Every year, Naylor Association Solutions recognizes its top projects – based not just on the monetary value, but the overall value to the association and the internal workings that go into the products. The award with probably the toughest competition is the national award, which is why SPFA’s recognition in this department was even more outstanding. For 2014, SPFA’s magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional, earned the Naylor National Publication of the Year award, competing against hundreds of other publications and associations.
"This is super news and we appreciate so much what Naylor does to assist us in our goals," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg.
The awards, which are officially called the President’s Excellence Awards, recognize the culmination and representation of the service and quality that Naylor provides for its association partners in their magazines.
There are five awards to recognize excellence in the design, content and success of each product. The criteria for each award are: that the project is viewed as the most successful and useful in the eyes of the association; and that the project
serves as the best example of Naylor via great execution and high quality.
"Via its magazine and other communications, SPFA does an excellent job of sharing industry-related news with its members, securing support for the industry and increasing the awareness of SPF’s benefits," said Naylor’s Vice President of Content Jill Andreu.
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>>SPFA at Work for You, for Industry
SPFA regularly supports both you and the industry, many times behind the scenes, but at conferences and on the road, as well. Recently, Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, has done just that at these events:
>>Represented SPF industry as co-chair of the ASTM C1029 task group at the ASTM 2015 Spring Meeting in Anahiem on April 27.
>>Article by SPFA's Richard Duncan Appears in Retrofit Magazine, SBC Magazine
An article written by SPFA's Technical Services Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, that was published in Retrofit magazine, was also picked up and published in SBC Magazine. Titled "Spray Polyurethane Foam: A Key Component to Any Net Zero Solution," the article addresses spray polyurethane foam characteristics and explains how they are integral to SPF’s ability to contribute to total ZNE solutions — solutions that will become increasingly necessary as the net zero revolution takes hold across the U.S.
>>Walls & Ceilings Magazine Publishes SPF Article
Source: wconline.com / Richard Duncan
"Barrier Requirements for SPF" is the subject of an article in a recent issue of Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Written by SPFA Technical Services Director Richard Duncan, the article addresses the combustible nature of SPF and how to utilize thermal and/or ignition barriers to ensure safety in the use of SPF. Read more here.
>>Gupta-verlag.com and Energy Design Update Share News About SPFA Health & Safety Program
Sources: gupta-verlag.com, oneskyhomes.com
SPFA's new Health & Safety Program is securing attention from all aspects of the industry, even internationally in the news section of gupta-verlag.com and on the energy side in Energy Design Update. Space was allocated in the May 2015 issue of Energy Design Update for details related to the program, as shared in a press released distributed by SPFA. See SPFA press release here and gupta-verlag.com article here.
>>Breakout Sessions at Sprayfoam 2015 Are Posted Online
"We tried to build it and hoped they’d come. And they did!" said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg during the General Session at Sprayfoam 2015, which experienced record-setting numbers, especially in the breakout sessions. Slides from the presentations and breakout sessions have been uploaded to the SPFA website, and the sessions with the highest attendance will be featured in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine.
>>SPFA's Board Members
SPFA's Board of Directors for the 2014-2016 term include:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Mr. Dennis Vandewater, Sadler Coating Systems (IA)
Vice President: Mr. John Achille, Coastal Insulation (NJ)
Treasurer: Mr. Richard Spiess, Innovative Insulation Solutions (IL)
Immediate Past President: Mr. Robert (Bob) Duke, Carolina Comfort Foam
BOARD MEMBERS
Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Ms. Bonnie Strickler, Puff Inc. (VA)
Mr. Ron Winkle, Western Pacific Roofing (CA)
Mr. Larry Ash, United Thermal Systems (NY)
Mr. Tyler Fiske, Anchor Insulation (RI)
Mr. Bryan Heldreth, RPC (VA)
Ms. Tiffiny Flaim, Biofoam Inc. (IL)
Non-Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Mr. Joe Stockdale, Bayer Material Science (TX)
Ms. Mary Bogdan, Honeywell (NY)
Mr. Mitch Clifton, NCFI (NC)
Mr. Mac Sheldon, Demilec Inc. (TX)
Mr. Nick Pagano, Graco Inc. (MN)
Mr. Tom Sojak, Gaco Western (WI)
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 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.
"The scope, complexity and breadth of projects submitted this year were among the best ever. It was great for the recipient to have Ty hand out one of the awards, everyone commented how large and grand the luncheon has become, and we are excited to highlight the great work done by our winning companies, as well as everyone that submitted a project." In addition to the winners and 1st runner-ups being recognized with awards, the other runner-ups went onstage to receive awards, as well, this year.
Winners received a crystal award, pop-up banner, and press-kit assisting them in promoting their win within their local markets and media. All projects were submitted anonymously to the panel of judges representing SPF and ancillary professional industries.
Many of the projects will be featured in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine.
These are the five award categories and the winners:
Residential Wall
Winner: A New Millennium for Adobe House
Runner-up: Arizona Foam & Spray for Meerkat Manor
Commercial Wall
Winner: Foam Tech for Spooky Nook Sports
Runner-up: Nunavut Excavating for Nunavut Multiplex
SPF Roof over 40,000 sq.ft.
Winner: RPC Industries Inc. for Hampton Plaza Shopping Center; formally a G.E.
Runner-up: Henderson-Johnson Co., Inc. for Northeast Carpenters Private Cllubhouse
Specialty Applications
Winner: Western Pacific Roofing Corporation for Hildebrand Dome Construction Monolithic Dome
Runner-up: West Roofing Systems, Inc. for Charter School Gym Rehabilitation
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Source: osha.org
On May 4, 2015, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new standard for construction work in confined spaces, which will be effective starting August 3, 2015. Confined spaces can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be avoided if they are recognized and addressed prior to entering these spaces to perform work. The new standard, Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926 will help prevent construction workers from being hurt or killed by eliminating and isolating hazards in confined spaces at construction sites similar to the way workers in other industries are already protected. SPFA's Richard Duncan sheds some light on the topic in the Health & Safety section of this newsletter.
NAHB.org posts a summary of the new standard.
For compliance assistance regarding application of the final rule contact: Directorate of Construction, Room N3468, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210; (202)-693-2020.
>>Crowdsourcing Initiative Seeks Buildings-Related Problems to Solve -- Deadline July 15
Source: energy.gov
Calling all building technology innovators! The Building Technologies Office is partnering with the successful SunShot Catalyst crowdsourcing initiative to identify and solve problems related to software development, data, and/or automation.
In the first, "Ideation" phase of the initiative, those working in the building technology space are invited to submit problem statements describing challenges that need to be overcome in order to promote better engagement with building occupants and to improve the ability to balance energy and occupant comfort objectives in a building. In addition to submitting problem statements, participants are invited to vote and comment on ideas that have already been submitted.
Source: bpi.org
Can you explain clearly who you are and what you do? Is a customer more or less likely to sign an $8,000 contract with you if you took steps to avoid getting dirt on their carpet? Who is more likely to get my business, Contractor A who responded within 24 hours, Contractor B who took three weeks, or Contractor C who never got back to me? Many of the "secrets" of successful, profitable contractors center on providing excellent customer service and dealing with customers on their terms. This session will feature insight from Mike Rogers, president of OmStout Consulting, LLC, and explore some simple things your competitors get wrong and that you can get right to generate more leads, more sales, happier customers, and higher profits.
>>ASHRAE High-Performance Building Design Professional Certification Earns ANSI Accreditation
Source: ashrae.org
ASHRAE’s High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) certification has received accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), becoming the first certification from the Society to earn the recognition.
The accreditation comes as ASHRAE kicks off its 2015 Annual Conference taking place June 27-July 1, in Atlanta. An exam for the HBDP is being offered as part of the Conference. ASHRAE received word June 25 that the ANSI Personnel Certification Accreditation Committee had granted the accreditation under International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17024:2012.
>>House Approves TSCA Reform with a 398-1 Vote
Source: chemicalwatch.com
The U.S. Congress took a major step toward updating the country's federal chemical safety law, when the House of Representatives passed a bill to reform the decades-old Toxic Substances Control Act by a 398-1 vote in June. The TSCA Modernization Act (HR 2576) was taken up under the suspension of rules procedure, which is usually used to fast track non-controversial measures. This meant that no amendments could be made to the bill. It had already been approved unopposed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.
The next step is for the Senate to pass its own TSCA measure, the Udall-Vitter bill. If this happens, a conference committee of the two chambers will work to reconcile differences between the two bills. The unified version would then go back to both chambers for passage, before heading to the president's desk for his signature. The Senate bill is expected to receive floor consideration in July.
In 1980, energy efficiency researchers formed the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Over the past 35 years old this year, energy efficiency has changed a lot. This report by ACEEE looks at the past 35 years and the next 35 years, as far as energy efficiency is concerned.
Source: americanchemistry.com
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued its 2015 edition of the Guide to the Business of Chemistry, a detailed economic profile of the chemistry industry and its contributions to the U.S. and world economies. Prepared annually by ACC’s Economics and Statistics Department, The Guide to the Business of Chemistry divides the $801 billion business into more than thirty categories of production, ranging from inorganic chemicals to plastic resins; from adhesives and sealants to oilfield chemicals; and from fertilizers to pharmaceuticals and consumer products. Within each segment the report highlights distinct characteristics, including growth dynamics, markets, new developments, and other issues affecting each sector.
Source: ase.org
The future of energy efficiency technology often seems more like science fiction than reality, but according to energy thought leaders at last week’s 26th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, cutting-edge efficiency advancements are already practical and implementable. At this year’s Forum, Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association (USEA) convened energy thought leaders and experts to discuss not only the innovations we’ll see in coming years, but how they will help make the United States a global leader in energy efficiency.
Source: nahb.org
Drastic cuts to the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, which would essentially eliminate the program, were approved June 25 during a Senate Appropriations Committee markup of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies’ spending bill for fiscal 2016. The HOME program is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. The full Senate will move forward funding HOME at $66 million in fiscal year 2016, compared to the fiscal year 2015 level of $900 million.
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Source: Richard Duncan, Technical Director, SPFA
In early May, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a new standard for confined spaces in construction under 29 CFR 1926 Part AA .This extensive document includes definitions and regulations for all confined space situations that will go into effect on August 3, 2015. Shortly after this publication, OSHA published a two-page guidance document " OSHA 3787 Confined Spaces in Construction: Crawlspaces and Attics." This guidance document specifically identifies the application of SPF and highlights potential confined space hazards associated with attics and crawlspaces.
Under the OSHA definition, many existing attics and all crawlspaces will qualify as a confined space: "any space large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs...with a limited or restricted means for entry/exit and not designed for continuous occupancy." The new standard provides employers with information on protecting employees working in confined spaces and establishes specific requirements for working in permit-required confined spaces. Permit-space regulations may require additional labor (e.g., attendants, rescue and retrieval personnel), worker training and administrative activities (e.g., site evaluation, permit systems, signage and other documentation).
The presence of a hazardous atmosphere is the primary factor for determining if a confined space is a permit-required space. According to the OSHA standard, a hazardous atmosphere can occur when:
1. Concentrations of airborne chemicals exceed 10% of the lower flammability limit (LFL).
2. Airborne flammable particles can be ignited, which may exist from SPF cutting and trimming operations.
3. Oxygen levels are deficient (below 19.5%) or enriched (above 23.5%).
4. Any airborne chemical exceeds occupational exposure limits (OELs).
5. Conditions are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) that can interfere with an employee’s ability to self-rescue.
The new OSHA standard is being reviewed by the industry to determine any potential impacts on the use of spray foam products in attics and crawlspaces. In every space and job type, SPF contractors are always encouraged to follow industry best practices for proper ventilation strategies and proper use of personal protective equipment consistent with industry guidelines for these applications. Additional information on the new standard is available on the OSHA website.
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Sprayfoam 2016 Planning -- Save the Date!
It is never too early to plan for next year!
Date: February 8-11, 2016
Location: Rosen Centre, Orlando, Fla.
Sprayfoam 2016 — Only Two Weeks Left to Submit Breakout Session Ideas!
SPFA invites you to submit your industry-specific presentation topic for consideration for Sprayfoam 2016 Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida. CLICK HERE to submit your presentation information. Both members and non-members are invited to submit applications prior to July 15, 2015. Contact Emma Bennett, Conference Coordinator, if you have questions or need more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities at Sprayfoam 2016!
Download the prospectus on the website. Exhibitor and attendee information will be released soon.
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 To ensure your company information prints correctly in SPFA's 2015-16 Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide, send updates no later than July 6. If you did not receive the proof via email, please contact Mickey Riesenberg at michele@sprayfoam.org.
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>>SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS) Webinar -- July 8
These safety webinars are FREE for SPFA members:
SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS) | July 8, 2015
Personal Protective Clothing | September 2, 2015
Containment and Mechanical Ventilation | November 4, 2015
Lock-out/Tag-out | January 6, 2016
Supplier Air Systems for Respirators | March 2, 2016 Direct questions to: Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide Available Online
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which is mailed out every September. This directory is also available in a digital format The convenient digital format allows users to navigate and access the directory's content quickly and easily, on the road or in the office. Use the information provided to contact fellow SPFA members and industry partners throughout the year to share ideas, ask questions, or just stay in touch.
>>SPFA Member Benefits
SPFA knows there are lots of organizations out there that would like to have you in their membership. But if you are in, or getting into, the sprayfoam business, we are the place for you. We work hard to represent you well and give you value back for your support. Click here to find out more.
Available on the SPFA website, the SPFA Membership Brochure highlights some of the various benefits of membership and activities of the organization as it pursues its mission to represent SPF professionals in areas of technical and environmental leadership, government advocacy, professional certification, industry promotion and outreach, and delivery of a world-class convention and expo. Please check out the brochure if you have been considering joining SPFA and support our mission to serve you. For more information or to access the application to join, please click here.
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>>Deadline Extended to July 6 for Getting Company Accreditation Mark Printed in SPFA Directory
Is your company accreditation nearly complete but you just have a few more things to submit or complete? If that is the case, take the time this week to wrap up the process so that your Company Accreditation Mark will appear in the SPFA Directory when it is printed. Contractor Companies and Supplier Companies who earn the SPFA PCP Accreditation will have the Accredited Company Mark displayed in the SPFA Directory next to their company listing.
The deadline for having it printed in the upcoming directory has been extended to July 6, 2015. You still have time to finish up the Accredited Company requirements. Please review all details on our website.
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>>DOE Issues Determination of Energy Savings for Residential Buildings
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Notice of Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC (as compared with buildings meeting the previous 2012 edition) would result in national residential building energy savings of approximately 1%, as regulated by the Code. Following an affirmative DOE determination, each State is required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether it is appropriate to revise its code to meet or exceed the updated edition of the IECC. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements.
>>Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes
Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. Topics addressed in the current issue include:
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE - Publishes the Final Determination on the 2015 IECC
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Maine – Update on Three Bills to Roll-Back Energy Codes
Nevada – Bill to Reduce Stringency of the Air Tightness Requirements is Enrolled
New York – Meeting Scheduled to Consider the 2015 I-Codes Including the IECC
South Carolina – Begins Reviewing the Proposed Modifications to the 2015 I-Codes
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Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department announced $600,000 in funding to help American universities to establish stronger partnerships with industry and business in the area of building efficiency, supporting the Obama Administration’s goal of doubling energy productivity by 2030 and developing the nation’s clean energy workforce.
The selections for the Building University Innovators and Leaders Development (BUILD) awards support efforts by American universities to more effectively compete for building energy efficiency research and development funding, develop partnerships with industry, and improve manufacturing education. Each selected project will receive $200,000 in funding; more than 50% of expenditures in each project will be used to support undergraduate students.
The projects selected for award negotiations are:
-Drexel University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
-Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia)
-University of California, Davis (Davis, California)
>>News & Events from Building Technologies Office
Source: energy.gov
>>U.S. DOE Building America Update
Source: energy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Update newsletter is now available, and includes:
>The Field Test Best Practices tool for building science researchers
>Dates and details about the 2016 Race to Zero Student Design Competition
>Advanced framing tips from the Building America Solution Center
>DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Virtual Office Hours
>Call for entries for the 2015 GreenBuilder magazine Home of the Year Awards
>Residential success stories highlighting building solutions for walls and roofs
>Building America in the news
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
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Dec. 6-8, 2015 -- ACEEE Intelligent Efficiency Conference, Boston,
Mass.
Jan. 6, 2016 -- Lock-out/Tag-out, SPFA Safety Webinar
Jan. 11-15, 2016 -- Building Innovations 2016, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 19-21, 2016 -- NAHB International Builders’ Show, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 23-27, 2016 -- ASHRAE Winter Conference, Orlando, Fla.
Jan. 25-27, 2016 -- AHR Expo, Orlando, Fla.
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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Source: bpi.org
During this webinar, Mike Gorman, owner of TechKnowledge, will offer insight on how to determine a fair price for your work. Some of the topics he will address include:
-How to get paid for the 'free estimate.'
-How to determine a fair price for your work.
-How to overcome the low-priced competitor.
-How to handle the customer who wants to pick your prices apart.
-How to collect deposits and payments so that you don't get stiffed on that final check.
-How to master an organized estimating system for your business.
-Why price is not the most important consideration when your prospect selects a contractor.
Source: associationadviser.com / Nancy Taylor
You’ve all seen the ubiquitous # sign in front of social media posts, but do you really know what that symbol does — or could do for you?
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