Response to June 1 Announcement (Cont'd)
June 19, 2009
Dear Ms. McRee:
On behalf of the Northeast Window and Door Association’s Energy Committee, I submit the following response to the most recent announcement from your office.
The 2009 Stimulus Tax Provisions for fenestration products have been extremely difficult to follow. The initial indications were that the 30/30 provision was to become effective upon the President signing the bill into law, only to find out later from an IRS document that the effective date would be June 1, 2009. The next step of the process was understanding what documentation the IRS will require of tax payers in order to claim their tax credit.
This is the source of the latest round of confusion stemming from an IRS publication. This publication states that manufacturers are required to provide a letter certifying that the fenestration products comply with the 30/30 tax provision. This could lead you down the path that any product meeting the 30/30 provisions and having a manufacturer's certification letter would qualify for the tax credit whether or not it has received an NFRC product code. According to Martha S. McRee of the IRS following that path would be incorrect. McRee asserts that the language included in .03 (1) (b): requires that qualifying products be in compliance with IECC and that the IECC requires that all qualifying products have NFRC Certification and Product labeling (see provision 4 (2) (b).
The NWDA is not a tax expert so we do not dispute any opinion from the IRS or from a tax accounting firm. We are fenestration experts and we are very familiar with the rigorous process that our products go through in order to become NFRC certified and labeled. Each product and option is given a Certified Product Directory (CPD#). This process has a lab testing procedure, computer simulation protocol as well as an independent third party verification process with built-in, self-policing provisions ensuring that windows are manufactured and labeled in accordance with how they were originally tested. Requiring that only NFRC certified and labeled with a Certified Product Directory (CPD#) is the best way to provide assurances to the homeowner/taxpayer and federal government that the fenestration products put into service provide the prescriptive energy performance required by the 30/30 tax provision.
The NWDA supports the following points:
-
Have the IRS in clean, easy and straightforward language make declaration as to what is required of a qualifying fenestration product no later than July 1, 2009
-
Require the IRS in clean, easy and straightforward language make a declaration as to what will be required documentation for the tax payer to claim their tax credit no later than July 1, 2009
-
Would ask the NFRC to require all NFRC Certified Program Licensees to begin including the Certified NFRC Product Code on the NFRC Label beginning 9/1/09
-
That the IRS require the tax payer to submit the following pieces of paperwork when applying for the 2009 Tax Stimulus Credit for Fenestration Products (Copy of the Bill of Sale, Copy of the NFRC Label, IRS-supplied affidavit filled out by the homeowner that attest that the fenestration products comply with the tax provisions)
-
That the IRS remove the manufacturer’s letter of certification requirement as this is unnecessary for products that have received NFRC labeling
-
That the IRS require that the homeowner retain the following documentation for IRS auditing: all NFRC labels from every product the homeowner is using for the tax credit, a copy of the bill of sale, a copy of the taxpayer signed IRS affidavit
************************************
Call to Action
Let your representatives know that meeting these points are critical to the success of the tax credit program. Use these links to contact your Senators and Representatives electronically.
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Contact the IRS and convince them that the NFRC temporary label should be considered as adequate “manufacturer’s certification” documentation. Ms. McRee can be reached by phone at (202) 622-3110. You may fax any correspondence to her office at (202) 622-4779.
Back to Top
Association News
The 2009 Membership Directory
The NWDA membership directory continues to be a valuable industry resource for our members. Headquarters staff are currently contacting members to ensure that their directory listings are up to date. Be sure to respond promptly so that your directory listing is current!
Ad Space is Still Available
The 2009 NWDA Membership Directory is going to press soon … but it’s not too late to confirm your ad space! Don't miss out on this important opportunity to showcase your products and services year-round to fellow NWDA members.
June 24: Deadline for securing your ad space
June 26: Deadline for artwork
Advertisements are available in a variety of sizes/prices intended to accommodate your budget. Please click here for the contract outlining further specifications and information on placing your ad. Contact Jen Thayer at jthayer@nwda.net immediately if you wish to secure advertising space.
Scholarship Update
The call for NWDA Scholarship applications was met with an extremely positive response from NWDA member company employees and their children.
NWDA is proud to be able to offer such a valuable resources to its members and their families and even prouder of the high caliber students who applied this year.
The winner of this year’s $1,500 scholarship will be announced on July 10. Good luck to all those who applied!
Member Plaques Available
Do you have a member plaque? If the answer is “yes,” look for your 2009 emblem to be sent out in July, accompanying your membership directory. If the answer is “no,” then contact Jen Thayer right away at jthayer@nwda.net. Plaques cost only $55 and are just one of the many ways to showcase your membership in NWDA to your customers and employees.
Back to Top
Summer Meeting and Golf Outing
Details
When: July 20-21
Where: Seaview Resort near Atlantic City, NJ
Why: Because it’s about time you had a little fun mixed with your work again
How: Download the registration forms for NWDA's 2009 Summer Meeting and Golf Outing and sign up today!
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Don’t forget your room reservation. Call the Dolce Seaview Resort and Spa today at (609) 652-1800 to reserve your room. Be sure to tell them you are with NWDA and ask for the special group rate of $179.
About Seaview Golf
Designed to meet all your golf needs, Seaview Resort & Spa is a world-class bayside retreat situated on 670 acres of pristine pinelands in Southern New Jersey. Seaview offers 36 holes of Championship golf on two of New Jersey’s oldest and most prestigious courses as well as the John Jacobs/Shelby Futch Golf Academy, providing instructional programs for golfers of all skill levels.
If you plan to participate in the Scramble play, you can plan to enjoy the links-style Bay Course, former host to the ShopRite LPGA Classic and designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Rerouted in April 2006 with thick rough and pot bunkers around the greens, this now-famous course continues to challenge both amateur and professional golfers alike.
And Tournament players will certainly enjoy the critically acclaimed Pines Course, brainchild of the renowned design team of Toomey & Flynn. Pines opened in 1929 with its scenic parkland setting carved from the inherent beauty of southern New Jersey’s pine forest landscape. Featuring narrow bentgrass fairways, well-protected landing areas and over 6,800 yards of play, the Pines Course upholds every tradition of golf excellence.
A Great Trip for the Whole Family
From the moment you pull into the grand, circular driveway you'll experience the rare elegance and charm of this historic Southern New Jersey resort. Located on 670 wooded acres of the pristine New Jersey shores of Reed's Bay, the Seaview Resort & Spa is minutes from the famous New Jersey shore and boardwalk and the re-energized Atlantic City, NJ. Complete your experience in a higher state of relaxation with signature treatments at the on-site, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.
Speaker Highlights
Come for fun and learn a thing or two! Educational sessions will address The DOE’s Commercial Tax Credit, Fenestration Liability Issues, Energy Policy, and more. Read about some of our speaker highlights here:
The Other Tax Credit … IRS 2005 Commercial Building Energy Tax Deduction
Justin Aruck, Project Manager, EMO Energy Solutions, LLC
Mr. Aruck is a Project Manager for EMO Energy Solutions, LLC in Falls Church, VA. He is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED) and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). EMO was formed in 1998 and provides services in energy modeling, energy auditing, building commissioning, and sustainability consulting. Mr. Aruck has been with the company since 2004 and during this time has performed work in relating to the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, the US EPA’s Energy Star program for commercial and residential buildings, New York State’s NYSERDA Energy $mart program, Arlington County VA’s Fresh Aire program, US energy efficiency requirements for federal buildings under DOE Order 430.2B, EPAct 2005 Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings, and many others.
James R. Selsor, Jr., CPA, MST,
Senior Manager, Gunnip
Jim is the manager of Gunnip’s Tax Department. He supervises tax preparation, compliance and research. He also mentors tax department staff in their career development.
Jim’s experience includes financial management and tax work with individuals, trusts, LLCs, partnerships, privately held companies and nonprofits. For more than 20 years, he was partner in charge of the tax department for another Wilmington CPA firm. He has also served as CFO of a management company.
Jim is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA and a Masters in Taxation from Widener University in Chester, PA.
Jim is active in the community as the Vice Chair of the Delaware Regional Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. For many years, he was the host of a Wilmington call-in radio show where he provided callers with advice on tax and financial questions.
Fenestration Liability Issues—Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Presented by Architectural Testing and The Gary Law Group
Paul Gary, Attorney, The Gary Law Group
The Gary Law Group law firm maintains a national presence with respect to legal issues surrounding the fenestration industry. The firm operates from Portland, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois. Paul Gary directs the firm’s focus on the management of legal issues in the window and door industry and the related defense of construction defect and product litigation. He has been involved in the defense of several hundred window and door related product claims across the United States, including class action litigation. Building on this, the firm has developed an expertise in the creation of legal defense strategies, documentation and “best practice” systems to protect manufacturers and re-sellers of fenestration products, as well as insurance coverage matters related to fenestration product claims.
Mr. Gary has been a repeated speaker and contributing author for the fenestration and related products industry, including Window and Door, the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association, GANA and NW Builder Magazine. He is currently working with the AAMA Forensic Task Group on liability-related matters and publication of new field testing standards.
Mr. Gary regularly assists risk managers and local counsel with respect to the legal issues presented by the business of manufacturing and selling windows and doors, including litigation strategy and management. Paul Gary works with manufacturers and distributors to minimize legal risks before litigation occurs and to evaluate serious existing claims.
Scott Warner, Executive Vice President, Architectural Testing
Scott Warner is the Executive Vice President of Architectural Testing, Inc. He has 30 years of product testing and certification experience with extensive concentration in the evaluation of fenestration products. He is actively involved in standards writing organizations such as AAMA, WDMA, NFRC and ASTM. Scott is the chairman of the AAMA Methods of Test and Field Testing Task Groups. These task groups are responsible for the publication of AAMA 502, AAMA 503, and AAMA 511. Scott is currently serving as the AAMA First Vice President of the Architectural/Heavy Commercial and Commercial Window Council and President of the AAMA SE Region. His involvement in AAMA was recognized in 1997 when he received the Architectural Products Group Distinguished Service Award and again in 2004 when he received the AAMA Outstanding Member Award.
John Runkle, P.E., Director of Forensics Services, Architectural Testing
John Runkle is the Director of Forensic Services for Architectural Testing. He manages the greater Chicago Regional Office and the Los Angeles Regional Office, as well as the Forensic Services and Field Testing operations in the York headquarters. All of these offices offer consulting, QA/QC, field testing, investigative and expert witness services. His experience encompasses new construction, renovations, and litigation projects for residential, commercial, and industrial façade assemblies. In addition, Mr. Runkle has provided expert testimony for litigation projects on a wide variety of building claddings and fenestration products. He also worked for a nationally recognized consulting engineering firm in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, investigating failures, designing repairs and performing construction administration services on new and existing buildings.
John has served on various subcommittees of ASTM and AAMA and has assisted in writing guide specifications and manuals. He is also an active participant in the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute (SWRI), and Roofing Consultant Institute (RCI). He has presented for AIA, CSI/Construct, Build Boston, AAMA, SWRI, RCI, APTI and numerous manufacturing, design, ownership and contracting groups.
Back to Top
April Educational Seminar and Washington “Fly-In"—NWDA Moves in a New Direction
On April 23, over two-dozen NWDA members went to our nation’s capital to participate in NWDA’s Spring Educational Seminar and Washington “Fly-In.” Members came to get their questions answered about the ENERGY STAR criteria revisions and to speak with legislative representatives on the current requirements of the .30/.30 tax credit for homeowners installing energy-efficient windows and doors established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Members left feeling empowered and excited about the impact that NWDA can have on the future of the industry.
The federal economic stimulus package has sparked debate in the window and door industry and prompted NWDA to test new waters for the association. ARRA provides for a uniform credit of 30 percent of the cost of qualifying improvements up to $1,500, such as adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows and doors or energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems. The $1,500 tax credit, which provides consumers with an incentive to save energy by improving the energy efficiency of existing homes, is available for doors, windows or skylights that achieve a .30 or lower U-factor and .30 or lower solar heat gain co-efficient (SHGC), specifications that are tougher than current Department of Energy (DOE) requirements for an ENERGY STAR-rated window or door.
The industry is in the spotlight for the first time since the weatherization projects of the 1970s, and NWDA is taking advantage of this opportunity to promote its members’ interests. The federal government is recognizing that windows are part of the nation’s energy solution and that’s going to have a positive impact on sales and help the industry at large.
The Educational Seminar kicked off with a presentation on the ENERGY STAR criteria-revision process by program manager Richard Karney followed by a presentation from Tara Smith, Director of Public Affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers, on how to make the most of your meetings with legislators. If you didn’t make it to DC, visit the resource center at NWDA.net (http://www.nwda.net/nwda-resource.htm) to download Karney’s presentation.
Following the Educational Seminar, members headed to Capitol Hill where they met with a variety of representatives and staffers from the Senate and House, including Patrick Woodcock, the Legislative Aide to Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), the author of the 30/30 criteria for door and window tax credits provided for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
NWDA Past-President (1997-99) John Mesko was in attendance and was pleased with the direction that he sees NWDA heading in. “This is one of the best things the NWDA Board has done. This is our livelihood and having input and dialog with legislative representatives is the kind of action we need to take.”
“We met at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and a NAM representative explained to us that we would likely be meeting with some legislative staff members, not the legislators themselves, but that this is critical to building a rapport with the office. I was a little skeptical on this, but when I went to the office of Senator Casey of Pennsylvania, I had an opportunity to meet with his Tax Legislative Aide and I was truly impressed with the knowledge that this young woman possessed. I was even more impressed with Patrick Woodcock of Senator Snowe’s office, who knew the .30/.30 issue inside and out, and if I didn’t know better (because of his age) I would have thought that he was a 30-year veteran of the window industry.”
The “Fly-In” drew participants from a cross section of the industry, and helped to bring a critical mass of people trying to make a difference to Washington. Members walked away from the day feeling incredibly positive and, among other things, like they had really opened up a dialogue with Senator Snowe’s office for NWDA. The trip to DC was not inexpensive, so the association is sincerely thankful to those who made the trip; their participation helped to strengthen NWDA's industry impact.
If you couldn't participate this time, look for more NWDA-sponsored events of this nature to be offered in the future.
Back to Top
Member Profile—Learning about your fellow NWDA members
Alan's Career (Cont'd)
Like all organizations, Alan says that Ultrafab has recently modified their business model to adapt to the business climate we are all now operating in. Their customers, too, are reinventing themselves and Ultrafab is working hard to assist them in whatever manner possible.
Alan
first got involved in the fenestration industry when he took a summer job at Wasco Products as a swing shift extrusion operator. Over the years there, he held a variety of positions including Extrusion Department Manager and Manufacturing Engineer. Alan moved on to Amesbury Industries of Amesbury, MA and held positions in Engineering and eventually assumed the role of Director of Sales, Marketing and Product Development. Alan went on to start his own extrusion firm and sold the business to his partners in Germany prior to joining Ultrafab as a Product Manager in 1996. Throughout his career, Alan has worked on many exciting projects, including several products that have been patented and sold for many years in the industry.
Alan received a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from the University of Maine, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Westbrook College, and an MBA from New Hampshire College.
Alan and NWDA
Alan has been attending NWDA meetings since the 90’s and has always enjoyed the dialogue with industry colleagues. He feels the programs put together are informative and always learns something new, but his favorite part is getting a chance to catch up with old friends, share recent professional challenges, and catch up on one another’s families and interests outside of work.
More About Alan … The Personal Side
Alan coaches youth sports and has been a long-time volunteer with a local Boy Scout troop, formerly as a Scoutmaster and most recently as a Merit badge councilor. During the winter months Alan plays organized ice hockey, hunts, ice fishes, and snowshoes. During the summer he can be found every weekend on the ocean fishing or pulling lobster traps. Alan has a commercial lobster license and has traps in Great Bay and the Gulf of Maine. He also enjoys vegetable gardening and volunteering at the local food pantry.
What, no golf? “I like to say I enjoy golf, but that would not be accurate. However, I do challenge myself a few times a year and enjoy more the company of individuals I am on the course with.”
Alan has been married to his wife, Jill, for 21 years. They have three children. The oldest, Craig, is now at Worcester Polytechnic Institute majoring in Robotics Engineering. Heather is a Senior in High School and plans to go into the medical field. His youngest, Megan, is now in 8th grade.
About Ultrafab
Ultrafab, Inc. is a full line provider of weathersealing products for the Fenestration industry. Recently they have also entered into the decorative glass field with the addition of the DGI product line.
Back to Top
Technical Corner (Cont'd)
Building Code Requirements (AWS)
The current building codes require that windows and doors be tested and labeled for air infiltration, water penetration resistance and structural performance (AWS) in accordance to a particular version of an AAMA/WDMA/CSA standard specification. There have been many changes over the years to both the codes and standard specifications, therefore the applicable code will reference a specific version of the specification.
Air/water/structural testing is required for all fenestration products, whether they be …
-
for products that are not intended for use in wind-borne debris regions;
-
for products intended for use in wind-borne debris regions, but protected by an approved protection device; or
-
for impact-resistant products intended for use in wind-borne debris regions.
The 2003 version of the codes require that windows and doors be tested to AAMA/NWDA 101/I.S.2-97. The 2006 version of the codes require that windows and doors be tested to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05.
There are a few special cases to be aware of as it relates to specific state requirements. The special cases include the Texas Department of Insurance which requires that windows be tested to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05, and the Florida codes which allow for either the 97 or 05 version of the standards as well as TAS-202.
All of the International Codes and the Texas Department of Insurance require independent certification and labeling for approval. The 2007 Florida codes require DCA product approval. Additionally, for areas in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), products must comply with the TAS protocols.
Building Code Requirements (Impact)
In addition to AWS testing, windows used in wind-borne debris regions are required to protect against wind-borne debris. While certification and labeling are not a requirement in all cases, the specific requirements cited are as follows:
The 2003 version of the codes require that windows and doors be tested to ASTM E 1996-01. The 2006 version of the codes require that windows and doors be tested and labeled to ASTM E 1996-04 or AAMA 506-00, which in turn requires testing to ASTM E 1996-04.
The special cases again are the Texas Department of Insurance which requires that windows and doors be tested and labeled to AAMA 506-06, which requires testing to ASTM E 1996-02 or ASTM E 1996-05. The 2007 Florida codes require testing to ASTM E 1996-02 or 05, or to the AAMA 506-06, while locations in HVHZ must be tested to the TAS-201/TAS-202 protocols.
Energy Codes
Energy performance is mandated by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). There are prescriptive methods in the code that may be used to assign a default U-value based on frame construction and glazing type.
Testing to NFRC 100, Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product U-factors, is the method by which performance can be proven for products which are not covered by the default values. Manufacturers may also use this option when they want to obtain better U-factor than the default value assigned by the IECC.
Emergency Egress and Fall Protection
While not all windows are required to meet emergency egress or fall protection requirements, it is critical to know when they do as they involve life safety issues.
Typically, windows in sleeping rooms and in basements used as habitable space require at least one window to meet the emergency egress requirements.
For a window to qualify for emergency egress, the unobstructed opening of the window must measure no less than 20" horizontally, 24" vertically and have an opening area of not less than 5.0 ft² for ground floor windows and 5.7 ft² for upper levels.
Fall protection requirements state that windows with openings more than 72" above the finished grade (or surface below) are to have a minimum sill height of 24" above the interior finished floor. In cases where the sill height is less than 24", the window shall not have an opening greater than would allow for a 4" diameter sphere to pass. Where the window opening is greater than the prescribed 4" limitation an approved window guard must be installed.
Installation Requirements
The Commercial building codes say little about installation while the Residential building codes provide some generic installation information including the stipulation that windows are to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Because test procedures do not achieve a factor of safety sufficient to validate a wood or concrete installation, window installations must be engineered. The Florida Product Approval program and Miami-Date NOA require validation and approved drawings for installation methods. Thus, it is recommended that all installation details and specifications be prepared by a registered design professional.
Summary – Determine Your Test Regime
It is recommended that manufacturers test their products to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 in order to qualify their products to be acceptable in almost every situation. Older versions of AAMA 101 are being phased out, so it is important to get ahead of the curve.
Testing to AAMA 101-05 won't qualify your products for the impact testing requirements in wind-born debris regions unless they are protected by an approved protection device. With the exception of Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone, testing to AAMA 506-06 will qualify your products for wind-borne debris regions as it references the ASTM E 1996 standard which satisfies all but the Florida HVHZ.
For Florida's HVHZ, windows that are not protected by an approved device must be tested for air/water/structural performance to the TAS-202 protocol and to TAS 201 & TAS 203 protocols for impact performance.
Conclusion
Finding your way through the quagmire of protocols, standards and test methods can be overwhelming, but Architectural Testing has a staff of highly skilled and qualified engineers available to answer your questions regarding codes and testing services.
The purpose of this Informational Bulletin is to provide guidance on the relevant codes and standards and to help you establish your testing needs. The information contained herein is not manufacturer or product specific, and is provided as advisory information to our customers.
Back to Top
Member News—What’s New With You?
Amesbury’s SuperBoost is the solution for heavier sash weights. As the market demands bigger and heavier windows, traditional balances struggle to support their weight with easy operation. Their SuperBoost balance is a proven European design that has been refined and improved for the US market.
The SuperBoost is a Class 5 Balance able to carry sash weights up to 120 lbs with more travel. It also boasts easy installation and adjustability. Amesbury offers two versions, the F series which is able to carry sash weights up to 80 lbs. and the K series which can support sash weights up to 120 lbs. All SuperBoost balances are shipped pre-tensioned and can be field adjusted after installation without removal, a simple flat head screwdriver is all that’s needed.
Currently the SuperBoost cycle tests up to 55,000 cycles as proven in Amesbury’s AAMA certified lab located at Amesbury Window Hardware’s headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD. The operating force, ease of installation and overall performance are generating quite a positive reaction, which has prompted Amesbury to continue to spend resources developing new attachments for the wide variety of applications in the market. Their new side load attachments have tested exceptionally well and are already in production.
DAC Products, manufacturer of sample and display materials for the window and door industry, now offers a new standard entry door display. The program allows companies, who might not need displays in large quantities to buy an affordable, yet serviceable door display. It is available in both stationary and spinning versions. Using DAC’s in-house graphics department, a printed top sign as well as other graphics can be added to display your company logo, detail product features, and show off warranties. DAC also offers custom designs to meet individual requirements.
Crystal Windows Marks Start of 20th Anniversary Year. May 2009 marked the beginning of the 20th year of operation for Crystal Window & Door Systems of Flushing, NY. The firm produces energy efficient aluminum and vinyl windows and high-end fenestration systems, many of which achieve Energy Star® and ARRA Stimulus tax credit performance levels. Started by Thomas Chen, Crystal’s president and owner, in May 1990 as a modest operation with 10 employees, the company in the past two decades has experienced phenomenal growth. The vertically integrated American manufacturer now boasts sales of about $60 million, produces approximately 700,000 units annually, and employs nearly 600 throughout the U.S. and overseas in its family of companies. Crystal distributes products in 35 states, and operates product showrooms in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio and Connecticut. The firm is one of the top 50 window and door manufacturers in North America.
“It’s been great to come to the United States and build a successful American business,” said Thomas Chen. “I want to thank the dedicated Crystal employees whose entrepreneurial spirit and drive have enabled the company to reach far and wide.” Harold Kaye, Senior Vice President of Business Development, added, “Our customers are equally responsible for our success, and Crystal is very grateful for their loyalty and support.” Crystal plans many activities with customers and employees during the year to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
Over the years, Crystal has seized opportunities to move into related lines of business. The company now operates an aluminum extrusion and paint finishing subsidiary in Missouri, which provides Crystal’s aluminum window profiles and serves outside customers in other metal industries. Crystal began an ornamental fencing fabrication subsidiary in New Jersey to serve the residential and light commercial markets. Most recently in 2009, Crystal launched a subsidiary, Helios Energy Systems, in New York to provide design, sales and installation of solar photovoltaic power systems for homes and commercial properties. With a booming construction market in mainland China, Thomas Chen took American know-how and the Crystal brand overseas. Crystal now has operations in Suzhou, China to produce window system components for window fabricators serving the domestic Chinese market. Crystal also founded a fenestration engineering and design firm in Taiwan to serve the Far East construction industry.
Crystal, Thomas Chen and his son Steve Chen have been recognized in many ways for their success. Awards and recognitions include the National Minority Business Council Outstanding Minority Business Award, U.S. Department of Commerce National Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award, Crain’s New York Business listing for 10 years as a Top 25 New York Minority Owned Businesses, Window & Door Magazine’s Top Window Manufacturers listing for 11 years, Door & Window Manufacturer Magazine’s Ten Companies to Watch list, and Inc. Magazine’s inaugural Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States.
Crystal Executive Joins Vice President Biden’s Business Roundtable. Crystal Window & Door Systems was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion of the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on business. The event, hosted by U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden on June 2nd at Pace University in Manhattan, brought together business leaders from the New York area and other northeastern states to highlight successes resulting from federal stimulus initiatives. The Partnership for New York City, which has worked with Crystal on its expansion investments, made Vice President Biden’s office aware of the manufacturer and its success.
Crystal Executive Vice President Steve Chen was pleased to share Crystal’s experiences with the audience. “Crystal was feeling the effects of the downturn in the construction and remodeling industry, as was the rest of the window manufacturing sector,” said Steve Chen. “Sales were at a standstill and it was impossible to maintain our current level of production. For the first time in our 19 year history, it looked like we would have to make some serious workforce reductions at the beginning of this year.”
Included in the federal stimulus act that passed in February are tax credits for homeowners purchasing and installing highly energy efficient windows. Having invested significantly for the past several months in upgrading its products to meet more stringent Energy Star® performance criteria, Crystal was in an excellent position to take advantage of the tax credit initiative. “Once tax credits became available for high performance windows, Crystal promoted it aggressively to its customers and received a tremendous amount of interest,” said Steve Chen. “Our sales leads started coming in almost overnight. It was exactly the stimulus that homeowners needed to make the investment in their homes with very energy efficient windows, and it was exactly the stimulus a business like ours needed.”
Crystal has 16 windows that qualify for stimulus tax credits, a fact that helped drive the company’s sales this fiscal year up slightly over last year’s sales. Crystal did not have to implement severe workforce reductions and is now looking to fill some engineering positions instead of eliminating them.
Gorell Windows & Doors recently recalled the last of its furloughed employees. In addition, Gorell is currently accepting applications to fill additional positions. The callback comes in response to rising demand, due to the company’s active promotion of the new federal tax credits for windows and doors and the upturn in business that occurs each spring.
“Although the economy is still challenging, we’re seeing many positive signs that the country is coming out of this recession,” said Wayne Gorell, President & CEO. “Business has been improving steadily every week, and we’re anticipating a good second half of the year for 2009.” In an industry in which many competitors are closing plants and laying off employees, Gorell now has every laid-off production worker back to work. Hourly employees are hired back based on tenure with the company. Gorell also typically hires additional new employee during the spring and summer months and is now accepting applications in preparation for this process.
Gorell Windows & Doors has named Mark Hobbs its new Regional Sales Manager for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, western Michigan, western Ohio and parts of Missouri. In his new position, Hobbs will establish dealers to market Gorell’s vinyl windows and patio doors and provide training and sales support to existing dealers. “Mark comes to Gorell with a strong background in the window and door industry, and is an expert in the area of progressive sales and marketing techniques to help promote Gorell’s highly energy-efficient green solutions,” said Tyson Schwartz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Utilizing his experience and enthusiasm for sales will make Mark a valuable asset to his customers and to Gorell.”
Hobbs has more than 15 years experience in the remodeling and building products industry, both in retail sales and manufacturing.
Ventana USA is now manufacturing tilt/turn windows. Popular in Europe for many years, vinyl tilt/turn windows are entering the North American commercial and high-end residential markets. An integral part of this product line are the shapes that give the architect exciting design options. Ventana USA, a leading supplier of specialty vinyl window shapes for over 20 years, is ready to serve this emerging market. Using profiles extruded specifically for tilt/turn windows, and drawing from the sophisticated systems developed by their European sister companies, Ventana USA is able to offer picture window and operable frame and sash units in all the usual shapes– from palladians and full circles to triangles and transoms. A variety of colors and other options also are available for this exciting new product.
Vision Products, Inc., a leader in the design, engineering, manufacture and fulfillment of sample and display products for the window, door and building products industries is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Malcolm as Materials Manager. Stu brings with him over 12 years experience in plant management with Vision Products. In his new role, he will be responsible for ensuring needed material is scheduled, ordered, received and available for all customer orders. Prior to his tenure at Vision, Stu had various management positions in other industries.
After several inquiries, Vision Products has developed a method to custom logo existing soft side bags. The customer can order the bags plain and customize them based on their needs at a later date. This way they can order only the quantity they need. The bags can be logoed with a 4 color digitally printed high quality image.
Vision Products also recently invested in another high speed video ink jet printer and a custom printing conveyor. This is the third printer and conveyor the company now owns. This purchase was necessary due to the high demand for their printed fan decks and key chains, says Paul Wolfe (VP Sales & Marketing). Wolfe says “While other companies may be taking a wait-and-see approach, we are purchasing equipment to handle the increase in demand we are seeing. These three video printers along with our three high speed pad printers will allow us to service our customers in a timely fashion.”
Back to Top
Make Sure that NWDA is on Your Distribution List
Don’t see your member news included here? Make sure that your communications team is sending copies of your press releases to info@nwda.net. Members love to read about what’s going on with each others’ companies, so we can’t get too much news!
Back to Top
Mission Statement
The Northeast Window and Door Association represents window and door manufacturers, supported by suppliers, for the goal of providing affordable access to information and education regarding market, government, building code, and business influencers shaping the window and door marketplace.
Back to Top
NWDA Officers
Darryl Huber, BF Rich Co., President
•
Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Windows Corporation, First Vice President
•
Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products, Second Vice President
• Bob Sullivan, Harvey Industries, Treasurer
NWDA Active Directors
Al Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows
•
Alan Hinkle, Lockheed Window Corp.
•
Art Poland, Thermal Industries
•
Rob Rose, Northeast Building Products Corp.
•
Chuck Wetmore, Serious Materials
NWDA Associate Directors
Nancy Bostwick, Caldwell Manufacturing Company •
Jimmy Di Giorgio, Vision Extrusions • Kelly King, RiteScreen • Mike Mackereth, Architectural Testing Inc.
NWDA Past-Presidents
William Langfelder • William Carmichael • Alan Ungerleider • Robert Williams • Lee Borellis • Herb Steigler • Art Poland • John Mesko • Chris Lorber • Keith Oakley • Terry Rex • Michael Sugrue • Bill Donnelly
Back to Top |
"As Stewards We Serve"
Alan started as a Product Manager for Ultrafab, Inc. 13 years ago and recently assumed the role of President. He says “after a couple months I now truly appreciate the position and the many hats one must wear. You are not just responsible for the bottom line; you must take into consideration on a daily basis how your decisions impact your customers, employees, shareholders and the community in which you operate. Ultrafab’s primary focus has been and always will be to provide innovative, cost-effective sealing solutions to our customers. In these tough economic times we also realize that we must add value beyond the products sold to our customers to allow them to be more efficient in their operations.” 
