Who's Who at BEC

"The list of attendees at the BEC Conference reads like a 'Who's Who in the Glazing Industry,'" said BEC Division Chairperson Max Perilstein of Arch Aluminum when he opened the event Monday morning.

He wasn't kidding. The event, sponsored by the Glass Association of North America (GANA), drew more than 700 attendees including a veritable line-up of all-stars and suppliers. The sheer number of attendees, as well as their diversity, led to some interesting conversations. USGNN.com caught a few:

There was Tom Harris of Vistawall congratulating Ken Werbowy, Steve Green and Walt Lutzke on the sale of Tubelite to Apogee Industries. Vistawall had been sold to Oldcastle last year ... Russ Ebeid of Guardian Industries had more than just BEC to commemorate. He is also celebrating his 47th year at Guardian. When asked if he was going for 50 straight, Ebeid replied "at least" ... Julie Schimmelpinningh of Solutia officially completed her duties on the GANA board as she moved from past president to past director after many years of service … Perilstein, aided by GANA's Brian Pitman, created a hysterical "Top Ten Things I'd Do if I Wasn't in the Glass Industry," which left attendees howling … Bob Price of J.E. Berkowitz was talking about his company's heat-soaking ability. "We are one of only two companies in this country that can do this," he said … Jorma Vitkala of Tamglass attended, promoting Glass Performance Days, which GANA co-sponsors … Josie Smith of the Colorado Glazing Contractors Association had more reason than the BEC to make her smile. Her boyfriend surprised with an airport send-off that included a marriage proposal and engagement ring. "I guess he was real worried about her going to Las Vegas without him," joked cohort Rebecca Kaspari.

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