AAMA Members Remember and Look Forward

The 82nd meeting of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) began today, and the first thing members did was remember long-time AAMA member Kim Flanary of Milgard Windows and Doors who unexpectedly passed away last November. Additionally, a 5K in his honor will be held tomorrow morning.

Janice Yglesias, executive vice president, then gave a high-level overview of the discussions between AAMA and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) as the organizations consider combining into one association. All members received a large packet of information regarding the potential combination, and Yglesias went over some of those high points.

She explained that the process is in the second phase of the plan development. Both organizations will vote in July of this year.

“There is a lot of potential value to bring more companies together,” she said.

AAMA executive vice president Janice Yglesias provides an overview of the potential combination with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance.

Thus the two groups are looking to establish a structure that represents one unified association. Yglesias addressed everything from how dues would work in a new organization, new council structure and more. All of this will help increase efficiency in this new combined organization.

The two groups will have a joint summer conference June 17-20, 2019 in Victoria, British Columbia.

“Registration fees [for meetings if the group combines] will be slightly lower than what AAMA has today,” she said.

Two breakout sessions were scheduled during this conference for members to ask questions they have regarding the proposed new organization.

Yglesias did share a list of proposed new organization name options and addressed that members of both groups are very concerned about keeping the brand equity the organizations’ current names carry.

“We know this is critically important,” she said.

The remaining plan development will begin in March. A final plan will be distributed in early June before the joint summer conference.

“The more we hear from you the better we can develop a plan that addresses the needs of all the members,” she said.

The annual general membership meeting was also held during the opening session. Members reviewed and ratified the 2019 leadership slate, which will be chaired by Donnie Hunter of Kawneer.

The AAMA Conference continues through Thursday, February 28. Stay tuned to USGNN™ and usglassmag.com for additional updates from the event.