Glass Industry Association News 

April, 2001 

    OTTAWA (April 5, 2001) - The Management Search Committee for the recently incorporated Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA), is pleased to announce that it has awarded a management services contract to the Canadian Lumbermen's Association (CLA) based in Ottawa Ontario, to provide general association management as well as certification program administrative services to the "Alliance", effective April 1, 2001.

    IGMA was incorporated as a not-for profit organization in the state of Illinois on October 2, 2000 as a result of a merger between the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada (IGMAC) and the Sealed Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association (SIGMA). Member firms of both associations voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger with the objective of combining both organizations' strengths and making more efficient use of available resources. The merger should position IGMA to effectively represent the interests of firms involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of insulating glass units and their components throughout North America.

    The IGMA Management Search Committee reviewed and considered responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for management services, from several highly qualified organizations. The final selection was based on the qualifications and capabilities of the CLA staff and their demonstrated ability to address strategic priorities that have been identified for IGMA in the coming year. Among those is the promotion and development of as well as transition to, a unified North American certification program for insulating glass units. It is to be based upon a soon to be published harmonized insulating glass standard for the North American marketplace. Furthermore, the management search committee believed that the selection of CLA will also allow IGMA to efficiently undertake a number of other key initiatives identified as an integral part of their strategic planning process.

    The Alliance's stated mission, as approved by the membership at their 1st Annual Meeting held March 2, 2001 at the Sundial Island Resort on Sanibel Island Florida is:

    " … to lead in establishing and advancing insulating glass technologies and quality processes to create a standard of excellence which provides value to our industry and enhances member opportunities for growth and success. "

    The committee's decision was a difficult one, as it meant parting company with Smith, Bucklin & Associates, the long-time management company for the former SIGMA based in Chicago. SBA is now working with the CLA to ensure a smooth transition of management operations.

    In addition to serving the Canadian Softwood and Hardwood lumber products sector, the Canadian Lumbermen's Association also provides management services to several other trade related organizations including: the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA); the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) and the Canadian Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (CHPVA).

Contact:
Robert H. Rivard
Executive Director
Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance
Tel: (613) 233-1510
Fax: (613) 233-1929

source:  IGMA Press Release