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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: NGA Marketing Dept.
marketing@glass.org

2006 NATIONAL AUTO GLASS CONFERENCE REVS UP IN TUCSON
Conference Moves to February in 2007

WASHINGTON, DC, MAY 31, 2006—The National Glass Association (NGA) held its 17th annual National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO on May 17th – 19th in Tucson, AZ. The event drew 678 industry participants to Tucson to attend seminars, learn about new products, and meet their industry peers. More than 50 exhibiting companies displayed a variety of auto glass industry products, equipment, and services during the popular EXPO portion of the event.

“There's a saying in business: The secret of success is consistency of purpose. That was the case at this year's Auto Glass Conference in Tucson,” says Phil James, President and CEO of the National Glass Association. “We had a good group of core industry folks who came to do business, and that's what it's all about. Based on what I’ve heard from participants, this was one of our best conferences to date.”

Both attendees and exhibitors alike had many good things to say about this year’s event. “It remains the premier event for the industry,” says Phil Jentoft of Dow Automotive. “It brings together many of the industry's key decision makers all in one place.” Chris Umble of LYNX Services, LLC wrote a note to NGA stating, “Congratulations on what, from my experience, was one of the most positive and successful meetings in several years.” Attendee Mike Atashi of ABC Auto Glass in Richardson, TX said, “The speakers gave a good picture of how to handle business in bad times and I feel I have a better direction and new energy now for my business. I will definitely be at the next one—it is worth it.” Industry veteran Carl Tompkins of SIKA Corp. and an AGRSS committee chairman summed it up best by saying, “This was the best Auto Glass Conference in 10 years.”

The conference kicked off on Wednesday afternoon with the Auto Glass Industry Exchange, a session where NGA members were given an update on the activities of the association’s Auto Glass Division. Immediately following the exchange, NGA board chairman Tom Lee III of Lee & Cates Glass in Jacksonville, FL addressed attendees at the Opening Session.

The NGA also presented the Len Stolk Special Achievement Award award for outstanding service to the industry to Bob Beranek of Automotive Glass Consultants, Inc. in Sun Prairie, WI. The award recognizes individuals in the glass industry who have made a significant contribution to the goals and objectives of the NGA. The Opening Session ended with keynote speaker, Gary Lubner, CEO of BELRON®, who brought out a standing room-only crowd. An outdoor cocktail reception co-sponsored by Dow Automotive and NGA rounded out the day.

Thursday and Friday featured educational seminars, two auto glass installation demonstrations and the exhibit hall. Detailed coverage of the event can be found online at www.glass.org/events/at_coverage06_1.htm.

Show organizers have announced that the event will move to February beginning in 2007. Denise Sheehan, Vice President of Industry Events for the association, had this to say about the date change, “I've heard from both attendees and exhibitors who are pleased about our move to February in 2007. Next year's conference will also have a slightly different structure to allow attendees to really maximize their time away from their businesses. We have a few more tricks—or maybe I should say treats—up our sleeves for next year and we'll be announcing all the details soon.”

The 18th annual National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO will be held February 14-16, 2007 in Orlando, FL.

About NGA
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass industry. Based outside Washington, DC, NGA offers certification, education, and training and serves the industry with the leading trade publications—Glass Magazine, Window & Door, and AutoGlass. In addition, NGA serves the industry and general public with its Web sites: www.glass.org, www.GlassBuildAmerica.com, www.GlassMagazine.net, www.AutoGlassmagazine.net, www.WindowandDoor.net, and www.myautoglass.org. NGA also hosts the industry’s premier
annual trade events: GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO.