As Americans anxiously awaited the results of the 2012 election, National Insulation Association (NIA) members gathered at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston, Virginia to help shape the direction of our association by sharing ideas, discussing industry trends, and expressing concerns and problems that affect our industry. If you were unable attend 2012’s Committee Days, we hope you will plan to join us in 2013! Here’s a recap of what you missed. Committee Meetings and Actions NIA committees met to discuss issues facing the insulation industry.Here are some highlights from committee meetings: • The Associates and Distributor/Fabricator Committees discussed hosting a guest speaker who will present on the intergenerational workplace during a joint meeting at the 2013 Convention. • The Merit Contractors Committee reviewed the National Center for Construction Education and Research curriculum, and Roger Crawford presented the Simple Calculators available on the Mechanical Insulation Design Guide website. • The Health and Safety Committee reviewed the Safety Application for 2012 and developed a new application for Associate Members. • The Technical Information Committee discussed technical presentation topics for NIA’s 58th Annual Convention in 2013. • The Website Committee set up a task force to discuss redesigning the website. • The Union Contractors Committee discussed ways to add value for contractors at NIA meetings. • The Membership Committee reviewed a draft of a membership video, which will be used to promote the benefits of NIA membership. • The Foundation Steering Committee discussed its 2013 legislative strategy, completion of the Mechanical Insulation Education & Awareness Campaign (MIC) and marketing flyers, and changes to the Industry Measurement Survey scheduled to take place in January 2013. If you would like to know more about any of these committees, please visit the Members Only section of www.insulation.org and click the committee meeting and anti-trust information link. You will be able to review each committee’s purposes, objectives, and actions, as well as previous committee meeting minutes. Lunch and Learn During the Committee Days luncheon, NIA members heard the inside scoop on the presidential election from Matt Keelen, founder and president of the governmental affairs firm, The Keelen Group.With 20 years of experience as a Washington insider, Mr. Keelen also serves as a special political correspondent to Fox News, and his commentary has been published in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Keelen shared his thoughts on some of the most critical races taking place throughout the country and their impact on NIA’s legislative strategy. Networking Tuesday evening, NIA members enjoyed time with colleagues and friends at the Committee Days networking reception. NIA President Rick Smith shared with attendees that NIA had certified its 1,000th energy appraiser through the Insulation Energy Appraiser Program (IEAP). Members toasted the accomplishment and success of the IEAP since the program’s inception in 2001. See You Soon! A big thank you to all the NIA members who attended the 2012 Committee Days and contributed to its success. If you could not attend this meeting, we hope to see you during NIA’s 58th Annual Convention, April 17–20, 2013, in Bonita Springs, Florida. For more information about the 2013 Convention, including registration and hotel details, see page 6, or visit www.insulation.org/convention.