AAMA celebrates diamond anniversary, recognizes members for their contributions

Bringing back distinguished members from the past, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association celebrated the group's 75th anniversary with a banquet at its annual conference in Naples, Fla., Feb. 27. AAMA also used the occasion to recognize several current members for their contributions.

The 2012 outstanding member award went to Gantt Miller, former chairman of the AAMA board and CEO of Winco Manufacturing, a Missouri-based producer of commercial and architectual windows.

Mike Turner of YKK AP was honored with the outstanding service award for AAMA's architectural products group, and Kim Flanary of Milgard Windows & Doors received the same honor on the residential products side. Brent Slaton of Keymark Corp. was recognized with AAMA's distinguished marketing service award.

Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO, praised all of the award winners for their hard work, noting that dedication was particularly important over the past several years, as the industry has faced such challenging market conditions.

While the awards banquet was dedicated to recognizing AAMA members, Walker was honored as well by World Vision International, an organization that works regularly with window and door manufacturers to facilitate product donations to the needy. Walker was presented with the group's 2012 Fenestration Humanitarian Award for his personal efforts, as well as the efforts of AAMA staff, to support the organization. Through AAMA, World Vision has established a referral network with window and door companies that has benefitted "thousands of children and familiies here and overseas," said Mary Garcia, who handles corporate development efforts for the organization.In addition to the 75th anniverary festivities, the AAMA conference featured a full business agenda. At the group's official business meeting, Steve Fronek of Apogee Enterprises, current AAMA chair, highlighted several recent accomplishments, noting that "2011 was a very productive year for AAMA." Despite challenging conditions, he said, AAMA has maintained the programs valued by members the most, and successfully launched a number of new initiatives, including the FenestrationMasters education program and an IG certification program.