FGIA Virtual Conference panels to focus on financial aid, recovery in wake of COVID-19

During the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Virtual Summer Conference, FGIA will be hosting a series of panels pertaining to lessons learned for manufacturing operations during COVID-19, as well as an economic outlook and financial relief programs for the U.S. and Canada. These panels, taking place Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, are exclusively available to those registered for the conference. Registration is now open.

Manufacturing Operations

The first discussion, “Managing Manufacturing Operations and Customer Connections Through the COVID-19 Crisis,” will be moderated by Danny Smith, Vice President, Principal and Industry Advisory at Ceridian. In this session, a panel of U.S. and Canadian members will discuss ideas implemented by their companies to protect their workforce and manage day-to-day operations under various COVID-19 restrictions, including what they learned along the way.

Panelists include:

• Lisa Bergeron, Director of Business Development and Regulatory Affairs at JELD-WEN
• Richard Braunstein, Vice President, Research and Development at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
• Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer at PGT Innovations
• Greg Lambas, Senior Director of Window and Casework Development at Katerra
• Matt Nuss, Vice President of Operations at Vitrum Glass Group

Economic Outlook

A second panel will feature financial experts centered on the U.S. and Canada. They will review recent economic activity and forecast the national outlook with economic indicators for both countries. Moderator Mike Collins, Managing Director of Building Industry Advisors, will ask questions of Katherine Judge, Economist for CIBC Capital Markets of Canada, and Bill Norris, Chief Investment Officer of CIBC Bank USA.

Financial Relief Programs

A third and final panel will provide an overview of U.S. and Canadian financial relief programs for large and small businesses, as well as those geared toward individuals and employees. In this session, legal experts will deliver insights on emergency funding programs available to companies and individuals to help companies and their employees navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderated by Paula Goedert, Barnes & Thornburg, panelists Mary Comazzi, also of Barnes & Thornburg, and Karen Cooper, Drache Aptowitzer, will share their knowledge of these programs.

For more information, visit aamanet.org/events.