Amy Cole has been named president of Tubelite Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of architectural aluminum storefront, entrance and curtainwall systems in the United States. She joins Tubelite on March 31 and will report to Joseph F. Puishys, chief executive officer of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., parent company of Tubelite.

“Amy brings more than 25 years experience in the construction industry, as an executive leading sales, marketing, manufacturing and engineering,” said Puishys. “She has successfully grown businesses by implementing innovative strategies, while meeting business objectives.”

Most recently, Cole was general manager, residential/light commercial business at Kohler Power Systems, Kohler, Wis. From 1988 to 2012, she was with Hilti North America, a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing construction-related products and systems for the construction industry and building maintenance. She had positions of increasing responsibility at Hilti, her last as senior vice president, channels Hilti North America, where she led customer service, distributor and rental channels, and retail marketing.

She is succeeding Ken Werbowy, who is retiring after 20 years as president of Tubelite.  “I congratulate Ken on his retirement from Tubelite, which has seen outstanding growth under his leadership since Apogee acquired the company in 2007,” said Puishys. “I am pleased that Apogee will continue to benefit from Ken’s deep industry knowledge as he supports Apogee’s corporate development efforts on a part-time basis.”

Cole has an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Tulsa, Okla., and a bachelor’s degree in romance languages from Colorado College, Colorado Springs.

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Serving the unique needs of Quebec’s window and door industry, Technoform Bautec North America, Inc. announces its partnership with Quincaillerie Rabel, Inc. The sales agency and distribution company’s 20,000-square-foot facility is located in the Armand-Bombardier Park in Terrebonne.

The collaboration builds upon Quincaillerie Rabel’s existing sales and distribution of Technoform Glass Insulation and expands Technoform Bautec’s sales representation throughout one of Canada’s largest provinces. Its website and customer service are available in both English and French.

“John has earned a reputation in the industry for his deep knowledge of the Quebec fenestration market and high-quality service in meeting customers’ needs. We are proud to work with him and his team,” says Chad Ricker of Technoform Bautec North America.

Quincaillerie Rabel’s owner, John Rancourt, draws from more than 25 years of experience serving this market. He is a member of the Association des Industries de Produits Verriers et de Fenestration du Québec (AVFQ) and the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturing Association (CWDMA). He and his five-person sales team take a hands-on, personalized approach in working with their customers. They provide 24-hour delivery and maintain a large inventory of window and door hardware, weatherseals, insulated glass components and accessories.

“Our products are selected for the Quebec market and meet the rigorous industry standards of AAMA and CSA for unmatched durability and energy quality,” says Rancourt. “Technoform Bautec makes a beautiful product that offers more energy performance, resists air and water infiltration, and contributes to the product’s whole structural integrity.”

Used in aluminum-framed windows, doors and façades, Technoform Bautec’s strips optimize thermal performance helping products achieve the high-performance criteria to meet current and future design requirements, energy codes and green guidelines for both residential homes and commercial buildings.

“With Quebec’s emerging energy codes, Technoform Bautec’s superior product performance is more and more important to our market. Window and door fabricators using PVC are realizing that they need to make a change to meet energy performance requirements,” explains Rancourt. “Technoform not only has the products, it has customer-focused staff and engineering support to guide us though to the next level in high-performance building.”

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Minnesota’s Ramsey County selected Knutson Construction as part of the design-build team to update and expand the White Bear Lake library. Located at 4698 Clark Ave., the building is one of seven branch facilities in suburban Ramsey County. The Ramsey County Library Board, appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, govern the library system.

Knutson is collaborating with Bentz Thompson Rietow (BTR) Architects on the $3.5 million project. Schematic design is underway. The library will close for construction, which is scheduled to begin in July. A grand re-opening is tentatively planned for February 2015.

“Ramsey County Library’s remodeling and expansion of the library in White Bear Lake opens the door to exciting design opportunities,” says Sandy Walsh, deputy director of the Ramsey County Library. “We are looking for a balance of function and delight, reflecting the unique character of the White Bear community.”

She continues, “We need a building that is warm and inviting to individuals of all ages, and to the groups that form and reform in the course of community life. We hope to meet our technology needs now and in the future, while maintaining a sense of comfort and tradition. We are confident that the team of Knutson Construction and BTR Architects can make our dreams a reality. We look forward to working with them to make it happen!”

preliminary sketch by BTR Architects

Originally constructed in 1974, more than 150,000 people now visit the 12,772-square-foot building each year. Along with a 3,725-square-foot addition to accommodate more of its patrons, the library looks forward to a revitalized appearance and updates to its mechanical systems and bathrooms. Facility improvements will follow the State of Minnesota Sustainability Building 2030, as well as complying with current codes and accessibility standards.

Other key members of the White Bear Lake library’s design-build project team include Gausman & Moore as the mechanical and electrical engineers. They also have worked with BTR on past projects and with Knutson on the Garden View Medical Building and the University of Minnesota’s Mechanical & Engineering Building.

BTR and Knutson previously have worked together on the Minneapolis Community & Technical College parking ramp expansion, Julia A. Sears Residence Hall at Minnesota State University in Mankato, and the Minneapolis Convention Center parking ramp. BTR currently is working with Knutson on the St. Paul College Health & Science Alliance Center.

In addition, Knutson has contributed to dozens of public building renovations, learning centers and sustainable projects. Notable examples of previous library projects include Iowa City Library, Cedar Rapids Library, Meskwaki High School Media Center in Iowa, and Minneapolis Central Library.

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On Feb. 19, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) became accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a Standards Developer. This accreditation includes review and approval of AAMA’s document creation and maintenance program, notably AAMA balloting procedure.

“AAMA has been developing technical standards since its inception in 1936. Since that time, the association has maintained an open consensus process that takes into account all views and aspects of the industry equally. Now, we have the proof to back that up,” say Andrea Rhodes, AAMA technical operations supervisor, who was instrumental in working with ANSI to secure the accreditation.

According to the ANSI website, “In order to maintain ANSI accreditation, standards developers are required to consistently adhere to a set of requirements or procedures known as the ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards that govern the consensus development process. Due process is the key to ensuring that ANSs [American National Standards] are developed in an environment that is equitable, accessible and responsive to the requirements of various stakeholders. The open and fair ANS process ensures that all interested and affected parties have an opportunity to participate in a standard’s development. It also serves and protects the public interest since standards developers accredited by ANSI must meet the Institute’s requirements for openness, balance, consensus and other due process safeguards.”

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Knutson Construction announces two project managers have joined its Minneapolis team: Mike Palmer and Dan Imre.

Palmer joins Knutson with nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry and on dozens of health care project. Most recently, Palmer worked at a Minnesota-based construction company as a project manager. Previously, he was with Ellerbe Becket (now an AECOM company). He has earned professional certification from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) and from the American Hospital Association as a Certified Healthcare Constructor. He also is a U.S. Green Building Council member and LEED® Accredited Professional.

With more than 20 years of construction experience, Imre most recently worked for a Minnesota general contractor where he contributed to tenant improvement, renovation and retail projects. Prior to this, he managed retail, office and restoration projects. He graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in business management.

“Dan’s and Mike’s experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our company and our clients,” said Dave Foley, Knutson’s vice president of operations.

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Minnesota Do-Gooders Club will host its 2014 Content Conference on May 15, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Ramada Plaza Minneapolis. The event will be filled with hands-on learning and inspiring stories from Minnesota nonprofit marketing and communications professionals. Registration is open at http://www.mndogooders.org. The early bird rate costs $90 through March 30, after which the rate will be $125. Attendance is limited.

Building on the success of Minnesota Do-Gooders Club’s annual panel discussion series and feedback gathered from past participants, this year’s full-day conference format includes:
* Six breakout sessions in two tracks focusing on all aspects of content development
* A keynote from Monica Meyer, executive director of OutFront Minnesota and board member with Minnesotans United for All Families
* An inspiring talk from Butch Roy, executive director of HUGE Theater
* Lots of peer-to-peer networking opportunities
* A small group atmosphere to facilitate discussion
* A take-home binder with all of the tools and tips from every session

Breakout sessions include:
* Prepare and Plan: Creating content strategy – Diana Lillicrap and Wendy Ruyle, 5 by 5 Design
* Uncover and Understand: Identifying and appreciating your audience – Nancy Paul, Mental Health Association of Minnesota, and Heather West, Heather West Public Relations
* Apply and Adjust: Using and measuring your content strategy – Diana Lillicrap and Wendy Ruyle, 5 by 5 Design
* Adapt and Assist: Using accessibility to strengthen everyone’s web experience – Joe Dolson, Joe Dolson Accessible Web Design
* Create and Compose: Finding and refining the right words – Matthew Foster, My favorite Matthew
* Engage and Enlighten: Exploring the logistics of in-house video – Ben McGinley, McGinley Motion

“We wanted to build on our event series from last year. Through survey results we learned that our attendees were craving information about content — how to create it, how to distribute it and how to manage the entire process. So, we built a conference around exactly that,” says co-founder Wendy Ruyle, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design, a strategic marketing, graphic design and creative communications firm.

“Additionally, we are eager to create an atmosphere where professionals can exchange insights, so we are keeping attendance to 50 spots. The breakout sessions will be hands-on with many opportunities to learn from one another,” adds co-founder Matthew Foster, owner of My favorite Matthew, a company that specializes in web design and development for nonprofits.

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At the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 77th Annual Conference, the association’s membership ratified the 2014 board of directors. The slate included Marg Webb, CHRP, of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) to fill the affiliated association seat, plus Pella’s Kevin Gaul and Simonton’s Sid Spear to fill seats as residential representatives.

Marg Webb, IGMA

AAMA members recognize Webb’s industry leadership and her involvement in many conferences and committees. She fills the seat formerly held by Rand Baldwin, of the Aluminum Extruders Council. As the executive director of IGMA, Webb maintains the Alliance’s certification program and technical activities that include document management, standards development and representation at U.S. and Canadian building code discussions. She also is the management representative for IGMA’s ISO 9001:2008 quality management system.

Webb’s involvement in the building materials construction sector spans 25 years. During her career, she has held positions as a project manager at an architectural firm, as director for the Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute and as the owner/operator of her own company providing financial management to small- and medium-sized business. In addition to her professional expertise, she has studied biochemical technology, financial management and human resources, and earned her designation as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

Kevin Gaul, Pella Corporation

Overseeing Pella’s industry and legislative efforts, the company recently promoted Gaul to director of legislative and regulatory affairs. Formerly serving as plant manager in Macomb, Ill., he also is a member of Pella’s Government Affairs Executive Committee where he influences the company’s strategy on healthcare, labor and environmental regulations. In addition, he serves as the company’s engineering manager and has direct responsibilities for the internal test laboratory and design assurance resources.

He fills the board seat formerly held by his coworker, Larry Ehlinger, Pella’s senior director of engineering and quality, and joins several other Pella associates who serve on AAMA’s councils, committees and task groups.

Sid Spear, Simonton Windows

Spear has dedicated his entire 35-year career to the construction products industry with the last eight years in fenestration working for Simonton Windows, a Fortune Brands company. As Simonton’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, Spear focuses on strengthening relationships with strategic sales partners and customers across North America. Helping achieve this, Simonton are among the most vocal supporters of the AAMA Gold Label product certification program.

An electrical engineer by education, Spear initially worked in operations, but transitioned to sales and marketing early in his career. Before joining Simonton, he held executive positions with Lafarge North America and USG Corporation. He previously has served on boards of directors with Canadian Mining Corp. (as chairman), Gypsum Transportation Limited, Beltship Management Ltd. and Midocean Ship Management Ltd.

* Members of AAMA’s 2014 board of directors include *

Officers
* Chair, Kim Flanary, Milgard Manufacturing, Inc.
* Vice Chair, Georges Thiret, Graham Architectural Products
* Treasurer, Ray Garries, JELD-WEN, Inc.
* Immediate Past Chair, Steve Fronek, Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

Architectural Representatives
* Bill Deuschle, Kawneer
* Mark Silverberg, Technoform North America, Inc.
* Mike Turner, YKK AP America, Inc.

Residential Representatives
* Mike Desoto, MI Windows and Doors, LLC
* Kevin Gaul, Pella Corporation
* Sid Spear, Simonton Windows

Supplier Representatives
* Mike Hovan, Quanex Building Products
* Kevin Seiling, VEKA Inc.

Ex-Officio Members
* Chuck Gilderman, Tyman PLC
* Rod Hershberger, PGT Industries
* Chris Magnuson, Wasco Products Inc.
* Gantt Miller, Winco Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Affiliated Association Representative
* Marg Webb, Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance

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The Performance Based Studies Research Group at Arizona State University announces that Knutson Construction‘s Mark Custer, John Pristash, Delbert Feenstra and Tom Leimer have earned the B+ Best Value Certification. This rating certifies that the individuals have practical understanding of Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) and Information Measurement Theory (IMT) concepts and have demonstrated proper implementation of PIPS processes on projects.

The PIPS process provides a tool to identify and select the Best Value vendors for projects, based on performance instead of price. The Best Value Model consists of three main phases: selection, pre-planning and quality control, and management by risk minimization. PIPS also has mechanisms to measure performance throughout the duration of a project.

The University of Minnesota Capital Planning and Project Management (CPPM) uses the PIPS program as a standard procurement option available on all projects. Minnesota state legislation also permits the use of best value in construction by public agencies including counties, cities and school districts.

“This is a great accomplishment for our personnel and the success of our projects that use best value practices,” stated Dave Bastyr, executive vice president of Knutson’s Minnesota operations.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated award winners at the 77th Annual Conference Awards Banquet held in Orlando. Award presenters noted the importance of these member contributions as they serve to further the industry as a whole.

Outstanding Member Award – Steve Fronek (Apogee Enterprises)
Steve Fronek, vice president of technical services for the Wausau Window and Wall Systems unit of Apogee Enterprises, was named Outstanding Member, as presented by the previous year’s award winner, Rod Hershberger (PGT Industries).

The Outstanding Member Award is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves in their work and dedication to the advancement of AAMA and the industry as a whole.

Fronek, a former chairman of the AAMA Board of Directors (2011-2012), currently maintains 38 active committee and task group memberships, bringing the total to 60 over the course of his many years of service.

“He has played a major role in ensuring progress toward many of AAMA’s basic objectives,” said Hershberger, “which include ongoing improvements in testing, the North American Fenestration Standard, energy efficiency, commercial product performance, certification and specifications for green attributes and sustainability.”

Architectural Products Group Distinguished Service Award – Mark Silverberg (Technoform)
The Distinguished Service Award for the Architectural Products Group was presented to Mark Silverberg, president for Technoform North America, Inc. (Twinsburg, Ohio), by Georges Thiret (Graham Architectural Products Corp.), president of the AAMA Architectural Products Group.

This award is given to an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the association and the Architectural Products Group.

Active in AAMA for more than 23 years, Silverberg currently is involved in the work of 13 committees and task groups spanning subject matter ranging from marketing planning, to technical matters, to code-related issues and continuing education.

Thiret noted that “Mark has served in a leadership position in five key committees and task groups; perhaps the highest-profile of these being chair of the FenestrationMasters™ Program Management Committee, which drives AAMA’s landmark training and personnel certification program.”

Residential Products Group Distinguished Service Award – Dean Ruark (PGT Industries)
The Distinguished Service Award for the Residential Products Group was presented to Dean Ruark, code compliance manager for PGT Industries (North Venice, Fla.), by Kim Flanary (Milgard), president of the AAMA Residential Products Group.

This award is given to an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the association and the Residential Products Group.

“Dean is relatively new to AAMA,” noted Flanary. “His first national meeting was just four years ago, but in that short time, he has certainly made his mark.”

Ruark currently serves on 29 committees and task groups, plus nine more before that whose work is now completed. He is a leading officer of five of these groups, focusing on many topics, including regional issues, code-related concerns, green/sustainability specifications and education.

“He worked out a streamlined notice of acceptance process for Dade County, Fla., that gets product approvals through in record time,” added Flanary. “He also spearheaded unanimous approval by the Florida Building Commission for his proposal to change the state’s energy codes, based on science and consumer affordability.”

Marketing Distinguished Service Award – Scott Condreay (Sapa Extrusions, Inc.)
The Marketing Distinguished Service Award was presented to Scott Condreay, senior manufacturing engineer for Sapa Extrusions, Inc. (Moon Township, Pa.) by Tracy Rogers, director of industry relations for Quanex Building Products (Kent, Wash.), recipient of last year’s award.

This award is presented to acknowledge a single individual who has exhibited leadership and outstanding service in marketing activities for the association.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Condreay marks his tenth anniversary with AAMA. During that decade, he has been active in 34 committees, councils and task groups, including seven product and material councils. Additionally, Condreay serves on six AAMA Board committees, which include the Code Action Committee, Finance Committee, Membership Committee, Regulatory Affairs Committee, and Sites and Program Committee.

“Scott’s span of activity has given him a uniquely broad perspective on the full range of the various market segment challenges and opportunities,” said Rogers. “He has been a dedicated and tireless promoter of aluminum products and has lead several important initiatives to promote the use of aluminum in commercial construction.”

Additional Recognition
Also during the Awards Banquet, previous years’ Outstanding Members who were in attendance were recognized for their prominent contributions to AAMA’s progress.

Additionally, chairs of AAMA’s committees and task groups and other leaders also were recognized at the banquet. Walker commented that “these individuals spend their time and energy, over and above their work and family life, without additional compensation other than the satisfaction of helping their industry and colleagues. They should be recognized for this sacrifice and be proud of this recognition. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

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Videotect 4, Architecture Minnesota magazine’s fourth annual video competition, has opened for public voting. All are welcome to visit at architecturemn.com click to vote for their favorite entry before Feb. 21.

The top online vote-getters and the selections of an all-star jury will be unveiled at a Walker Art Center screening event on March 13. During the screening event, audience members will cast their ballots for the Viewers’ Choice Award. Prizes include a $2,000 Grand Prize, a $1,000 Viewers’ Choice Award and four $500 Honorable Mentions.

“Two people walk into a bar…” inspires this year’s submissions from people of all ages and backgrounds who created short videos that show how design can enhance social interaction in an eatery, watering hole or coffee shop.

“An Antiques Roadshow spoof, a Kerouacian riff on the joys of meeting friends at a bar, an architectural boy-band video — the entrants were up to the creative challenge this year,” says Architecture Minnesota editor Chris Hudson. “Viewers are always surprised at the high entertainment value.”

The awards show presenters are WCCO-TV anchor Jason DeRusha and the Videotect 4 judges: Susan Smoluchowski, executive director of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul; Surly Brewing Company founder Omar Ansari; Minnesota Public Radio movie maven Stephanie Curtis; and architect and Gensler director Jon Buggy. The Grand Prize winner also will be screened at the 2014 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival in April.

Architecture Minnesota is the award-winning magazine of the American Institute of Architects Minnesota. For more on Videotect 4, visit http://www.architecturemn.com/am/videotect.

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