The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will host its 76th Annual Conference for fenestration industry leaders and decision makers, Feb. 24-27, at the Loews Ventana Canyon located in Tucson, Ariz. The event will feature keynote speaker, Robert Tucker, author of “Innovation is Everybody’s Business,” who will discuss tools and strategies that can help managers and their employees hone their ability to identify opportunities for success, take initiative and develop unconventional solutions.

Immediately following the keynote presentation, Tucker will host and moderate a discussion panel with AAMA leaders, including Rod Hershberger, COO and president of PGT Industries; Georges Thiret, consultant to Graham Architectural Products; and Ray Garries, corporate manager of codes and regulatory affairs for JELD-WEN.

“In today’s uncertain economy, it is especially imperative for fenestration companies to seek out new ways to separate themselves from the competition and provide innovative products that meet their customers’ needs,” says Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO. “The panel discussion is an excellent opportunity to hear from a few of AAMA’s own thought leaders about their experiences in advancing the fenestration industry.”

Also during the Annual Conference, Dr. Esmael Adibi, director of the A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman University, will discuss the role of monetary and fiscal policies affecting the national economy, specifically focusing on the European debt crisis, job and residential housing market outlook, the future of interest rates, as well as the commercial real estate market.

Two additional national conferences and two regional meetings are planned for 2013. AAMA’s complete 2013 schedule of events includes:
* Feb. 24-27, 76th Annual Conference at the Loews Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Ariz.
* April 2-3, Southeast Region Spring Meeting at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.
* April 30-May 1, Western Region Spring Summit at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Ariz.
* June 9-12, AAMA National Summer Conference at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill.
* Oct. 27-30, AAMA National Fall Conference at the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore

“The national conferences and regional meetings address issues of critical importance to AAMA’s member companies, both large and small, domestic and international, that manufacture window, door, skylight, curtain wall and storefront products,” says Walker. “AAMA’s councils and committees represent the full spectrum of framing materials sold into both the commercial and residential market segments.”

In addition to the 2013 dates listed above, 2014 events are also available on the events page of the AAMA website at www.aamanet.org/events. For more information on AAMA’s events, please email Florence Nicolici, AAMA’s meetings manager, at fnicolici@aamanet.org.

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Appleton Coated announces the 2013 Design Council, a panel of leading designers and print communications specialists. For 18 years, the Council has gathered from across North America to share their observations from their geographical and professional areas.

The 2013 Appleton Coated Design Council members include:

– John Connolly, principal and creative director at Ideas On Purpose in New York

– Michael Eads, principal and director of production at Sametz Blackstone Associates in Boston

– Bob Faust, owner and principal at Faust in Chicago

– Tim Hale, senior vice president of design management and marketing at Fossil, Inc. in Richardson, Texas

– Vicki Jones, president at Brand Fever in Atlanta*

– Fritz Klaetke, principal and design director at Visual Dialogue in Boston*

– Dana Lytle, principal and creative director at Planet Propaganda in Madison*

– Bryan Peterson, owner and principal at Peterson Ray & Company in Dallas

* newest additions

“In January, the Design Council meets to discuss the business issues and trends that these design leaders observe in their practices. We share ideas about the role that printed communication continues to play in the marketing mix and the essential contribution of paper. This exchange helps us to shape a relevant marketing program that supports our customers’ success,” says Ferkó X. Goldinger, Appleton Coated’s marketing manager.

The Appleton Coated Design Council also reviews the entries for the U360 Design Competition. The 2013 winners will be announced later this Spring. The U360 submissions produced in 2012 were printed all, or in part, on Utopia and/or Curious Collection papers. Entries for the 2014 competition will be accepted through December 2013.

For more information visit appletoncoated.com and curiouspapers.com.

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Appleton Coated’s new One of a Kind: PrintUtopia Digital promotion exemplifies the personalized potential made possible by digital printing with 12,000 unique covers — all printed digitally, in sequence, on the same press, on Utopia® coated papers and Curious Collection® papers.

One of a Kind guides readers to experience the many ways digital printing on Utopia and Curious Collection provides superb quality reproduction combined with the attention-getting appeal and versatility of variable data technology. Digitally printed on Utopia Two® (U2) and Curious Metallics using an HP Indigo® 7000 Digital Press, the promotion illustrates opaque white ink and other innovative techniques.

“There’s a thrill of discovering something rare, something exclusively yours,” says Ferkó X. Goldinger, Appleton Coated’s marketing manager. “One of a Kind captures this spirit and the matchless treasures scored at swap meets, garage sales and online quests. It celebrates the quirky, handcrafted pleasure of American artifacts and keepsakes — many relating to the century-long heritage of Appleton Coated.”

Along with eye-catching icons and imagery, the promotion champions the power of printed customization supported with such statistics as: “In the retail market, personalization delivers a 20% response rate, almost 10 times that of static campaigns.”

For a copy of One of a Kind: PrintUtopia Digital and for more information about Appleton Coated, Utopia and Curious Collection, visit appletoncoated.com.

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Key Credits
Title: “One of a Kind: PrintUtopia Digital”
Company: Appleton Coated LLC, Combined Locks, Wis.
Paper: Utopia Two Matte 65-pound cover, Utopia Two Gloss 80-pound cover; Curious Metallics Digital Gold Leaf 111-pound cover
Printing: HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press four-color process with various finishes and techniques
Design: Cipher Creative Group, Berlin, Conn.

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Kolbe will be exhibiting in booth #C2607 during IBS in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2013.

Kolbe introduces a TerraSpan® 90-degree corner door unit, welcoming visitors at the 2013 International Builders’ Show to booth #C2607. At more than 9 feet tall, the lift and slide door panels on the right side of the corner unit span 12 feet. The panels on the left side stretch more than 21 feet and pocket into the wall, practically disappearing to provide wide, open access to the outdoors.

When the new TerraSpan 90-degree corner door unit is closed, LoE³-366 glass keeps the interior comfortable. The glass is formulated to reject unwanted solar heat, allow natural daylight and maintain outside views. LoE³-366 also blocks 95% of UV light to protect furniture, carpets, curtains and wall coverings from fading.

Blending with interior décor, the TerraSpan unit features an alder wood species with a rich Coffee Bean stain, square glazing bead, and rustic umber hardware. As part of the Ultra Series product line, TerraSpan doors’ exteriors are clad in low-maintenance, extruded aluminum that contains recycled content. The outer, metal surface is finished in a custom Copper paint color for a door that makes a statement.

Inviting all areas of the country to use Kolbe products, some TerraSpan door configurations are available with impact certification to withstand hurricane force winds and flying debris. TerraSpan’s large panels can pocket into a wall or stack together, and can be arranged in more than 900 operational configurations. These units also feature architecturally-correct coped corners where stiles meet rails. Other options include universal design ADA-compliant bottom panel rails and a choice of screens, hardware, finishes, exterior colors and interior wood species.

Design teams can easily communicate and visually customize TerraSpan doors’ dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s 3-D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, the website offers 2-D drawings; air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

Learn more about Kolbe’s TerraSpan 90-degree door unit at www.kolbe-kolbe.com.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have jointly released the December 2012 update to the 2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast. This report delivers timely information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Historic data for 2006 through 2011 and forecast data for 2012 through 2015 are also included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of December 2012.

New residential construction activity for 2012 is expected to show a 23.9 percent improvement compared to 2011, which is slightly better than what was forecasted last August. Most of this improvement over earlier forecasts is attributed to multi-family starts. The study forecasts similar improvement for 2013, and continues to predict an even stronger 31 percent new residential construction improvement for 2014. Existing home sales are expected to end at 4.7 million units in 2012, slightly better than originally forecast.

In 2012, nonresidential construction activity is experiencing slow growth in categories favorable to nonresidential door volumes (hospitality, education, healthcare, office). Specifically for 2012, total volume is expected to end at a 4.5 percent increase for entry doors and a 5.2 percent increase for interior doors over the 2011 volume.

Residential skylights are expected to close the year at more than 900,000 units, a growth rate of 6.5 percent over the 2011 volume. New construction skylight activity has proven to be greater than expected at 23.3 percent growth, while remodeling and replacement skylight activity has fallen behind initial expectations at 2.9 percent growth. The latter value is benefiting somewhat from weather-related replacement throughout the year.

Additional and more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the 2011/2012 WDMA/AAMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights (published in May 2012), which includes all of the items listed below.

* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast (December 2012 update) summarizes residential, non-residential and remodeling trends from government and industry sources.

* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Channel Distribution Report profiles the residential and non-residential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.

* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected.

* AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecasts detail information for 11 individual regions.

The updated 2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast, as well as the other reports listed above, are available for purchase online from both AAMA and WDMA.

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Demonstrating its custom capabilities to visitors at the 2013 International Builders’ Show in booth #C2607, Kolbe showcases a multi-slide door of significant scale and sophisticated style.

This new Ultra Series multi-slide door upgrades standard patio door openings without requiring a full wall system renovation. Stretching up to 24 feet wide and 10 feet high, the new product accommodates as many as six 48-by-120-inch panels that can stack or pocket. Upon request, the door also can be manufactured as a custom corner unit. Various stile and rail options and panel thicknesses are available, including narrow stiles for a modern aesthetic.

The multi-slide door model on display at IBS 2013 features a low profile sill for a smooth transition between interior and exterior spaces. On the exterior, the display unit is clad in low-maintenance extruded aluminum with recycled content, finished in blue-gray Cape Cod. For the interior, Rustic Umber hardware accents pine painted in Natural Cotton. A range of sustainably harvested wood species can be selected for the interior, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC® license code FSC-C019541).

A range of glass choices are offered to enhance the environmental and energy-efficient attributes in different U.S. regions. Regardless of climate zone, Kolbe products also support projects pursuing green goals including U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™, Green Globes™ and ENERGY STAR®. Helping design teams with their product selections, Kolbe’s website offers air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

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Adams Magnetic Products Co. announces Larry Budnik as general manager of the flexible magnets and magnetic assemblies division located in Elmhurst, Illinois.

As the decision-maker for the division’s operations, Budnik will oversee sales, production, marketing and engineering. Lending itself to design innovations and manufacturing techniques, flexible products can be customized for use everywhere from offices to warehouses, garages to craft tables, and restaurants to classrooms. Adams’ low-cost, high-strength magnetic assemblies are constructed using powerful magnet materials encased in steel casings, which typically are supplied for quick, interchangeable positioning of signs, displays and fixtures.

Budnik will work directly with John Cosmas, Adams’ chief operating officer, as well as the company’s integrated management team leading an extended family of businesses that includes: Adams Magnetic Products Company, Inc., providing magnetic products and assemblies; Magnetic Attractions, offering magnetic promotions, direct marketing services and digitally printed labels for packaged goods; and Dowling Magnets, offering retail magnetic products for the education, toy and hardware markets.

“My goal is to take Adams’ flexible and assemblies division to the next level of growth. We will improve our product selection. As much as our customer service is one of the best in the business, we can always find ways to improve. We will get to know our customers better and we’ll find better ways to find products to match our customers’ needs,” says Budnik. He also notes, “Just-in-time inventory needs are here to stay. We will be focused on meeting these by offering shorter lead times.”

Prior to joining Adams, Budnik managed operations, customer and product development, vendor relations and corporate financial health for a variety of businesses including 1st Advantage Mortgage of Lombard, Ill.; Blackrockpm of London; and Kelly’s Construction Group, Inc. of Willow Springs, Ill. He also served as the owner and manager of 11 real estate developments and as a managing partner with Premier Land Group.

Throughout his career, Budnik says he has known Adams’ reputation and respected its owners. “I admire Adams’ core value and beliefs. I see this as a great opportunity to use all of my skill sets.”

Budnik graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois Benedictine College in Lisle, Ill. Budnik continued his studies after the college was renamed Benedictine University. He earned his M.B.A. in finance and was selected to the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society. He and his wife currently are focused on the education of their five children. Budnik volunteers with many of their school sporting activities and previously served as a track and field high school assistant coach.

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University Business selected Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ INvent Retro™ XLT Series windows as one of the 2012 Readers’ Choice Top 100 Products awards. Meeting the needs of universities and schools, Wausau’s INvent Retro windows replicate the look of classic steel and wood windows, while offering modern, high performance.

Matching academic aesthetics, INvent Retro windows feature a narrow, exterior face in beveled, ogee, cove and square profiles. Helping meet Model Energy Codes, the XLT windows with double insulating glass can achieve a U-Factor as low as 0.39 BTU/hr.sqft.ºF and a Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) as high as CRF Frame 60/CRF Glass 70. Triple insulating glass further enhances energy savings and condensation resistance.

“We are pleased to announce the first-ever University Business Top Products list and plan to make it a yearly feature,” says Tim Goral, editor-in-chief. “The nominations came from a variety of university administrators who have shared their experiences with these products and how they have improved the way their school operates. We hope their insight becomes a valuable resource to our readers and helps them solve their biggest challenges on campus.”

“High-performing, historic-looking window systems are essential to meeting today’s educational and commercial building needs. INvent Retro helps accomplish both design and performance criteria,” says Steve Gille, Wausau’s education market manager. “The majority of our built environment already has been constructed, is aging and is in need, or will soon be in need of renovation. In addition, many newly-constructed buildings are seeking to match an existing aesthetic within their neighborhood and on their campuses.”

As part of the Advantage by Wausau® standard product offering, these high-performance windows are pre-engineered and factory-glazed. Available on an accelerated delivery schedule, these competitively priced windows are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years.

Product descriptions, architectural details, AutoCAD files, specifications and technical guides for Wausau’s INvent Series windows can be found here.

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Darin Dodd has been appointed vice president of commercial sales for Appleton Coated LLC.

Dodd brings more than 20 years of paper sales and management experience to his role, 17 years with Appleton Coated. During his time with the company, he held key national sales and management roles. Prior to Appleton Coated he was with Westvaco Corporation.

“His experience and deep understanding of our commercial business and customers, make him an excellent choice to lead the sales organization in this segment,” says Sandra Van Ert, Appleton Coated’s president and chief executive officer.

Mike Baker, executive director of publishing papers, maintains sales responsibility for Appleton Coated’s book publishing segment.

John Mazuroski also recently was named as business development manager for Appleton Coated’s technical and specialty products.

Van Ert adds, “Appleton Coated remains fully committed to providing the commercial printing and publishing industries with high-performance products and exceptional service.”

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ATS Labs, Inc. announces the acquisition of Microcheck, Inc., a provider of contract microbial identification testing in strict accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

“The acquisition of Microcheck strengthens ATS Labs’ microbiology positions our company as the premier comprehensive provider of microbiology services for industries that actively manage microbial environmental contamination,” says Brian C. Brosdahl, Ph.D., ATS Labs’ president and chief executive officer.

As a leader in microbial identification of bacteria, fungi and yeasts, Microcheck supports environmental monitoring and quality control programs for the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetics, personal care, agriculture/food, raw materials, water testing, research, bioremediation and other related industries. The company’s expert scientific team uses state-of-the-art technologies for bacterial identification, fungal identification, gene sequencing, environmental monitoring and microbiology testing. Since 1988, Microcheck’s team has identified more than 500,000 isolates to species level.

“Now, ATS Labs can offer environmental monitoring support, followed by microbial identification of environmental isolates, and then complete the service by providing disinfection qualification testing,” adds Brosdahl.

A leading global provider of antimicrobial and biocide testing services, ATS Labs is committed to improving public health and generating value for customers that range from international Fortune 500 companies to small privately held firms. For more than 20 years, ATS Labs has been an expert partner to the developers, manufacturers and users of antimicrobial products. In addition to its customers’ high satisfaction, the company maintains a positive reputation with all the regulatory agencies and a flawless record of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency facility and data audits.

To learn more about ATS Labs’ comprehensive range of microbiology, virology and product chemistry services, please visit http://www.ats-labs.com.    

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