glassblog

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

From the fabricator: Number two!

Pretty amazing news broke this week that can be viewed as either good or bad for our industry: I was sent an article (thank you CW) about the “Best Job Opportunities of the Future” and do you know what ranked No. 2? And no, it wasn’t the glorious gig of being a marketing consultant/blogger; it was being a GLAZIER! This is amazing recognition for our industry. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that anyone outside our little world would notice us. So that is the good; we exist in the conscience of the world! The bad news is that to make this list, there has to be “opportunity,” and thanks to the difficulty of the job, there are openings. The other thing is something that many in our world are aware of: We have a severe lack of depth. So, this article can also be interpreted as saying we have a shortage of capable people.

Elsewhere…

  • I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Al Balik last week. Though I only had the extreme honor of meeting Al in person once, I have known and worked with members of his family for virtually my entire glass career. Great folks, and this is a tough loss. I do remember my talk with Al very clearly though. It was about a year ago, and we had a spirited discussion about decorative glass and the trends out there. What struck me was Al, even though he was in his mid-80s, was busting out ideas and concepts that were extremely cutting edge. There was no “old school” approach at all. It blew me away. So no doubt, his influence will be missed at GGI and the folks they serve. My condolences to his son Richard and the entire Balik family.
  • GlassBuild America is now a week away. I am so thrilled about how everything has come together for the show and the events surrounding it. The folks attending are going to benefit greatly from top-notch exhibits, innovations, education and networking. I'm just so pumped. My post next week will be from the show floor, and through the show, I’ll have blogs each night recapping the event.
  • The NFL kicks off this week, and I know my loyal readers want to know who I am picking, mostly because they’ll pick the opposite. (And those going to Vegas for the show I am sure will be betting on it!) So here it goes: your Super Bowl will be Baltimore vs. Chicago. Other playoff teams: AFC- New England, Denver, Houston, Tennessee, and the Steelers; NFC- Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, Seattle, and San Fran. Prediction to bet on: the Dolphins will not win a game this year. I hate that for my pal Manny, but that team is brutally bad.
  • Speaking of winning, Ohio beats Penn State. My pal and fellow alumnus Rodger Ruff of AGC predicted it, and I did not listen. (Shocking right, I took Penn State.) Now Ohio has a tough task ahead when it has to face New Mexico State, the alma mater of the very influential Viracon VP Garret Henson. I wonder if Garret will be giving the pre-game pep talk, as I know he's held in high regard by that team.
  • Shorter than normal post this week; believe me, we’ll make up for it over the next few weeks for sure.

Read on for links and video of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

11 comments
Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A daily reminder

Fall, or sweater weather as my wife calls it, is my favorite time of year. Crisp mornings, cool evenings, apple cider, falling leaves and high school football are some of my favorite things that come to mind when I think of time away from the business. 

When I think about fall in relation to business, I immediately think “Trade Show Season." Why? For well more than a decade, attending trade shows has become a part of my professional life. I call it "Trade Show Season" because my calendar is dominated by the GlassBuild America, glasstec, Vitrum and  WInDoor shows from August through November. And frankly, I really enjoy it.

Upon returning to my office after the first trade show I attended (I believe it was the iGw/FW show in Atlanta in 1999), I found a lanyard with my vendor badge attached to it in my luggage. Without much thought, I placed it on the doorknob on the back of my office door, not knowing that nearly 13 years of lanyards and badges would quickly accumulate there and become a daily reminder of Trade Show Season and the work associated with it.

 As an industry supplier, the goal of Trade Show Season (and I assume the same is true of all other suppliers) is to demonstrate what we have been working on over the past year, with the hope that we get slivers of time to educate clients and prospects about the benefits we have to offer and eventually make the sale.

Over the years, I have learned that the actual time spent at the shows is very small compared to the time spent preparing for and following up after the shows.  I am a strong believer in the old proverb, “failing to plan is a plan for failure,” so we dedicate many hours to every detail of our trade show efforts prior to the shows and then to following up with new prospects and existing clients after the show.

On a personal level, I enjoy attending shows not only to get another lanyard and name badge to hang on my door but to catch up with old friends as well. If you’re in Las Vegas for the Glassbuild America show, stop by our booth and say hello. I always have time to meet new friends.

Ron Crowl is president of FeneTech, the Aurora, Ohio, provider of software automation products and services to the glass, window and door fabrication industries. Write him at ron.crowl@fenetech.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

6 comments
Saturday, August 25, 2012

From the fabricator: Seriously conflicted

Instead of starting with industry-related stuff this week, I’m leading off with the Lance Armstrong story. I am seriously conflicted here. On one hand, he could be a fraud because of doping. On the other hand, maybe he truly is innocent and is just giving up the fight. I do feel he is the victim of a witch hunt, and he has done a ton for cancer research.

I also cannot stand that our government wastes so much money chasing the Armstrongs and Clemens of the world. I think we have bigger problems than athletes taking performance-enhancing drugs. As for Armstrong, something just isn’t right here. He passed test after test for YEARS. He is being hung out to dry with no real proof. How is this right? Where is the smoking gun? Then again, why did he give up? In any case, this is a tough one, because he has worked hard on behalf of cancer research and other charitable causes. If he did cheat, however, how can you admire that?

Elsewhere…

  • News from the folks at Southern Aluminum Finishing on their succession planning: just smart business from really smart and classy people. I am big fan of the McClatchey family, and they do things the right way, in my opinion. This approach is just another example of such.
  • Also great news about one of my favorite people in the industry, Cameron Scripture of Viracon. I noticed he picked up a new gig within the company as western region architectural manager. Very cool; he will do quite well in that role as long as he isn't cast in some blockbuster picture with those movie star good looks!
  • Well, the Architecture Billings Index got better but was still underwater for July. I’d like to be done paying attention to these things, but I just can’t break my habit. I just hope they are wrong!
  • The weekly GlassBuild America update: the show is coming up quick, and the rush to register is on. In the past several weeks, I have hit on all the reasons why it is a must-attend event, so I won’t belabor the point other than to say, it is a MUST if you want to network and grow yourself and your business. Plain and simple. There’s still time, flights and hotels available. See you there.
  • Great article here on one of the major solar heavyweights that's starting to run into some serious trouble. The solar sector still has its positives (obviously what Guardian and Pythagoras are doing counts in that category), but there are some dark clouds too.
  • As I write this, Hurricane Isaac is bearing down on Florida and moving north. Hope everyone stays safe!!
  • So it is smack dab in the middle of Fantasy Football draft season. This week, people will be doing it up. I know my pal Scott Surma has done a bunch of drafts already, and I am still waiting on my buddy Cash to invite me to play again. And this year is the first one I can remember where three different guys could be #1 with Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy all going atop the drafts. Last year, I took the year off from fantasy. This year, I am back…

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

10 comments
Monday, August 20, 2012

Fenestration hallucination:Sales strategies from Division 1

"I like to think of sales as the ability to gracefully persuade, not manipulate, a person or persons into a win-win situation." - Bo Bennett

While listening to a local radio sports program the other day, I was struck by the attention to detail and strategy that Division 1 college coaches put into building an effective recruiting program. As I thought about how difficult it is for coaches to persuade talented recruits to come to their schools, it occurred to me that strong recruiting programs are essentially based on effective sales programs. And we, as sales organizations, can learn from them.

For example, the head coach of a major college sports program must have a highly detailed, multi-year recruiting plan with specific geographic areas and prospect classification that each assistant is responsible for.  Knowing their short- and long-term needs, the staff adjusts as necessary to build and maintain a strong lineup.  The recruiters know their school's strengths and weaknesses; they know their competitors; and they tailor their presentations and prioritize targets accordingly.

The coaching staff assesses prospective athletes and determines which athletes to pursue. Once they have scouted and prioritized those athletes, staff use mail, telephone, in-home visits and campus visits to stay in touch with the athlete, his family, his high school coach and others who influence him.  Often, the head coach will ‘close the deal.’ After signing the athlete, the staff stays in touch, pushes the athlete to get good grades and test scores, urges him to keep his personal life together, and eventually helps him adjust to college life.  While on campus, the coaching staff works to get the most out of the athlete, push him academically and help him plan for the future.

Of course, the staff loses out on some recruits and picks up others it didn’t anticipate.  Sometimes, the highly touted recruits don’t pan out, while less attractive athletes blossom.

The long-term key to recruiting success is a staff that builds strong relationships with everyone it comes in contact with. Meticulous planning, constant contact, and regular follow-up and progress reports are the hallmarks of a successful recruiting program.

Strong sales programs share these characteristics.

Everyone sells in a strong sales program, including the owner. The company has a highly detailed, multi-year plan with specific geographic areas and product specialties that each associate is responsible for. The business refocuses and reprioritizes its product/service line-up as sales grow or decline over time, or as the economy or sales conditions change.  A knowledgeable sales staff knows its strengths and weaknesses and those of its competitors, and tailors its pitch and calls accordingly.

Sales associates assess relationships with targets they choose to pursue.  Once they research and prioritize potential customers, the staff uses mail, email, telephone, in-office or in-home visits, etc., to build strong relationships and influence their target’s decisions about the company’s product/service offerings.  Maybe, the sales manager or owner ‘closes the deal’ when pursuing a project or cementing a relationship.  After the sale is made, staff members continue to work with the client to make sure everything goes well, thereby strengthening the relationship.

Of course, they don't always get the sale.  And sometimes, luck brings unexpected business their way.

Like the great recruiting programs, successful sales programs rely on building strong relationships with everyone the staff comes in contact with.  Sales success might come, or it might take awhile; but meticulous planning, constant positive contact with clients, and regular follow-up before, during and after the sale are hallmarks of the successful sales program.

"Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman - not the attitude of the prospect."
-W. Clement Stone

Rod Van Buskirk is the third-generation owner of Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co., with locations in Champaign and Springfield, Ill. A past NGA Chairman, Rod looks quarterly at the industry from the middle of nowhere, steals ideas from anyone he can and pretends to know what he’s talking about. Rod invites your comments as you are certainly smarter than he is.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

9 comments
Monday, August 20, 2012

From the fabricator: The jobs are out there

Lots of people movement announced in the industry last week (Scott Hoover, John Rovi, Chris Grillot, to name three), and that is always exciting. But what's really interesting is the amount of sales management-related jobs that seem to be popping up. A quick look on LinkedIn or the National Glass Association's website reveals quite a few ads for companies looking for high-end sales professionals. The issue though is relocation: There are jobs but NOT where people are living right now, and that has become a real issue. Here are companies looking to upgrade or expand, but people just can’t--or won’t--go through the hassle/expense of the whole re-location gambit. And even if they wanted to, they can't because they're upside down on their current homes. So, while it is great to see the job movement that hit the news last week, there’s still a lot more that could happen if a few things would give. And if you are looking for employment and not using LinkedIn or the NGA’s website, you need to.

Elsewhere…

  • And speaking of new jobs, great news last week that Marc LaFrance of the DOE has a new one… far far far away in Paris at the International Energy Agency. Now those of you who know me, know I am not exactly a fan of how Marc conducted business at DOE (personally, I like him; professionally, not so much). So, the reason I am thrilled is maybe a new face and voice in the DOE will be a boost. (I’m lighting a candle for it as I type this.) It's a simple as that: Fresh blood, hopefully, will do us all good. And for Marc, a new post and new challenges hopefully will be good too.
  • GlassBuild America is now really close. I have been THRILLED in recent days to hear from so many who are coming to the show. The excitement is there, and that just makes my day. Why? Because the exhibitors this year are off the hook (good every year, I know), and they have so much to show and we all have so much to gain from them. The innovation and diverse products that will be on display are going to rule the day!
  • I’m also very pumped about the Glazing Executives Forum, where amazing industry people like Oliver Stepe of YKK AP, Garret Henson of Viracon, David Balik of GGI, Scott Clymire of United Architectural, Jon Kimberlain of Dow Corning and Helen Sanders of SAGE will be among many other wonderful folks involved.
  • Saw the movie “Step Up Revolution” last week (my daughter is a dancer, so this is a must), and the best part was glass had a big role in the opening scene of the movie. We got a glass truck and several lites of heavy glass being painted during a performance scene. It was very cool. While everyone was watching the dancing, I was mesmerized by the glass. Man, I am an odd bird.
  • Last this week, the initial rankings for college football came out with USC as the preseason #1. I am not a fan of the Trojans, but that team is stacked. Alabama is #2 and LSU #3. Meanwhile, Michigan checked in at #8 but with a lone first place vote, which means Earnest Thompson of Guardian now must have a ballot in that poll! For my money, I like Wisconsin to win it all. And yes, now all of my Badgers friends have groaned that I put the kiss of death on them!

Read on for links and video of the week... 

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

6 comments
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The bar business

What is it about your favorite bar that keeps you coming back? Is it the friendly service, the clientele, the drink specials? Or, is it the look and feel of the physical bar itself? More bars and restaurants are installing glass bar tops and accents to set their design apart from the competition, and here at Glass Magazine, we want to see them. Backlit, laminated, kiln-cast, large and small, tell us about the coolest glass bars you’ve worked on recently. Fabricators, retailers, installers, we’d like to hear from all of you. So, please email high resolution photos and descriptions to jchase@glass.org and tell us why your bar project belongs in Glass Magazine’s upcoming “Best Glass Bar” feature.

For the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C., UltraGlas created this all-glass, illuminated bar of ¾-inch-thick low-iron glass with a translucent frit-based coloration and UltraGlas “Linen” kiln-formed texture. The glass frit-based, fired-on colors were heat processed to fuse to the No. 2 surface of a lite of low-iron Diamant glass by Saint Gobain.
19 comments
Monday, August 13, 2012

From the fabricator: A change of heart

You know, it was like it was meant to be. Just last week, I mentioned that I was pessimistic about all of these forecasts promoting improvements in our sector of the world. So, what happens this week? The Associated General Contractors of America announces that things are now growing consistently, and that construction spending had its the best month in 2 1/2 years. You know, I have always been good at NOT picking sports teams (though my baseball picks for this year are looking good). Maybe I need to use the same theory with these construction forecasts and reports? Maybe just keep taking the opposite view? In any case, it is welcome news, but we’re still a week away from the next ABI that I have a feeling will be down again….

Elsewhere…

  • I have noted Bill Coady of Guardian on the blog here before for being an excellent man. Well, I guess I am not alone im thinking that as Bill just was honored as the “Product Representative of the Year” by the Seattle chapter of CSI. Congrats Bill, that is an honor that is surely deserved!
  • The weekly reminder on GlassBuild America: this year, the “Best in Show” award is coming back, recognizing the best exhibits! Winners leave with the knowledge that their efforts were appreciated and they get an awesome glass plaque from M3 Glass Technologies. Like last year, the judges are the attendees. So, those of you going (which should be everyone who reads this blog!), keep your eyes peeled for the best booths and enter your ballot. Random judges (you) will be eligible to win prizes too.
  • Did anyone happen to see The Washington Post's continuing coverage of the Solyndra mess? Am I the only one wondering why there hasn’t been a full-scale clean up of the DOE? I guess some people/organizations just keep falling “upwards” no matter what.
  • I just recently checked out the schedule of events for the IGMA meeting that will be held in Las Vegas at virtually the same time as GlassBuild. So coming out there, you can continue to add even more value to your trip. This is truly a heavy duty technical seminar. The meeting agenda looks fantastic. Anytime you can see Dr. Tom Culp talking on codes, you NEED to do it. Plus, I met Bill Briese of GED last year at GlassBuild, and he was extremely impressive. He’ll have a presentation that probably won’t disappoint. Kudos to Dave Cooper of Guardian, current president of IGMA, and Marg Webb for a well-done plan! Look at it this way. For a few days in Vegas, between GlassBuild America, the Glazing Executives Forum, and IGMA, you will actually leave RICH…. with knowledge!! (and maybe with money if you go opposite of my advice!)
  • Gas is now above $4; does anyone care? Isn’t it amazing that, as a society, we’ve settled on gas prices that high and have no desire to fight or do anything about it?
  • Did anyone see this glass-bottomed swimming pool in China? 24 stories off the ground… Ummmm, I’d be worried about nickel sulfide…LOL.

Read on for links and video of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

27 comments
Monday, August 6, 2012

California's ground-breaking requirement for window films

It’s been more than four years since NFRC began to certify applied film products. Since then, the number of NFRC-certified films has grown to more than 200.

 The window film industry turned to NFRC because they wanted independent verification of their products’ energy performance to demonstrate to consumers, architects, contractors, facility managers, and others that their products would perform as advertised.

Now, the window film industry has another reason to certify its products – the California Energy Commission included window film requirements in its 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, more commonly known as “Title 24.” Starting in January 2014, the CEC will require that applied films be NFRC-certified for alterations in existing residential and nonresidential buildings. The International Window Film Association hailed it as a ‘landmark’ decision. 

The decision is good news for customers who want to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison of applied film products’ energy performance values. NFRC uses a different label than the temporary residential label to distinguish applied film ratings from window ratings. Unlike the familiar rectangular label for residential windows, the applied film label is oval in shape and features six columns of ratings, listing U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance values with film and without film. The manufacturer attaches the NFRC label to the package containing the window film, rather than the film itself, so that clients and customers can easily see the ratings.

NFRC designed its applied film rating and certification program, governed by NFRC standards 100 and 200, to mirror the third-party process used for fenestration products. Manufacturers sign a license agreement, choose an NFRC-accredited simulation laboratory (or test laboratory if testing is required), select an NFRC-licensed certification and inspection agency to authorize the certification and inspect the manufacturing facility annually, and recertify the product every four years.

With the change in California energy code, NFRC expects more window film manufacturers to rate their products. Even without this change, window film manufacturers benefit from rating their products through NFRC. Certified ratings provide a level playing field, and manufacturers can increase their credibility because they’ve made the effort to have a third-party confirm the energy performance of their products.

Jim Benney is the National Fenestration Rating Council’s chief executive officer. He has been involved in developing product and performance standards for the window and glass industry for more than 25 years. He can be reached at jbenney@nfrc.org. To learn more about Title 24 and applied films, contact Nelson Peña at Nelson.Pena@energy.ca.gov.

29 comments
Monday, August 6, 2012

From the fabricator: The letter to the editor

 

While I was digging through the latest Glass Magazine this week, I got totally immersed in the “Letters to the Editor” page.  Usually, that page offers some great insights, and this month was no different.  In fact, this edition had an interesting rebuttal from John D’Amario of Yuanda USA Corp. on the whole adventure of tariffs on Chinese aluminum.  It was a very colorful letter defending the rights of Chinese manufacturers to sell in North America.  Part of his approach relied on the “welcome to the evolution” argument: the world continues to lean towards China in so many other categories, it’s not a surprise that it continues its dive into building products.  He also basically said don’t blame China for your lack of competitiveness, and so on.
However, the one item he did not mention in his letter was the fact that many, if not all, of the Chinese manufacturers get government subsidies.  That fact takes out any notion of a “level” playing field.  I have gone on the record before about other aspects of this situation that make it incredibly frustrating and unfair.  At the end of the day though, it is not going away. This debate will continue, but I think it’s important to note that North American producers are at a distinct disadvantage.
Elsewhere…
  • By the way, the rest of the magazine this month was strong, as always.  If you are not getting it, you need to make that happen, so sign up or get it via the app. 
  • One of Glass Magazine's big focuses this month was GlassBuild America, and I was blown away at the layout of some of the products that will be on display.  I know I have been promoting it relentlessly, but my gosh, seeing it in the magazine really hit home.  You have everything from one-man glass lifters to glass flooring to tons of new hardware options, and so on.  Hundreds and hundreds of new and diverse products will be on display. In any case, the time is now. By the way, the hotel block was extended after so many folks read my blog last Tuesday and must have swamped the system.  So, you now have til August 10 to get the great rates.  Ya gotta be there…
  • Did you see the rankings of the “happiest places in the world” that came out the end of last week?  The US of A came in at #11.  My good friends in Canada checked in at #5 (though if they ever do “best dressed country,” Canada wins hands down because of Walker Glass). The top four were Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. By the way, the U.S. has had the same score and percentages since 1992, which is really funny because I am sure a lot of people think our world and country have changed pretty dramatically since then. 
  • For the most part, I have been very positive and optimistic about our industry economic trends.  I have been cheerleading like crazy.  More recently, however, I have been struggling to remain positive and have turned towards the pessimistic. Even the positive news from AIA last week that 2013 will bring some decent growth to our world did not impress me.  I'm just not feeling it; I have been built up and let down so many times…
  • There have been tons of amazing moments at the Olympics so far, but one of my favorites was the vault by McKayla Moroney in the gymnastics team competition.  She is a vault specialist I guess, and her main reason for being there was to come through with a jaw-dropping performance… and she did… and then some.  When I saw it, I was blown away: pure, amazing perfection.  Also, if you had the chance to see NBC’s look back at the 1996 gymnastic team (Kerri Strug and the Magnificent 7), that was excellent TV.
  • The NFL has kicked off their pre-season. Schools will be back in session soon. Seriously, is summer over?  Is it me, or did it just fly by?

Read on for links and video of the week...

 

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

23 comments
Tuesday, July 31, 2012

From the fabricator: Working through the dog days of summer

News of big price increases hit the industry the last few weeks. There’s no question that costs have gone up on everything, not only in our industry, but in our lives as a whole. Whether it’s groceries or building supplies, the cost to produce, handle and ship has been rising pretty consistently in recent times. In most industries, a price increase is what it is; but in this one, nothing is easy or as it seems. Will this be an increase that sticks, or will this just be another footnote in our crazy past of handling costs? There’s a ton of dynamics at play here, and it sure will be something to watch.

Elsewhere….

  • The Olympics kicked off this past Friday and I had two main thoughts:The lack of a moment of silence for the athletes murdered in 1972 continues to be a major stain on the Olympic movement. While small and private memorials have been held, the Olympic organizers absolutely refuse to recognize or honor the victims of that heinous time on a legitimate, world stage. So my message to the organizers: keep avoiding facing it head on and the drumbeat for the need to honor the victims will just keep growing. Why doing the right thing is so hard here is beyond me. Also beyond me, most of that opening ceremony! Weird and bizarre are two words that sum up most of it. Plus, who woulda thunk The Pet Shop Boys would have a song played during an Olympic opening… crazy.
  • Congrats to the National Glass Association for an Olympic-sized victory this week. The NGA was one of the groups behind the HR 4078 legislation that will streamline the time-consuming permitting process, bring transparency to rules issued by agencies as a result of an out-of-court agreement, and prohibit agencies from issuing a cascade of regulations when a change of administration occurs. Basically, this bill reduces the massive red tape that small business owners have to face when building their business. Nice to see the National Glass Association really getting into it, and let’s hope the Senate now does the right thing and continues this momentum.
  • The update on GlassBuild America: Tuesday, July 31, is the last day for the awesome rates at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel. So jump off this blog now by clicking here, and book before the rates go up. The actual hotel block is still available through August 21, but you know you’re going to the show, so why wait? Book now!
  • Last this week... a good friend of mine called me this week and took me to task about my blog. It’s boring and the same stuff over and over again he excitedly told me. He mentioned that he still reads it weekly but it's just not cutting it lately. I heard him out and agreed with a lot of it, as this summer has been very slow for news and opinion, and it does seem like some subjects have been more prominent than others. We are in the dog days, and I have found myself caught up in it. In any case, I am aware of it and will keep grinding along to try to bring you the blog you expect and have been supporting since 2005. I appreciate everyone who reads, comments, e-mails, etc., so keep it coming.

Read on for links and video of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

4 comments
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