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AAMA, IGMA to Create New Unified Organization

The boards of directors for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) have engaged in formal discussions with the hope of creating a new unified organization that can better serve the North American fenestration industry.

This agreement follows the recommendation made by a joint AAMA and IGMA Exploratory Team after 12 months of careful thought and collaboration. Moving forward, the team will focus on developing a comprehensive proposal. The team's priorities are two-fold: how to best serve the needs of the current membership and to develop a new organization that best serves the industry as the new organization progresses into the future. The first combined event has been targeted for the summer of 2019 in Victoria, Canada.

"AAMA and IGMA are both strong associations with distinct strengths and influential members of the glass and fenestration industry. 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," said AAMA Board Chair Mike DeSoto (MI Windows & Doors).

He continued, "A combined organization also delivers expanded technical competencies and a broader document base to support more extensive educational opportunities for members."

IGMA Board Chair Nathalie Thibault (Prelco) agreed and added, "Within the structure of the new combined organization, our strategy will emphasize maintaining a strong presence in both the U.S. and Canada with an appropriate balance to support all members across North America. We anticipate improved efficiency and time savings through potential sharing of combined events and networking opportunities as well as expanded staff support."

While there are many combined benefits to the AAMA and IGMA members, the organizations also acknowledge the value in retaining separate brand equity in certain services such as the insulating glass certification programs.

Thibault concluded, "A new combined organization further strengthens our financial position allowing for future investments in industry research; and for more efficient, effective delivery of risk management, new product ideation and industry thought leadership among member participants. Together, we will have a stronger industry voice for our members."