Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Walker
dwalker@glass.org

New Educational Format for National Auto Glass Conference a Resounding Success

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 18, 2008—Attendees of the 2008 National Auto Glass Conference gave a collective “thumbs up” to the event’s new educational emphasis. The 18th-annual event was hosted by the National Glass Association and held February 11-13 at the beautiful Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ

Nearly 200 professionals from America’s leading auto glass companies attended the conference and offered high praise for its enhanced focus on executive education and practical problem-solving. Participants raved about first-time sessions on such topics as changing technology demands for the independent shop owner, increasing profitability through diversification, and training, recruiting and retaining employees.

"These newly formatted sessions were a highlight,” said Steve Mort, CEO of Don’s Mobile. “I learned a lot and connected with my peers in a stronger way than ever before. I'm impressed.”

“I had a great conference. Met with all the right people,” said Troy Mason, Owner of TechnaGlass. “The NGA Auto Glass Conference is our favorite and the most productive of the several conventions we attend each year. I look forward to attending Auto Glass Conference for many years to come.”

“The sessions were the best we've had at this conference,” echoed David Taylor, COO of Cindy Rowe Auto Glass. “A great improvement.”

Among the conference highlights:

• Jeff Dietrich of Ecotrends delivered a timely analysis of the state of economy and its impact on the auto glass industry. Dietrich's analysis underscored the need for planning and offered insights into several developing opportunities.

• Glen Moses of Safelite commanded the stage with his popular breakdown of planned changes to many vehicle makes and models and their impact on the way auto glass replacement and repair shops handle window installations and repair.

• A blue-chip panel capped the conference with its “State of the Industry” presentation. A nearly standing-room-only audience heard from executives representing a broad cross-section of the industry—from small independent shops to a regional chain and the largest player in the business—offering their insights on recruitment and retention strategies, marketing, and customer care and service.

These and other programs contributed to a consensus sentiment among attendees that the 2008 show was the "best educational conference they’ve attended in years.”

A copy of each presentation will soon be available on glass.org. The NGA will alert its members via e-mail when the materials are fully loaded.

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About NGA
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass and auto glass industries. Based outside Washington, DC, NGA offers certification, education and training, and MyGlassClass.com—a state-of-the-art, online training resource. NGA publishes the leading trade magazines—Glass Magazine®, Window & Door®, AutoGlass™, and e-newsletters, e-glass weekly™ and WDweekly™. In addition, NGA serves the industry and general public with its family of Web sites. NGA also hosts the industry’s premier annual trade events: GlassBuild America®: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference. For more information on NGA, visit www.glass.org.

Future Event 
February 18-20, 2009
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando, FL