WDDA Announces Forum Speakers

The event, organized by the Window & Door Dealers Alliance, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, in conjunction with GlassBuild America in Atlanta.

A managing partner at Johanson Berenson LLP in Great Falls, Va., Berenson specializes in home improvement business and corporate law. With a background that includes cases involving the Environmental Protection Agency and its lead paint rules for contractors, he will focus on how window and door dealers can minimize legal risks.

Gene Marks has authored several books targeted at entrepreneurs and writes regular columns on small business for the New York Times, Forbes and Business Week. He will speak about how to spot new opportunities to grow a business.

“This year’s agenda is full of robust content centered on the issues that matter most to window and door dealers,” says Jana Goodrich, president of Seaway Window and co-chair of the event for WDDA. “We’ve worked very hard to ensure every participant will leave the forum with actionable take-aways to improve their business’ competitiveness.”

“Last year’s WDD Forum went a long way towards building a strong sense of community among independent dealers,” adds Ken Mariotti, president of Woodland Windows & Doors, who serves as the other co-chair. “With the high quality of professionals who participate and the networking opportunities throughout the day, I have no doubt we will make even further strides in Atlanta.”

Other Events In addition to the WDDA Forum, the National Glass Association is also hosting its Glazing Executives Forum in conjunction with GlassBuild America. Scheduled for Monday, September 12, that event will feature Kevin Surace of Serious Materials as keynote. He will focus on the company's involvement in the energy efficient retrofit of the Empire State Building, as well as other projects.

The GlassBuild America trade show runs from Septeber 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center. More information on the annual event for the flat glass and window industries is available at www.glassbuildamerica.com.