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New Orleans, one of the most interesting cities in America, was the host city for the AIA Convention last week.

The New Orleans central business and hospitality district has mounted a remarkable resurgence from the devastation of hurricane Katrina. The construction industry hopes that the enthusiasm of the AIA Convention and its Expo is a precursor for a resurgence in the construction industry from the devastation of the last several years of economic challenges.

I saw new developments in existing products.

Reynobond® with EcoClean™ was debuted by Alcoa. They have developed a paint system for Reynobond that helps clean itself and the air around it.

Metal Composite Material panels, like Reynobond, have become the “go to” product for designers that want to accomplish challenging geometric shapes on buildings. Because of the super flat and shiny surface that can be obtained with these panels, keeping them clean in a modern environment has been a challenge. The ability of this product to help clean itself makes a great product even better.

In addition to the increased aesthetics, it helps clean the air of pollutants. Alcoa estimates that 10,000 SF of Reynobond with EcoClean has the air cleaning power of 80 trees.

I did not see many really new products.

One exception was an innovative use of a silicone elastomeric fabric mounted into a frame of aluminum extrusions. This system is capable of developing some very unusual exterior facades that can take advantage of challenging geometric shapes, light control, color and texture.

I met with optimistic and innovative people.

The unpublished allure of any trade show or associational gathering, for me, is the people with which you are able to interact. While your day-to-day business is often consumed with problems, a gathering of like minded, optimistic people gives you a real, not imagined, boost from which you become convinced you can do better things. This meeting re-confirmed that for me.

When the opportunity presents itself during this year, force yourself to get out and see something new or to reacquaint yourself with optimistic people. Their natural habitat is a trade show where everything is possible.

Special Thought for the Week – A great international trade show that happens every two years is Batimat. It happens this year from November 7 to November 12. By the way, it is in Paris, so handle this expertly with your spouse. www.batimat.com

That is it for today. Post your comments on the Blog and let us stimulate the discussion.
Thanks,
Ted S. Miller

Since hurricane Andrew, the building codes have been strengthened a great deal. However, it appears that only reputable manufacturers and subcontractors are abiding by many of the code requirements.

Within the MCM industry, many non-reputable fabricators and subcontractors are not abiding by some of the code requirements for structural integrity, testing for water and air infiltration, etc. Additionally, the MCM Manufacturers are turning a blind eye to this fact. Admittedly, they do not have contractual responsibility to assure that the fabricators are abiding by the codes, but they are stakeholders in maintaining great performance of this outstanding product type.

Since MCM has inherent strength and flexibility, there has not been a rash of poor performance, but this good fortune does not address the fact that the codes are not being enforced. Fairness would dictate that all participants should be held to the same standards, but if no one is effectively enforcing the codes, non-reputable participants will always “take shortcuts” and reputable participants will be at a competitive and financial disadvantage.

I know this is happening in our segment of the non-residential construction industry and it would be disingenuous to presume it is not happening in other segments as well.

Let me pose the following questions to the readers of this Blog and ask for your comments:

Have you experienced similar situations in your segment of the industry?
Have you been able to address these infractions in some way that has proven beneficial?
Do any of you have ideas on how we may be able to address this issue to promulgate a positive outcome?

I do not ask for a lot of comments on most issues, but this one is different. Please participate on this topic for the betterment of our industry.

Tool of the Week, Day, etc. – The following link http://www.48days.net/forum/topics/the-ipad-valuable-business-1 goes to a discussion about whether the new iPad is a useful business tool or just a gadget. This may be helpful to those of you who are considering this new device.

That is it for today. Post your comments on the Blog and let us stimulate the discussion.

Thanks,

Ted S. Miller