Hurricane Helene made landfall as a dangerous, Category 4 storm on Sept. 26 over Florida’s Big Bend area, bringing with it a life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rain.

On Monday, Sept. 30, Maryland became the first state in the eastern U.S. to implement a heat standard for workers. The standard applies to both indoor and outdoor work and kicks in when the “heat index” (a combination of air temperature and humidity) equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Those participating in the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s 2024 Fall Conference, which was held in Minneapolis, heard the ways in which Minnesota is leading the nation when it comes to commercial energy codes and efficiency, as well as efforts to mitigate the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on the environment and local drinking water supply.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research has been recognized as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its efforts to provide career and technical education programs and industry-recognized credentials to students through the High School Builder Program.

The Internal Revenue Service announced that it is opening a supplemental claim process to help third-party payers and their clients resolve incorrect claims for the Employee Retention Credit. Currently, third-party payers report and pay clients’ federal employment taxes under the third-party payer’s Employer Identification Number.

Several training and education opportunities took place during the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s 2024 Fall Conference in Minneapolis, including an informative session on mockup testing in construction, a primer on corrosion, and an educational, hands-on workshop demonstrating proper application of materials common in fenestration installation, as presented by the FGIA Wall Interface Council.

Technoform celebrates 20 years of providing high-performance insulating glass, fenestration and cladding systems in North America. Technoform’s associates and products help residential, commercial and institutional building envelopes to balance energy efficiency with occupant health and comfort while enhancing structural integrity, durability and aesthetics.

Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance’s 2024 Fall Conference heard color forecasts from an expert in the field, who shared an exploration of trends emerging and evolving in the building products market over the next three to five years.

The Skilled Trades Advisory Council has officially earned nonprofit status. Founded one year ago, STAC is comprised of leaders across the construction, retail and skilled trades industries who joined forces to combat the crisis facing skilled labor in the U.S. and Canada.

The Rainscreen Association in North America announced that Brian Nelson of Knight Wall Systems will be presenting on rocket science and understanding the modern cladding support system at the RAiNA Conference in Chicago on Nov. 7.