It's hard to believe that in just over a week we will be saying good-bye to 2006 and hello to 2007. It seems like the older I get the quicker each year goes by. I've been thinking a lot about all that's happened over the past year in our industry, and the changes many of us have probably made in response--whether individually or for our businesses.
Think about this: A major trend right now in the architectural glass industry is the use of decorative glass. Colors, curves, swirls, patterns ... the list goes on. Architects are wanting to do more and more with such products, but despite its popularity, it's still a relatively new market for North America. Responding to this growth and demand the Glass Association of North America created a decorative division, which is off to a strong start. ICD's Kris Vockler, the division's interim chair, is also one of our weekly bloggers, bringing a lot of insight and ideas to the forefront to help increase the industry's knowledge and awareness of decorative glass.
Speaking of our blogs, Max Perilstein with his From the Fabricator page, has continued to speak out for the commercial glazing industry when it comes to many industry topics and issues. Likewise, our blog from Paul Bieber is there, offering real-life experiences that really make you think. After reading his page you may find yourself thinking "What would I do about that?" or "How would this affect me?" The more we think about our actions--not just personally but also professionally--and the consequences thereof can really help set us/our businesses apart both for the better or worse.
As you think and plan for the next year you can be certain that change will happen--people will come and go, products will be developed, codes will change, companies will grow, stay the same or fade away. Change is good. If nothing changed it would always be the same and your business would stay in the same place, not going forward, not going backwards. Embrace the changes that will happen next year and find ways from which your business can benefit.
