mechanic at an Entergy Gulf States plant in Bridge City, Texas. The worker was hurt in 2001 while

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-53272970629710442852009-04-13T12:21:00.002-04:002009-04-13T13:50:45.584-04:00

You know an industry’s message is beginning to make it into the general public when parody music videos start appearing. Check out this hilarious music video called “Double Panes” about the benefits of insulating glass over single-glazed units (“This record’s going LEED Platinum. If you’ve got skinny windows, you better fatten 'em.”)John Swanson at Window and Door did a bit of sleuthing and

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-35251066668055609952009-04-06T10:43:00.005-04:002009-04-06T14:25:50.211-04:00

—Bill Evans, president, Evans Glass Co., NashvilleThe one thing we can always control is our attitude. How we interpret and react to people and situations influences their reaction to us. Most people suffer from what I call "Chicken Little Syndrome." They believe the sky is falling. If someone calls themselves a realist or pessimist they most assuredly suffer from CLS. They most assuredly look

Guest glassbloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10107796913020063629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-12804264085487028892009-03-30T10:08:00.008-04:002009-03-30T15:28:12.455-04:00

The hard facts are cold. Things just aren't the same.That's why it's time to raise some "Keynes."Gotta admit ... Keynes got it right when he coined the term "Animal Spirits."You know, that lively term that captures how human decisions reflect our "spontaneous urge to action," where a simple math equation just does not figure into how confidence builds in an economy. Human behavior ... the belief

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-61920304831424722742009-03-21T20:07:00.006-04:002009-03-23T15:13:22.581-04:00

President Obama’s latest plan will allow the government to spend up to $15 billion to buy small-business loans that are now stalling community banks and lenders. That, in turn, will allow those banks to start lending again to small companies to invest, pay bills and survive, according to a March 17 article in The Washington Post.Over the past decade, small businesses have created about 70 percent

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-9931959548950407782009-03-13T15:23:00.007-04:002009-03-16T10:23:32.288-04:00

Feeling down about the hits your 401K has suffered during the last year? Well, as they say in Minnesota, it could be worse … a lot worse.March 12, Forbes released its list of the world’s billionaires. This year, the list sits at 793, down from 1,125 in 2008. “The typical billionaire is down at least one-third in their net worth,” said Steve Forbes, Forbes CEO. That includes Microsoft founder Bill

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-12625976611481933152009-03-06T12:22:00.031-05:002009-03-09T10:36:35.467-04:00

As the unemployment rate continues to rise, hitting 8.1 percent in February, more glass company owners find themselves having to navigate IRS instructions on how to claim credit for the Cobra medical premiums of former employees.Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, eligible former employees enrolled in their employer's health plan at the time they first lost their jobs are

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-84362552634322461632009-03-01T17:26:00.019-05:002009-03-02T11:49:04.127-05:00

Climate Change and Cap and Trade have been the focus of the industry in the last few months. At Glass Association of North America’s fall conference last September, officials and members discussed the issues at length. Climate change will have a huge effect on the glazing industry, said Kim Mann, general counsel, GANA, at the conference. “The feds are taking it up, and California, not

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-18554675186587064172009-02-22T18:38:00.013-05:002009-02-24T09:53:08.322-05:00

Now there’s an idea made for tough economic times!If your customers aren’t your best salespeople, this just might be the time to evaluate how you move from good to great in their eyes.OK, I can hear you saying you’ve seen this movie before; but before you get back to the grind, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this simple, yet profound question: Are your customers selling

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-17502889532134546912009-02-16T20:39:00.002-05:002009-02-17T09:22:15.730-05:00

Las Vegas’ normally bustling McCarran International Airport is line free and calm. The dealers at the Palms Casino wait behind empty Blackjack tables. And the cranes at dozens of half-built Strip hotels, condos and casinos aren’t moving. The recession has hit Vegas—and this time, the odds seem to be against the house.This city has been a developers’ playground since about 2005 when Steve Wynn

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-47523085619112225652009-02-09T11:42:00.004-05:002009-02-09T12:53:55.769-05:00

Business is tough as the United States—and the world—trudge through this recession. As profits slip, many company owners and execs are revamping their business strategies to make it through.One Redlands, Calif., glass shop repairman chose a less-than-legal strategy to attract new customers. The Sun reported last week that Redlands police arrested Timothy Klenke for “launching spark plugs with a

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-74745161205089825712009-01-30T13:15:00.005-05:002009-01-30T13:43:03.027-05:00

The House passed an $819 billion stimulus package, 244-188, Jan. 28. The stimulus is expected to create as many as 3 million to 4 million new jobs nationwide, according to a Jan. 29 bnd.com article. Construction workers, contractors and union officials across the country are hoping that the money set aside in the bill for building roads, bridges, schools and more will create jobs, according to a

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-62054600419327013112009-01-23T13:09:00.009-05:002009-01-26T10:16:47.040-05:00

If your company serves the residential market, you’ve no doubt witnessed the growing trend in building environmentally sustainable houses. It’s a movement that might never slow down.The recent confluence of events--the housing/mortgage/foreclosure crisis, energy spikes, increased environmental awareness, the Obama administration with a stripe for ‘going green’--is simply accelerating a nationwide

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-13278529604018204752009-01-15T19:00:00.010-05:002009-08-24T11:55:08.556-04:00

In August, we launched a Scam Alert page on GlassMagazine.com to alert readers of fraudulent ordering schemes, including scams using fake shipping companies. Since posting the warning page, I have received numerous e-mails and calls from small business owners and managers in and out of the industry who have been affected. The same scams that have plagued the glass industry have hit vinyl dealers,

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com179tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-11244983919110766062009-01-11T22:32:00.025-05:002009-01-13T10:08:16.868-05:00

I don’t know about you all, but amidst the seemingly unending grim economic news, I occasionally need a pick-me-up, which is why I appreciate the positive comments we’ve received from industry members regarding the year ahead.While most agree 2009 will be difficult across all segments of the glass industry, it will not be without its opportunities, says Guy Selinske, president, American Glass &

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-57784057609862065742009-01-02T19:56:00.014-05:002009-01-04T22:17:20.505-05:00

Salute glass folks, and welcome to the new year! Looks like we've started the year on a good note. The Dow was back up above 9000 on Jan. 2, its best close in two months. GM, Alcoa, Boeing and Citi were ahead among the 30 blue-chip stocks of the Dow average, raising it 2.94 percent, or 258.30 points, to 9034.69, according to an article in The Washington Post. Only one component, JPMorgan Chase,

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-84534624027102134232008-12-19T15:01:00.006-05:002008-12-22T09:51:29.131-05:00

In a February 2007 e-glass poll, 83 percent of industry representatives reported they offer employee incentives such as bonuses. Almost two years later, the U.S. is up to its eyeballs in a recession, with a bleak forecast on the horizon. What can glass companies do to motivate employees when bonuses just aren’t in the budget?In my elementary school days, my slim allowance money couldn’t quite get

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-63100980119187277332008-12-15T12:31:00.000-05:002008-12-15T12:31:14.817-05:00

With Democrats soon to be in control of both houses of Congress and the White House, organized labor has begun to flex its muscles.At the top of their legislative priority list is the Employee Free Choice Act, better known as the Card Check Bill. This bill could have devastating consequences for glass shops nationwide. Even the smallest shops could be affected.The bill (H.R. 800, S. 1041) is

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-37364115295218774672008-12-08T11:00:00.002-05:002008-12-15T10:05:41.167-05:00

A day after a CNN poll revealed that 61 percent of Americans oppose bailing out the Big Three automakers, executives of General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC appeared for a second consecutive day of hearings, Dec. 5, before the House Financial Services Committee. The executives testified before the Senate Banking Committee Dec. 4.The members of the House committee, unwilling to approve

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-72753270184880799212008-12-01T09:44:00.002-05:002008-12-01T09:54:31.847-05:00

Black Friday provided some surprising and much needed good news for the U.S. economy—retail sales went up! According to a Dec. 1 Washington Post article, Black Friday sales grew 3 percent to $10.6 billion, and online shopping sales for the long Thanksgiving weekend reached $41 million, or about $372.57 per person, up 7.2 percent from the same period last year.Despite the weekend’s good news,

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-16236736910910859862008-11-19T15:30:00.002-05:002008-11-21T11:22:48.820-05:00

When looking for a little extra motivation in these trying times, sometimes the right movie and/or book can do the trick.One film that always works for me is The Untouchables.In one dramatic scene, Sean Connery (playing a gritty Chicago cop) and Kevin Costner (as Elliot Ness) are meeting in a Catholic church. They're debating how to address the Mafia's recent change in tactics, specifically its

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-13929669824691931862008-11-17T09:00:00.001-05:002008-11-17T11:00:33.586-05:00

I attended the Protective Glazing Council Annual Symposium Nov. 11-13 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va., where the driving concern seemed to be the “trend of complacency” in the industry. It’s been seven years since the last catastrophic terrorist attack in the United States, and the government’s focus has shifted from security to green and sustainability. This change in

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-1994381096910176222008-11-10T15:03:00.003-05:002008-11-11T09:43:19.145-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I returned from Düsseldorf, but I am still digesting the fact that I had the chance to cover the world’s largest glass show. I feel so grown-up in glass age!The enormity of it hit me while sitting on the plane headed to Düsseldorf and looking at the floor plan of the show. Nine halls? I was going to cover more than 1,300 exhibitors spread over more than 73,000

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-83608314897673746962008-11-06T14:04:00.009-05:002008-11-21T11:22:25.470-05:00

If you look closely, I swear Dow Automotive’s Dale Malcolm bears a resemblance to David Letterman. He certainly did at the International Auto Glass Safety Conference in Las Vegas, where he and industry colleagues Mitch Becker of Abra Auto Body & Glass, Bob Beranek of Automotive Glass Consultants, and Brian Clayton of Cindy Rowe Auto Glass presented their “Top 10 worst things overheard in a glass

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-71016152682789916312008-11-03T15:20:00.008-05:002008-11-04T07:04:26.952-05:00

Remember when "change" and "hope" were just words? When not every one knew the difference between a "hockey mom" and a "pit bull"? When "Maverick" was just a Mel Gibson movie, and William Ayers was not a household name? And, remember when the Dow was nearing 14,000? When Iraq was top of mind for the presidential candidates?It’s been quite a campaign. And tonight, it will all be over—providing we

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-15482517612452089642008-10-30T10:45:00.000-04:002008-10-30T12:36:08.646-04:00

…in other words, anyone under the age of 40 who has made a significant contribution to the commercial, retail or auto glass industries. We do exist.Despite some assertions that Gen Xers are slackers who view their careers as an “irritant”—at least according to this Missouri Department of Health worksheet—Gen Xers have made many valuable contributions to society. Think YouTube, Google and Amazon,

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-76573067674811235472008-10-25T11:08:00.002-04:002008-10-30T11:01:35.366-04:00

There won’t be any descriptions of our sightseeing exploits today. The entire National Glass Association delegation is still jumping up and down over the success of our American Master Installer Auto Glass Champion Jeff Olive. As reported yesterday, Jeff held a slim lead in the overall standings. We learned this morning the lead was seven points. With Jeff’s specialties of windshield repair and

Leo M Cyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285173628265129752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-59626463013195563502008-10-21T16:10:00.006-04:002008-10-22T01:34:44.003-04:00

I flew into Dusseldorf in the wee hours of the morning today. It was rainy and gray when I got off the flight. I remember Munich was gray and rainy too when I visited years ago in spring. That was vacation; not this so much. Already dog tired from staying up the night before, I checked in at the hotel, jumped into the shower and headed to the trade show.This is my first glasstec, and boy, am I

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-39192198940737063982008-10-20T13:48:00.007-04:002008-10-20T14:41:35.711-04:00

Economists, politicians and Joe Six-Packs alike continue to debate the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s $700 billion Wall Street bailout. Representatives from the solar industry, however, seem to agree that the bailout and its huge earmark for alternative energies will at least provide their industry a major boost in the United States."The subsidies for the solar industry in the bailout

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-10927307972114256052008-10-08T12:53:00.005-04:002008-10-13T08:50:28.231-04:00

Much has been written lately about how poorly our federal government is run. And, to be sure, "official Washington" leaves much to be desired.There is a nagging void at a number of levels.Congressmen seem more focused on toeing the party line and raising money for re-election than on serving their constituencies. Combine that with a lame-duck administration whose leadership must be questioned (

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-76099080046188693272008-10-07T10:52:00.002-04:002008-10-07T15:16:52.810-04:00

The news yesterday of the Dow’s morning plunge below 10,000 should have put me in low financial spirits. But, Michael Spellman, president of IGE Solutions Inc., Jupiter, Fla., helped me fend off my financial funk during a one-on-one interview when he gave a much-needed optimistic forecast for the glass industry.“We’re very bullish about the future. We think the glass industry is going to keep

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-54516650210748229202008-10-02T13:21:00.005-04:002008-10-03T13:41:08.736-04:00

The financial shock waves emanating from Wall Street to Main Street had me remembering more than my Great Depression history classes. This year alone, the glass industry has weathered sizeable storms. Unlike David Letterman’s Top 10 list, mine is no laughing matter, but there is an upside.The decline of the housing marketThe corresponding credit and financial crisisThe rise of energy costsThe

Nicole Harrisnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-13647487135247475352008-09-29T12:16:00.003-04:002008-09-29T12:35:08.156-04:00

Do you know enough about insulating glass certification? According to some industry experts, you should make sure you do.IG certification is becoming increasingly important in the industry. The National Fenestration Rating Council, Greenbelt, Md., is currently working to incorporate IG certification requirements into its program. And, the Insulating Glass Certification Council, Sackets Harbor,

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-46379740055090956692008-09-19T18:37:00.020-04:002008-09-22T13:36:27.638-04:00

If you're like me, the events on Wall Street this past week took your breath away.Once I steadied myself, I tried to ponder its full ramifications in the context of the future business outlook.We're like that. We seek meaning from today so as to better understand tomorrow. As business people, we're always looking for that extra edge to capitalize on market opportunities and reduce our risk.Well,

David W. Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15195676246377773177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-3929446475931487332008-09-15T10:11:00.008-04:002008-09-16T10:05:58.461-04:00

I rode the same shuttle bus as Arthur Berkowitz and James Carroll of J.E. Berkowitz on my way to the Wyndham DFW Airport North Hotel last week. I flew into Dallas for the GANA Fall Conference Sept. 8-10. As the pre-Ike rain started pattering down and our bus picked up speed on the empty highway, we started chatting about ...what else? ... the state of the industry, latest projects and the hot

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-9884535849766299652008-09-08T22:17:00.028-04:002008-09-09T12:08:03.079-04:00

I am in the president’s home state, in the city of Dallas, whose new slogan is “Live large. Think big.” It’s my first time in this city, and true to its slogan, I noticed the “large” and the “big” in various shapes and forms as soon as I landed: big hair, big cowboy hats, and dare I say, big chutzpah! As I was calling the hotel from the airport for a shuttle, a guy—in a cowboy hat—appeared from

Sahely Mukerjihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01662722909090419025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-65910947935945973412008-08-29T09:38:00.009-04:002008-09-09T07:06:46.384-04:00

As a consumer, I’m frustrated with the lack of customer service I too often encounter in the retail world. For example, I recently set up appointments with some local contractors to get estimates on a new backyard fence. I scheduled the first estimate during my lunch hour, anticipating the contractor and I would have plenty of time to discuss the job before I had to get back to work. I arrived

Jenni Chasehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395577879738996576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169400500671596968.post-75783562385553997362008-08-25T17:58:00.007-04:002008-08-26T06:55:48.516-04:00

My dad always told me to “trust but verify.” A safer piece of advice today, in the scam age, might be “doubt until verified.” There are Internet scams, identity thefts, pyramid schemes, charity frauds and, of particular concern for the glass industry, ordering scams.I received an e-mail last week from Chris Thornton, president of Ace Glass Inc., Montgomery, Ala., saying his shop had been targeted

Katy Devlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05912896735414095188noreply@blogger.com3