For 2014, SPFA’s quarterly magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional, earned the Naylor National Publication of the Year award, competing against hundreds of other publications and associations.

The Contractor Industry Excellence Awards recognize SPFA contractor members’ exceptional accomplishments for the quality of their work, the uniqueness of the project, speed of application, superiority of polyurethane, ability of foam to conform to unusual/irregular surfaces, and special safety considerations. The winners were revealed and recognized during the 10th Annual Contractor Awards Luncheon at Sprayfoam 2015.

>>Industry Mourns Loss of Gabe Farkas
>>DOE Issues Additional Building Energy Code Energy & Cost Analysis on 2015 IECC
>>ICC, ASHRAE Outline Roles to Consolidate IgCC and 189.1 in Response to Call from Industry
>>Online Broadcast of Buildings of the Future Concluding Workshop - Webinar July 31
>>California-Specific DOE Zero Energy Ready Specs Updated
>>OSHA's New Rule on Confined Spaces Goes Into Effect Aug. 3
>>Construction Unemployment Falls to Lowest June Level Since 2001

Dr. Richard Duncan, Technical Director at SPFA, sheds some light on the new OSHA standard related to confined spaces, which will go into effect August 3, 2015.

The summer issue of SPRAYFOAM Professional was mailed and the online version has been posted. If you didn't receive the digital version, be sure to join our email distribution list (see below). Some of the topics in this issue include:
>>SPRAYFOAM 2015 CONVENTION AND EXPO COVERAGE
>>THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE MEDIA
>>OSHA INSPECTIONS INCREASE FOR THE POLYURETHANES INDUSTRY
>>SPEAKING SENSIBLY: New Building Codes
>>2015 SPFA CONTRACTOR AWARDS SPOTLIGHT – Wedge Roofing
>>ABAA NEWS – The Effectiveness of Air Barrier Installations
>>ASK THE EXPERT – Quality Control Sampling of SPF
>>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Is an Energy Bill in Congress’s Future?
>>BEHIND THE FOAM – Jim Andersen: What 40+ Years in SPF Can Teach You

SPFA is busy finalizing the slate of educational breakout sessions for Sprayfoam 2016. Sessions are typically organized to serve three focus areas; business, roofing and insulation. We’ve received a nice group of submissions covering business and insulation, but are still seeking hot topics and qualified speakers to serve our roofing audience. This year we’ve moved to a nomination system, utilizing an online portal to collect speaker and session information. If you’re a regular presenter at our conference (on any subject), please take a moment to fill out the form below.

Please click here to nominate yourself or another qualified presenter. Got an idea related to business development or insulation? The selection committee is still considering general submissions as well. If you’d like to discuss the process or have questions, please contact us at (605) 470-0453.

>>Free Safety Webinars for SPFA Members
>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
>>SPFA Member Benefits

>>Last Call for Complimentary Written Examiner Training
>>Upcoming Training Dates

The State Net Capitol Journal contains timely and pertinent information for almost every business owner in every state. Read up on Budget & Taxes, Politics & Leadership, Governors, Bird's Eye View, Hot Issues, and Once Around the Statehouse Lightly.
Volume XXIII, No. 22
July 20, 2015

Federal Activities
> ASHRAE Issues Action Alert to US-Based Members Encouraging Them to Contact Their US Representative to Protect the Development, Adoption, and Implementation of Standard 90.1 and the IECC from the Potentially Harmful Effects of Proposed Federal Legislation
> House Subcommittee Approves Comprehensive Energy Legislation
> Senate Committee Leaders Take Major Step Forward in Unveiling the Bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act
> Senate Finance Committee Approves Two-Year Extension of Buildings-Related Tax Incentives
> DOE Issues Final Rule Amending Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Commercial Heating, Air Conditioning, and Water Heating Equipment
> DOE Proposes Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Prerinse Spray Valves

GGAC Regional and Chapter Activities
> ASHRAE Argentina Chapter Holds 2015 Congress on Energy Efficient Strategies in Building
> Government of Dubai Accredits ASHRAE’s Building Energy Assessment Professional Certification for Energy Audits
> Update on State Legislatures
> Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Jobs Creation Committee Final Report Changes Recommendation

Thirty proposed addenda and as well as actions related to several other ASHRAE standards and guidelines are open for public review, which allows interested parties to comment on the technical guidance contained in the documents.

This webinar, featuring John Tooley, will help attendees identify factors that lead to better employee performance, personal satisfaction & loyalty; learn how to develop employees to be intrinsically motivated; understand where to focus blame; and learn when an employee should be blamed.

We need to be seen as a wizard on our first visit to a house and understand how to inform our prospects so they choose you as the contractor! Your goal should be having the prospect sign a contract or a design/build agreement on the first visit. Register online for this webinar, being held Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. (EDT).

>>DOE Issues Determination of Energy Savings for Residential Buildings
>>Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes

>>U.S. DOE Building America Update

See what's in store, as far as industry events, expos, training classes, online courses, certification programs and more.

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>>7 Tedious Office Tasks You Can and Should Automate
>>Sales: A Guide for the Small Business Owner
>>Update on SBA’s 7(a) Loan Program