SCHAUMBURG, ILL. – The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) held the 2010 Southeast Region Spring Meeting on March 30-31 in San Antonio, Texas, to bring together individuals and experts to discuss issues currently affecting the fenestration industry in the Southeast region. The meeting drew attendees from a variety of companies and geographic locations and brought together industry experts to provide information and education on important issues.

Dr. Scott Norville, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Texas Tech University, began the meeting with a presentation discussing upcoming changes to architectural glass design using ASTM E1300. David Pate (TBM Consulting Group) discussed the possibilities for rapid operational improvement, new competitive advantages, and sustained growth through the principles of lean manufacturing.

Chuck Anderson, AAMA codes and industry affairs manager and AAMA southeast region director, presented updated state code information for the region. A new feature was presented during the meeting whereby each state will have its own dedicated Web page with updated Southeast Region code information in the Members Only section of the AAMA Web site. Anderson commented, "Staying closely involved with the state code information and any changes and making relevant news accessible to our membership is a priority initiative as we continually strive to provide up-to-date data for the companies who rely on this current information."

The AAMA Southeast Region Technical Committee met to discuss multiple issues including the status of the AAMA 520 document, titled Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors, and Unit Skylights. This publication is currently being reviewed by all AAMA Accredited Laboratories for any potential issues that may arise regarding repeatability, adherence to the test tolerances cited, length of time taken to complete testing, and any other considerations concerning this test method. Comments received from the reviewing test labs were discussed by the Technical Committee. These members also discussed installation testing, as well as changes to laboratory calibration requirements.