At joint AAMA and IGMA meeting unification tops discussions

Members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance gathered in Victoria, British Columbia, last week for the 2019 Joint AAMA and IGMA Summer Conference. It was the first combined conference for the two organizations, which are currently pursuing unification.

Work on the unification proposal has been ongoing for about two years, and a final ballot is scheduled to go out to membership of both associations in July. The ballot must be approved by both organizations for the unification to pass.

“AAMA and IGMA are both strong associations with distinct strengths and influential members of the glass and fenestration industry,” said Mike DeSoto, board chair of AAMA, in the initial announcement of the unification talks. “A combined organization can be even stronger by harnessing the synergies of the back-office and the intellectual knowledge of the associations. One of many strategic advantages for all of our members will be comprehensive, consensus-based standards for the whole, finished, fenestration product – from glass to framing members and all the related components. Members will have access to the critical information they need from a single, credible source.”

The organizations’ primary objectives during the joint Summer Conference were to ensure members understand the new organization proposal and to solicit member feedback and opinions on the proposal, according to IGMA Executive Director Margaret Webb and AAMA Executive Director Janet Yglesias, who spoke during the Opening General Session.

“This joint conference—consider it a date,” said Webb. “Sessions open to members of both organizations, and following the conference, we are going to gather member feedback.”

Several members of each organizations offered comments on the proposed unification during the opening session. “There are many practical reasons behind this, including level of influence,” according to one member. “We also have a great opportunity to network as a joint group. I love the level of gray matter.”

The groups have published a joint prospectus, available for members in the members-only sections of the IGMA and AAMA websites. The 40-page document outlines the complete plan for the merged organization. Additionally, the organizations hosted webinars to answer member questions.

“Take the time to read the prospectus,” says Marc Hutchinson, manager – technical and sales support at Intigral, and past president of IGMA. “Watch the webinars. And let us know if you have questions.”