Consensus-based document development is one of the strengths of FGIA, and as a member, your participation is important. When documents, in the form of ballots or surveys, are sent for review, and hopefully approval, it is important to respond to those ballots, and any ballot-related emails. Not responding can throw up roadblocks in the document development process.

Having a say in the development and updating of industry standards and documents may be the largest benefit of membership. Throughout our history of industry leadership, FGIA has become recognized for the development of comprehensive standards that provide a basis for third-party validation of product performance. We also continue to develop specifications, test methods and technical information reports. In short, FGIA and our members have always been committed to quality. To promote and ensure the highest standards, we are involved in a multitude of activities that monitor the products and processes in our industry.

FGIA standards are developed in response to the needs of our member companies to solve critical issues in the industry. This response may be the creation of a new document to fill in some missing information, like the recently published AAMA 517, Specification for Air/Water Penetration Resistance, and Structural Load Performance of Multi-Track Doors and Windows, or an update to a standard that has its roots decades ago. It takes the interest, energy and experience of our members to help support the development and review of these standards. It is through effective collaboration and communication that make us strong.

Those standards and their updates can only move on once those voices are heard. Disregarding requests from FGIA to vote means documents may get held up and their publication delayed. It also means that you will continue to receive reminders that can fill mailboxes.

Now, I would like to address a few frequently asked questions about the ballots. Not voting is just that: not voting. If we don’t receive a response from you, that is not counted as an “abstain”. This can create issues in meeting our response requirements. If you get a ballot on a topic that you don’t feel you have sufficient knowledge, please send back an “abstain”. This will keep you from getting multiple reminders since we keep checking back in until we hear from you. Next, unlike some other organizations FGIA reviews all comments so you don’t have to vote negatively to get your comment to the developing group. Submitting a “disapprove” to suggest clarified wording is not needed and could trigger an extra ballot and delays. Finally, if you are making a comment, please suggest how it can be resolved. Commenters should be invited to where the comment is resolved but sometimes by not being in attendance can create a need for extra calls just to see if wording of the group would meet the concern.

Remember that everyone is welcome to submit comments on any balloted document draft. If you are a member and are not receiving any ballots, please check with your IT staff to ensure emails from ballots@FGIAonline.org are whitelisted.