A year long effort to form a fenestration organization came to fruition in the spring of 2012. The new organization which has been incorporated as Fenestration Manitoba has roots which reach back a number of years. A core group including Brian Epp of PPG , Aurel Robin of Dominion Windows , Rob Johnstone of Accurate Dorwin and Brian Korchinski of Acrylon had been organizing an annual golf day and mini supplier showcase for quite a number of years.
This annual effort achieved a level of interaction and communication within the industry that had not previously existed. However, that group of individuals reached a point where they had decided to discontinue. It had become apparent that there was a need for more communication and stronger training efforts on an ongoing basis. Finally, it was also clear that some Canadian regional groups, such as those in Quebec and B.C., were having a favourable impact on their fenestration industries.
- Some members of the Fenestration Manitoba executive team. Left to right: Al Dueck of Duxton Windows and Doors, Ryan Dudeck of Paramount Windows and Doors, Dave MacKay of Polar Windows, Aurele Robin of Dominion Windows and Doors, Dan Friesen of Epic Windows and Doors and Brian Warkentin of Fenestration Consulting.
As a result, a representative mix of largely Manitoban window and door fabricators and some suppliers met in late April. This meeting was designed to achieve consensus that such an organization was needed and should be formed. In addition, the initial basics of sub-committees and an executive team were formed. The new executive team, including committee responsibilities, is:
Founding President, Al Dueck of Duxton Windows and Doors
Secretary/Treasurer, Ryan Dudek of Paramount Windows and Doors
Marketing and Government Relations, Dave Mackay of Polar Windows
Swinging Doors, Brian Warkentin, an independent consultant
Installation, Aurele Robin of Dominion Windows and Doors
Technical, Dan Friesen of Epic Windows
Contract Glazing, Ken Rowson of Alumicor
Subsequently, the legal incorporation and supporting organization have also been completed with the support of Ryan Dudek, Secretary/Treasurer. A membership fee structure has been established and the core members have paid their fees. Notably, the prior annual event committee also provided a substantial donation from 2011.
A number of initiatives have already been launched by members of this group. The installation group has met to formulate some initial plans on how to systematically strengthen the industry standards on this topic. Dave Mackay has held a number of discussions with Manitoba energy and provincial officials. This has resulted in some very important conclusions that the fenestration industry is not being sufficiently credited for the high performance products which are available to Manitobans. Ongoing meetings have opened new channels of communication whereby Fenestration Canada is being given an opportunity to increase the visibility and recognition of high performance window and glazing options.
- Fenestration Manitoba meets with the provincial Innovation Energy and Mines agency. Present at the meeting are, from left to right, Ken Klassen, Harry Schroeder, Aurele Robin, Ryan Dudek, Rathan Bonam, Colleen Kuruluk, David MacKay, Doug Fosty and Al Dueck (not pictured).
The new organization chose the name Fenestration Manitoba to mirror the newly branded Fenestration Canada (formerly the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association). It is believed that a win-win can be achieved by channeling information to the benefit of the Manitoba industry as well as increasing the involvement of the Manitoba members with the national organization. A specific vehicle for this will be the hosting of the Fenestration Canada’s annual general meeting in Winnipeg in 2014. We absolutely believe that this new organization can make a very positive impact on the Manitoba fenestration industry.
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