In recent fabricated glass news, trade group giants the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and National Glass Association (NGA) are moving forward with plans to become one organization. Sara Neiswanger, a Topeka, Kansas-based account executive at the former, directly addresses the merger in the latest issue of USGlass Magazine.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Back in September 2017, architectural glass news source USGlass News Network and USGlass Magazine detailed the associations' decisions to unite, with the proviso that GANA required a vote to proceed.  

The Glass Association of North America, comprised of 300-plus businesses serving flat glass manufacturers, fabricators and glazing contractors, has seven divisions: Building Envelope Contractors, Flat Glass Manufacturing, Energy, Decorative, Tempering, Laminating, and Insulating.

The National Glass Association strives to educate members throughout the architectural glass, window and door industries on “best practices, safety and ethics in the workplace,” according to its mission statement, as well as inform them of the latest related news.

“If the merger were to happen, the GANA and NGA names would stay in place for the near future," explains the aforementioned report on the combo by USGlass News Network and USGlass Magazine. "The joint task group of GANA and NGA members that have been working toward the merger have discussed a possible name change, but if that were to happen, it could be a year and a half out.”

In the December 2017 issue of USGlass Magazine, GANA associate Sara Neiswanger discusses the reasoning behind this move and how it may affect the fabricated glass and glazing industry.

She explains in her article, “Who, What, When & How: What to Expect in the Future,” that there would be several benefits to such a union:

“Combining into one, unified organization will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our efforts related to advocacy, technical resources, education and training, and information sharing,” writes Neiswanger. “It will also trim time and expense for our members and volunteers so they can better focus on their companies’ growth and objectives, and the long-term health and welfare of the glass and glazing industry.”

While there may be additional changes should the unification take place—such as possibly consolidating several of GANA’s divisions—Neiswanger assures the plan is advantageous for all.

"In the new, combined organization, you can still expect the most vital aspects of both associations to continue," she adds. 

According to Neiswanger, GANA and NGA's respective boards are addressing "final due diligence items" prior to a vote on the merger prospect by both membership bodies, with an anticipated closing "in early- to mid-2018."   

Dillmeier Glass is a glass fabrication company that focuses on working with architects and contractors to craft beautiful and exceptionally designed glass for commercial interiors.