Members of the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) recently gathered in Washington, D.C. for the association’s annual meeting. Attended by both polyiso manufacturers and suppliers to the industry, the three-day event featured speakers of interest to the polyiso industry and meetings among technical task groups.

During an event in the United State Senate’s Kennedy Caucus Room honoring PIMA President Jared Blum who is stepping down at the end of the year, Senator Ben Cardin and PIMA Chairman Helene Pierce spoke.

“While at PIMA Jared has defended the free market as well as been a leader on developing energy policies for America,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “He has set a very high bar of public service through his efforts to bring the private and public sectors together to help our nation grow the way it should on energy and environmental issues.”

“Jared Blum has lead PIMA for more than 26 years and under his leadership the association has had an important front-row seat to government action,” said Helene Pierce, Chairman PIMA Board of Directors and Vice President of Technical Services, Codes, and Industry Relations at GAF. “Jared has been a leading – and loud – voice for our industry. He has raised PIMA’s visibility as a recognized source of information and counsel in all areas of congressional and federal energy efficiency initiatives and energy policy during his tenure with the association.”

The three-day gathering also featured several important speakers:

• Mahesh Ramanujam, the incoming President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, delivered his keynote address on the last day of the meeting. He discussed the importance of insulation as a key part of an energy efficient building and acknowledged the vital relationship industry groups have with supporting the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, discussed the causal implications of energy efficiency and the economy. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy aims to advance energy-efficient technologies and services through programs and policies. The goal of the council was reflected in his speech during which he explained the connection between energy efficient policies and programs and a growing economy.
• Councilman Roger Berliner, Council Vice President of the Montgomery County Council, acknowledged the role of building codes, their importance, and a local government’s role in the implementation of building codes. A committed environmentalist, as the Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee Berliner articulated his experiences on the Council regarding building codes and working with other councilmembers to create unanimous support on issues.
• Mike House, Partner and Political Commentator at Hogan Lovells, explained how the Presidential election unfolded and what expectations should be moving forward. Ranked number 10 on Washingtonian’s list of “50 Top Lobbyists,” House conveyed his experience and knowledge about the intersection of the energy efficient communities and associations with the current political landscape.