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Empire State Chapter - Door & Hardware Institute
October, 1995 --
National Convention a Success !!! - Under new direction, the format for this years' convention was restructured. The goal was to increase distributor presence on the floor, and it worked !!! Following the key-note speaker, Tom Landry, an opening reception was held on the show floor Saturday evening. Almost a standing room only crowd filled the convention arena. Attendance and activity on Sunday was nothing short of outstanding. Although some people chose to leave on Monday, the floor was very active right up until closing time at 1p.m.. The total attendance was approximately 3,160. In addition, a record number of booths (320) have already been sold for the convention next year in Cincinnati, OH. Approximately 100 architects attended. The ratio of distributors to manufacturers was about 50/50. If they continue with the same format, the Annual Convention '96 could prove to be the best yet.
Other News from National
B.O.C. Report from August 19-20 Meeting - As of this meeting, the applications for Orlando total 90% of budgeted capacity. Fortunately, the classroom & housing at this facility will allow for expanding the maximums for each class. As of the 10/23 the classes were expanded from 30 to 48, and already all openings are filled, except one in AH4. However, anyone interested should still apply, and will be put on a waiting list (sometimes there are last minute cancellations). If you are still interested in going - act quickly. These classes are scheduled for December 2 through 8, 1995.
Analysis of AHC certification grading - Some interesting notes were made in regards to results of the exams given in the first half of this year. First - only 30% of the applicants passed their examination in its entirety, on the first try (49 exams). It is also interesting to note that less than 15% of the applicants experienced trouble with the electrified hardware portion of the exams. It appears that the largest percentage of mistakes occurred on the scheduling portion.
AIA - Continuing Education System - AIA has recently implemented a comprehensive continuing education program. After a three year phase-in plan, members will be required to accumulate 36 learning units annually starting in 1998. Sound familiar?
Restructuring at National & New Testing Structure - The recently approved restructuring of the Institute involves the elimination of regional directors and the establishment of a Board of Governors. This change in leadership has a direct impact on the current certification and testing procedure. It will be necessary for the BOC to consider, predetermined, fixed locations and times for certification testing. Perhaps ten locations around the country, providing testing twice a year. Previously, it has been the duty of the regional director to administer the exams.
Pre-Installation Meetings - The conclusion drawn from our last chapter meeting was to promote the concept of the pre-installation meetings between distributor and installer. This process opens the lines of communication and creates a 'game plan' for the construction process. The general consensus was that many of the problems we see in the field could be prevented through a little communication.
Welcome New Members - List of new members since last Newsletter:
Magazine Promotions - Remember - you can send a copy of the National magazine to an architect as a gift, in the name of your company for only $5.00/year. Its a great way to promote your company as well as DHI national and local! The strategic planning committee will be addressing if we might also extend this offer to include our own chapter newsletter.
Contest Still On ...!!! - Logo Contest - WIN $50 !!! - The Empire State Chapter is looking for entries in a 'Chapter Logo Contest'. The creator of the winning logo gets $50. Entries should represent New York State, incorporate the national DHI logo and also integrate the words "Empire State Chapter". Keep in mind, the logos must be able to be easily reproduced, enlarged & shrunk. It is the intent to use this logo on all DHI correspondence, and would also appear on the proposed cover sheets etc.. New State (OGS) Specification Those of you who attended our last chapter meeting took home a copy of the new proposed specification for OGS. It has been asked that we offer our suggestions/criticism as individuals and/or as a chapter. OGS intends to implement this very soon. If you have any input please forward it to a committee chairperson so that it may be addressed.
Letter From the President - The topic of the October meeting "detailing for the installer" coincided with a discussion with Joan Whitely from OGS regarding the proposed changes to state specifications. During our lively discussion, it was made very clear that we are not always giving the details necessary to insure a successful installation. OGS, in trying to address the same problem, has come to the conclusion that pre-installation meetings and follow-up inspections are an important part of the answer. Although we have not yet agreed who should do this, our members came to the same conclusion. OGS is currently looking to the product representatives. Others (including myself) believe that the distributor should perform this service. We can no longer think of ourselves as just suppliers. It doesn't get the job done! Certainly - others can beat us at marketing. What do you think ? Let us know at the next meeting, when we will actually install hardware and "see it from their point of view".
Important Message - We are asking that everyone try to make reservations as early as possible for our Chapter meetings. Please give a call or send a fax as soon as possible to our Treasurer, Diane McClure. In the event that you make the commitment and cannot attend a meeting, you will be billed for the meeting and then you will be given a voucher for a future meeting.
Schedule of DHI Technical Programs for 1996
New Meeting Calendar: