As part of its efforts to develop a non-residential certification and rating program, the National Fenestration and Rating Council (NFRC) recently employed a non-traditional method of raising funds around the issue. The organization hired Richard Voreis as a consultant to assist in writing and implementing the program's business plan.

The NFRC's attempt to develop a program for non-residential glazing has caused great controversy within the commercial glass industry. Those in opposition to the program claim the NFRC failed to seek their participation and input in developing the program initially.

According to Jim Benney, executive director for the NFRC, Voreis of the Consulting Collaborative, is an NFRC member, was hired on a short-term, hourly, contractual basis to help write the program's business plan. He is no longer under contract with the NFRC. He was formerly vice president of sales and marketing for Kawneer, as well as vice president of United States Aluminum. Today he runs his own consulting company.

"We felt he had a lot of expertise and experience in the non-residential fenestration industry," said Benney.

Voreis e-mailed a letter to members of the commercial glazing industry soliciting funding that would assist in the implementation of the program.

"…We need funding from the manufacturers to assist in implementing this new and improved rating program for non-residential product applications," write Voreis. "Just as the residential manufacturers did a few years ago, NFRC is asking the non-residential manufacturers to contribute, too."

The results of that fundraising effort are unknown.