FGIA Recognizes Industry Leaders for Excellence During 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony

Schaumburg, Illinois – The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated winners at the Annual Awards Banquet at the end of the second day of the 2023 FGIA Annual Conference. Awards were presented primarily by the previous year’s winners, who recognized recipients for their many efforts toward progressing the work of the Association and the industry overall in 2022.

Outstanding Service Award – Robert Jutras (UL)
The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Robert Jutras, Principal Engineer, Building Envelope Performance at UL, by a previous award recipient Joe Hayden, Principal Engineer at Pella Corporation.

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their work and dedication to the advancement of FGIA and the industry as a whole.

“Robert enjoys the special talent of being comfortable adapting to any type of people or groups, wherever he may find himself,” said Hayden. “He knows how to listen and how to pay attention to others.”

Jutras serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Document Management Committee Group, the group responsible for updating the North American Fenestration Standard, or NAFS. Additionally, he serves as Chair of several FGIA groups, including the Methods of Test Committee, the Accredited Independent Laboratories Committee and more.

Architectural Distinguished Service Award – Steve Fronek (Apogee Enterprises)
The Architectural Distinguished Service Award was presented to Steve Fronek, Vice President Preconstruction at Apogee Enterprises, by previous award recipient Josh Wignall, Director of Commercial Marketing at Quaker Window Products.

This award recognizes an individual who accomplishes formative work on behalf of the Association and the Architectural Products Council (APC).

“Steve is someone who has brought decades of knowledge and experience to the whole of the fenestration industry,” said Wignall. “We commend him for serving in many roles of leadership within FGIA.”

In his four decades with his company, Fronek has filled several technical and management roles. He is a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin. He also served as chairman of the AAMA Board in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his FGIA leadership, this member has represented his company’s membership in the U.S. Green Building Council and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s High-performance Building Façade Solutions’ Public Advisory Committee.

Residential Products Group Distinguished Service Award – Kevin Seiling (VEKA)
The Residential Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Kevin Seiling, Vice President of Engineering and New Business Development at VEKA, by previous recipient Tony Vella, Vice President, Materials, at Vision Extrusions Limited.

Each year, a member who excels in work toward improving the Association and the Residential Products Council (RPC) is recognized with this distinction.

“His roles in the Vinyl Material Council (VMC), the related marketing council and in sustainability efforts are commendable,” said Vella, quoting a nomination for Seiling. “He is always driving for the industry and for FGIA.”

Seiling serves as First Vice President of the FGIA Vinyl Material Council and as Vice Chair of the Residential Technical Committee. He is an RPC Representative for the FGIA Board of Directors and an Ex-Officio for the Southeast Region Board. He serves as Chair of several groups, working with vinyl, certification and more.

Glass Products Council Distinguished Service Award – Jim Blamble (Sika Corporation)
The Distinguished Service Award in the Glass Products Council was presented to Jim Blamble, Key Account Manager at Sika Corporation, by Robert Grommesh, IG Technical Service Manager at Cardinal Glass Industries.

The Association recognizes a member with this award each year as one who excels in work toward improving the Association and the Glass Products Council.

“For years now, this member’s training has been very well received by fellow workshop trainers and participants alike,” said Grommesh, quoting a nomination for Blamble. “His deep knowledge of the IG has been a benefit to our industry for many years, and hopefully many years to come.”

Blamble serves as Chair of the Field Correlation Task Group and the Field Study Installation Work Group, working toward the important goals field testing offers our industry.

Marketing Distinguished Service Award – Bruce Carriere (AkzoNobel Coatings)
The Marketing Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bruce Carriere, Architectural Specification Manager at AkzoNobel Coatings, by previous recipient Neall Digert, Vice President of Product Enterprise at Solatube.

This award acknowledges a single individual who has exhibited leadership and outstanding service in marketing activities for the Association.

Digert quoted the nominations for Carriere, saying he "constantly strives to promote FGIA, the Aluminum Material Council and the coatings and paint aspect within our organization and its betterment." Carriere was described by his peers as “an excellent representative for the AMC strategic and marketing committees and a loyal member of FGIA.”

Carriere is an active participant and leader for both the AMC Marketing Committee and the Aluminum Strategic Marketing Committee. He also serves as a mentor for new conference participants and as Chair of the Corrosive Environment Coating Task Group and the Architectural Aluminum Handling, Cleaning and Maintenance Task Group.

Education Award – Milgard
Milgard was honored with the first-ever 2022 Bill Briese Education Excellence Award, which recognizes significant support of and distinguished commitment to education excellence within FGIA. Members of the association's Education Steering Committee were asked to vote for candidates for this inaugural award to select an FGIA corporate member company or employee demonstrating ongoing support of and significant participation in FGIA education programs and initiatives.

Milgard was chosen for this new honor due to their activity level in FGIA education programs. The company has submitted a group order of 22 participants to the Fundamentals of Fenestration Program in addition to a group order of 39 participants for the FenestrationMasters® Program. Six individuals with this company are currently accredited instructors in the InstallationMasters® Combined Program, and three employees are registered for instructor training in 2023. Milgard participated in the InstallationMasters advanced training program in 2018 and 2020, which included a commitment to teach 100 installers within 12 months. Finally, many of the company’s employees participate in or lead education-related committees and task groups.

Founded in 1958, Milgard offers a full line of vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors for builders, dealers and homeowners. A stalwart in the industry, this company joined AAMA on February 18, 1965 – almost exactly 58 years ago this week.

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.org.

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