NFRC Board Approves Action Items During Recent Retreat

During the National Fenestration Council (NFRC) board of directors retreat in Hilton Head Island, S.C., May 16-17, a number of action items were approved, according to a NFRC board activity communiqué.

First, the board updated its policies on confidentiality, conflicts of interest and signed a new code of ethics. NFRC executive director Jim Benney says these policies will help to assure that the board will continue to effectively govern the organization and assist in orienting new board members on understanding their responsibilities.

The board also agreed to revise the definition of "small business" in its Product Certification Program. According to Benney, the program, which provides for a reduction in some of the Product Certification Program fees, is now available to manufacturers with sales of $2 million or less (an increase from $1 million or less).

Another interesting action item approved was the hiring of Washington, D.C.-based Clark & Weinstock, a consulting firm that, according to its website, specializes in reputation and crisis management. Benney wrote in his memo, "Over the years, the fenestration industry has witnessed a steady decline of federal spending on fenestration-related programs. This decline affects not only NFRC, but other fenestration industry groups, as well as the general public." He explained the decision was made to retain the consulting services of Clark & Weinstock to address this matter. Benney described the group as a public policy consulting firm with a long history of helping non-profit organizations like NFRC educate key decision-makers about their programs and contributions.

Finally, the board worked on developing an agenda for its June 15 meeting, where a number of industry representatives (including GANA, IGMA, AAMA and AEC) have been invited to provide feedback to the board on specific concerns about the proposed component-modeling program.

The next NFRC meeting will take place July 24-27, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Downtown.