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Economic Update
By Chad Moutray
Chief Economist, National Association of Manufacturers
Last week brought a mixed bag of economic data, with the week ending mostly on a sour note due to weak employment numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that only 18,000 net new jobs were created in June, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent. Manufacturers added 6,000 of these new jobs, which, while a reversal from the previous month's decline, was still subpar. Many analysts had forecasted stronger employment growth, especially in light of the much better Automated Data Processing (ADP) numbers from the day before (which had observed 24,000 additional manufacturing jobs in June).
While the employment report was discouraging and will definitely provoke greater anxiety about our economic future, it is important to note that employment is a lagged indicator. Other more recent signs have pointed to the manufacturing sector starting to rebound. These include data from the Institute for Supply Management, the latest regional Federal Reserve bank surveys and last week's factory orders report. Indeed, even the California manufacturing survey, which is expecting a slower growth rate for the sector this quarter, was largely positive in its overall expectations, with growth in production, new orders and employment forecast for the third quarter.
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President's Message
 We have all discussed the hangover that occurred just after the 2009/2010 Energy Tax Credit expired at the end of December. We all knew that the $200 tax credit for windows in 2011/2012 wasn't going to be the needed stimulus to continue brisk residential sales. I'm not sure any of us expected the intensity of our hangover headache to increase particularly in late April, May and into June, but it has. Dealers are frustrated by the amount of advertising money being spent versus the number of qualified leads being generated. More window deals are being lost due to financing turn downs.
We had tremendous meetings with a number of Senators and Congressmen during our Washington Fly-In at the beginning of May. Our immediate Past President, Darryl Huber, did an outstanding job in arranging all of the meetings. I left Washington with a very good feeling that we had won over some much needed support from Capitol Hill for our industry. Unfortunately, our tentative economy and the budget battle is occupying everyone's attention at this time.
So what do we as window manufacturers need to do to help ourselves? Most importantly, we must remain positive. We must continue to encourage and support our dealers to renew their efforts to generate new leads using their most proven methods and to develop new ideas to do the same. We as manufacturers must be creative in developing new products and special programs that excite and energize both ours and our customers' sales staffs. Our supplier members must support our efforts in any way they can. We're in this together. If we succeed, they succeed. We are a team!
Just as all good things must come to an end the not so good things must travel the same path. Life does go on. I look forward to seeing all of you at our NWDA Summer Meeting at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland, next week. Besides, relieving your frustrations by beating the heck out of a golf ball is good therapy, especially when enjoyed with the correct liquid refreshment. Better yet, you just might learn a thing or two to help your business be more successful.
Sincerely,
Chuck Scalzott
NWDA President
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LAST CHANCE! Register for the Summer Meeting
Quick Links
Agenda at a Glance | Fun for the Whole Family | Get Registered | Hotel Information
Member Profile — Learning about your fellow NWDA members
SPOTLIGHT ON Chris Cooper, Joseph Machine Co.
 Chris Cooper is a Senior Sales Manager at Joseph Machine Company and also a current member of the NWDA Board of Directors. Get to know more about Chris by reading our Q&A below!
Click here to read more.
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NWDA Thanks our Generous Sponsors
NWDA would like to thank DAC PRODUCTS and RITESCREEN for their generous support with e-Newsletter sponsorship.
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FINAL DAY...Register for the Summer Meeting
Time is Running Out. Register Today for NWDA's Summer Meeting & Golf Outing!
Summer is officially here and NWDA is heading to Turf Valley in Ellicott City, MD for our 2011 Summer Meeting and Golf Outing. This is your very last chance, so register today to attend!
What's on the Meeting Agenda
The Summer Meeting will be packed with educational opportunities designed to address the most pressing issues our industry is facing. Topics include:
- The Acoustical Properties of Windows
- How to Avoid Litigation
- Going Green in the Factory
- Washington Fly-In Recap
- Codes and Specs Report
Agenda at a Glance
Schedule of Events: |
Monday, July 18 |
8:00 am: |
Board Meeting |
11:30 am: |
Lunch |
12:30 pm: |
Golf (Scramble) |
6:30 pm |
Reception |
7:30 pm |
Banquet & Awards Presentation |
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Tuesday, July 19 |
8:00 am |
Breakfast |
9:00 am |
Educational Sessions |
1:00 pm |
Lunch |
Get Registered
What: |
2011 Summer Meeting & Golf Outing |
When: |
Monday, July 18 & Tuesday, July 19, 2011 |
Where: |
Turf Valley Resort and Golf Club, Ellicott City, MD |
Cost: |
Full Meeting, With Golf - $399
Full Meeting, No Golf - $250
Business Meeting Only - $120
Golf/Lunch Only - $275
Spouse - $115
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Sponsorship Opportunities: |
Hole Sponsorship - $125/hole
Hole-In-One Sponsorship - $350
Beverage Cart Sponsorship - $500
Golf Reception Sponsorship - $500
Full Educational Program Sponsorship - $500
Speaker Sponsorship - $300
Tuesday Breakfast Sponsorship - $200
Tuesday Box Lunch Sponsorship - $200 |
How: |
Download and fill out the registration form; return it to NWDA Headquarters today. |
A Great Trip for the Whole Family
Turf Valley has over 1,000 acres of fun, including a luxurious spa, 3 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas and a fitness center. Non-golfers can spend the day enjoying the rest of the resort, then meet the group for dinner.
Looking for fun ways to keep the kids busy for the afternoon? Here’s a few nearby attractions that would make a great daytrip:
B&O Railroad Museum – 19th Century history comes to life in America’s oldest surviving railroad station
Carol County Farm Museum – Historic house tour, on-site blacksmith, petting zoo and gardens
Clark’s Elioak Farm – Petting farm, pony rides, hayrides, “Enchanted Forrest”
Terrapin Adventures – Enjoy adventure courses featuring zip-lines, rope climbing and outdoor adventure trips.
And...Only 20 miles from Baltimore Inner Harbor, there will be no shortage of attractions to keep the family entertained
Book Your Hotel Room Now
Call (410) 465-1500 or (888) 833-8873 and be sure to tell them you are with the Northeast Window and Door Association in order to secure our special room rate of $139.
You may also make your room reservation online at www.turfvalley.com and use the group code 27Q51K to receive our special rate.
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Newsletter Ad Space is Available for 2011
Looking for a way to showcase your products and services to fellow NWDA members?
Ad space is still available in all remaining 2011 editions of the NWDA e-Newsletter!
Artwork must be submitted accordingly:
| Third Quarter: |
September 2 |
| Fourth Quarter: |
December 2 |
Advertising is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay!
Click here for the advertising agreement and to view the ad specifications. Contact Elizabeth Roe at eroe@nwda.net immediately if you wish to secure advertising space.
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Member Profile — Learning about your fellow NWDA members (continued)
Chris Cooper is a Senior Sales Manager at Joseph Machine Company and also a current member of the NWDA Board of Directors.
Q: Please provide a brief overview of your company.
A: We are an OEM manufacturer of fabrication equipment primarily for the fenestration industry.
Q: What are your main responsibilities/duties at your company?
A: I am a Senior Sales Engineer. I am the training coordinator for our sales staff and also head up sales for the north- and southeastern United States.
Q: How long have you been with your company?
A: 11 Years
Q: Where did you work previously, and in what positions?
A: I was a District Sales Manager for NapGladu (formally North American Products)
Q: How did you become involved in this industry?
A: I provided cutting tools for the industry and was recruited by Joseph Machine in 1999.
Q: What special honors, awards and/or recognition have you received within your field or by your company?
A: I have been the highest producing salesperson at Joseph Machine for the last 7 years straight. I also opened the highest number of new accounts over any other salesperson within our company.
Q: What recent changes, additions and/or improvements have you implemented in your company?
A: We have implemented 5-S and also have developed a unique new machine for the commercial market.
Q: What is your favorite thing about NWDA?
A: The networking and guest speakers.
Q: Where did you receive your higher education and what was your main field of study?
A: I attended Indiana University and studied Architectural Drafting.
Q: What are your leisure-time talents, hobbies, community involvements or interests?
A: In my spare time I enjoy Formula One racing. I am also the media coordinator for our church.
Q: Do you have a spouse or children/grandchildren? How many?
A: My wife and I are the proud parents of four children—Chastidi, Christopher, Kyle, and Kara. We also have four wonderful grandchildren
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Economic Update (continued)
I still expect the second half of this year to be stronger for manufacturers overall, and if that is the case, employment in the sector will start to pick up again. Note that since December 2009, manufacturers have generated 251,000 net new jobs. Much of this growth has come from the durable goods sector, which is already starting to see a turnaround for the weaknesses it experienced in the spring months.
 Despite this forecast, though, Friday's unemployment numbers are a stark reminder that our economy remains fragile. While many manufacturers remain upbeat about future prospects for growth, it is a cautious optimism. There is still a long way to go in terms of potential job gains for manufacturing. (See the accompanying graphic to note how employment in the sector is still well below its pre-recession levels.) For sustained growth, we will need a stronger domestic and global economy, a sound business environment and increased opportunities for new markets overseas.
This week, we will receive new trade numbers, which will hopefully highlight the opportunities manufacturers are taking in markets around the world. Exports have been a source of strength for the sector over the last year or so. In addition, we will get new data on industrial production and inflation.
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2011 Member Directory and Member Plaques
The NWDA Membership Directory continues to be a valuable industry resource for our members. Headquarters staff is currently working to update the Directory for 2011. If you have any changes to your current listing, please email info@nwda.net so we can be sure your listing is up to date. Please email Headquarters promptly with any changes as the directory is due to be completed in early August. Click here to view the most recent edition of the directory and check out the current status of your listing.
Directory Ad Space is Still Available
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.
July 29: Deadline for securing your ad space
August 5: 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 Elizabeth Roe at eroe@nwda.net immediately if you wish to secure advertising space.
Member Plaques Available
Do you have an NWDA member plaque? If the answer is "Yes," look for your 2011 emblem to be sent out in August. If the answer is "No," then contact Elizabeth Roe right away at eroe@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.
If you already purchased a member plaque when you renewed your 2011 membership, your plaque(s) will arrive in August along with your 2011 emblem.
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Washington Fly-In Recap
 On May 4, NWDA members returned to our nation's capital to participate in our third Spring Educational Seminar and Washington "Fly-In." A dozen members were on hand as NWDA met with various Senators and Representatives and their aides to talk about the most pressing issues facing window and door manufacturers today. As a group, we visited 16 Congressional offices to emphasize the need for smart legislation/regulation and the critical importance of industry input.
In particular, members spoke about 30/30 scoring, the EPA's Lead, Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (LRRP), and overall US energy policy. Members took their concerns to their Senate and House representatives, educating them on the impact these policies have on our businesses and urged lawmakers to contact the experts—us—when considering new legislation that will affect the industry.
Members left feeling heard, empowered and excited about the impact that NWDA can have on the future of the industry. The association is sincerely thankful to those who were able to attend; their participation helped to strengthen NWDA's industry impact.
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Welcome New Members
NWDA would like to welcome the following new member:
VIWINCO
Active Member
Contact: Kimberly Lipsky
851 Hemlock Rd.
Morgantown, PA 19543
(610) 286-8884
klipsky@viwinco.com
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Member News—What’s New With You?
B.F. RICH has completed the third year of continuing education with the Certified Green DealerT Program. The program includes voluntary educational training on green building techniques and green product choices.
"We're very pleased to have achieved the Certified Green DealerT designation for the third year running," says Terry Rex, Vice President of Marketing. "This continued education provides our employees the knowledge to help our customers make good choices on products that are beneficial to the environment. Other information gained from the program provides us knowledge to support our environmental manufacturing commitment of Thinking Globally and Acting Locally."
Also in B.F. Rich news, Alberina Ziemba has joined the B.F. Rich sales team as a territory manager and will be responsible for the Eastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware territories.
Alberina studied business at Goldey Beacom College and has earned a degree in Professional Human Resources (PHR R) from Villanova University. In her free time, Alberina enjoys spending time with her husband and son as well as time at the beach with her family and friends.
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GORELL has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy as a participant in the "Save Energy Now LEADER" program. As a LEADER, Gorell has pledged to reduce the company's energy intensity—and associated carbon emissions—by at least 25 percent over the next 10 years. Gorell also agreed to establish energy use and energy intensity baselines, and to develop an energy management plan over the next 12 months.
Also in Gorell news, Lily Adams recently joined the customer service team at Gorell Windows & Doors as a Customer Service Representative. Lily will assist Gorell dealers and distributors in ordering windows and doors to ensure accurate and problem-free production and delivery. She has several years of customer service experience.
Finally, Gorell 5400 Series impact window with Armor Max Plus glass have earned the prestigious Miami-Dade County impact approval—and can be used in virtually any area that requires hurricane or impact protection. Approved models include Gorell's 5401 Armor Max PlusT (AMP) picture windows, 5402 AMP sliding windows and 5405 AMP double-hung windows, all of which underwent lengthy and intensive evaluation for compliance with Miami-Dade County, Florida's, air, water and structural requirements.
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LIVINGSTON MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS was recently recognized by NJBiz Magazine on its list of the Top 50 Public Relations (PR) Firms in New Jersey for 2010. This statewide publication is a major source for business news, economic trends, and policymaking for the New Jersey business and industry community. Each year, NJBiz Magazine compiles information on key aspects of a wide variety of industries, such as employees, sales and revenues, assets, client billings and other measures. Top PR firms are ranked on revenues for the prior year.
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CRYSTAL WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS, the award-winning national manufacturer, reported that despite the continued challenging economic climate, the company achieved a notable increase in sales for its fiscal year ending April 30, 2011. Crystal's annual revenues from aluminum and vinyl windows and doors and high-end fenestration systems for the 12-month period May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011, increased a very respectable 13% over the previous year. With sales growth in virtually all of the company's 21 years of existence, Crystal continues to be a major success story in the fenestration industry.
Sales in the New York Metro Area contributed the most towards the growth, with the New England and Midwest regions also contributing to a lesser degree. "It is a remarkable achievement for Crystal to continue to increase sales at a time when construction across the New York metro area and other regions is still depressed," stated Steve Chen, Executive Vice President. "I attribute a lot of our success to proactive efforts by our dedicated sales team to make Crystal the window manufacturer of choice for every type of project, large or small. The sales team's efforts were focused, targeted and extremely well managed."
In other Crystal Windows news,Executive Vice President Steve Chen recently participated as a panelist at national Fenestration Day. Held in Indianapolis, IN, Steve's panel entitled "Going Green in the Factory" was one of several seminars during the daylong national conference. Steve presented his growing company's amazing success with implementing environmentally responsible and energy efficient practices. He shared the stage with executives from Thermal Industries (a division of Atrium), and Royal Window & Door Profiles, two of the largest fenestration companies in North America.
Steve's presentation was a detailed review and quantification of the company's efforts over the past few years to introduce "green" sustainable initiatives into corporate operations. Primarily focused on activities at the company's main factory and administrative headquarters in Flushing, NY, the presentation included production equipment, operations, waste recycling, raw materials, building design, building operations and even employee activities.
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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!
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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.
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NWDA Officers
Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Corporation, President
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Steve Chen, Crystal Windows, First Vice President
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Nancy Bostwick, Caldwell Manufacturing, Second Vice President
• Susan Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows, Treasurer
NWDA Active Directors
Art Poland, Thermal Industries
• Rich Dobrowski, Harvey Industries
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Matt Sullivan, Kasson Keller
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Chuck Wetmore, Serious Materials
NWDA Associate Directors
Chris Cooper, Joseph Machine Co. • Randy Cohen, Frank Lowe Rubber and Gasket Company • Mike Mackereth, Architectural Testing Inc. • Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products
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 • Darryl Huber
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