GBA registration now open

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 association.

Registration for this fall's GlassBuild America is now open for trade show attendees and education track participants. The program will feature a strong lineup of high-level sessions covering the solar panel industry, energy efficiency and an economic forecast for the window and door market. I encourage you to join us in Atlanta for the largest and most important annual gathering of the North American glass industry, Sept. 30–Oct. 2.

Speaking of GlassBuild America, we continue to receive positive indications daily that our members are resolved to confront the economic headwinds straight on. One tell-tale sign is that new exhibitors are signing up steadily, including some that had previously planned to skip the 2009 show due to budget cuts (see recent press release). We are obviously encouraged by these moves, and believe we are starting to see the initial stirrings of a recovery as companies return to investing in their long-term growth.

We’re introducing a new Innovations Pavilion to GlassBuild America, which we believe will spark additional interest in the show both within and outside the industry. And registration is now open for our 4th annual Glazing Executives Forum, one of the most popular and successful events on the NGA calendar. The one-day event is held the first day of GlassBuild America.

We are well aware that this remains a challenging time for most of our members, and I thank you for staying with us. Together, we will prevail.

--Phil James, president and CEO, National Glass Association, McLean, Va.