FGIA 2021 Virtual Summer Conference Speakers to Cover Economy, Safety
Speakers at the 2021 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Virtual Summer Conference will offer insights into big industry questions such as what the economy might look like later this year, how to grow one's workforce and why companies should consider opting into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program. These conversations and more will take place online June 22-24.
As FGIA has reported, conference keynote speaker Ken Gronbach, president of KGC Direct, will give a presentation entitled, "Demographics Precipitate Economics: Profound Strategic Planning for the Post-Pandemic Era." Gronbach's presentation will explore the common sense, easy-to-understand and counter-intuitive realm of demography. He will share how counting people helps to forecast future markets and will provide thought-provoking ideas to prepare one's company for life after the pandemic.
Additionally, Julia Asoni, senior director of student engagement for the Manufacturing Institute, the social impact affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), will speak about Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) and how to build one's workforce. Asoni will focus on the ongoing labor shortage within the building and construction industry and companies can attract new people to jobs in manufacturing. Asoni will share how to host events to showcase the career opportunities available at one's facilities and to encourage interest in the field of manufacturing, especially in the fenestration and glazing industry.
Brad Baptiste, voluntary protection program manager for OSHA Region VIII, will provide an overview of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), and FGIA member Rob Grommesh, IG technical service manager at Cardinal Glass, will share his company's experience with OSHA's VPP and its achievement of VPP Star recognition. Such programs recognize employers and workers in the private industry and federal agencies who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. This session is sponsored by the FGIA Fenestration Safety Committee.