Education Sessions: Tuesday, October 29

Election + Legislative Outlook + Impacts for the Insulation Industry

Just days before the national election, hear from Stephen Borg and Matt Keelen from the Vogel Group, as they provide an overview of this unprecedented election season and how the election outcome will impact the economy and the mechanical insulation industry. They will provide their insider political perspectives on potential policy implications, energy and carbon management platforms and incentives, supply chain updates, and much more.

Speakers:
Stephen Borg, Principal, Vogel Group
Matt Keelen, Managing Principal, Vogel Group

Expert Insights: Developing and Retaining Talent

With continuing worker shortages, it is important for companies to focus on how to nurture talent and create a workplace culture where employees can thrive. Explore the tools and strategies for developing and retaining talent, the importance of a company’s culture, and other practical solutions to help your business.

Speakers:
Darice Michelle Thompson, Senior Consultant, FMI Consulting
Michelle Weakley, Manager, Recruitment, Performance Contracting, Inc.
Tom MacKinnon, Demand Generation Manager, Armacell (Moderator)

Associates (Manufacturers) Session
Carbon Credits for the Insulation Industry

Insulation and sustainability go hand in hand, but are you leveraging the potential of carbon credits? During this session, Baker Tilly’s Construction and ESG & Sustainability practice will provide an overview of the carbon credit market, outline the types of products currently available in voluntary and compliance markets, and provide key updates regarding challenges and opportunities in the marketplace. If you have questions about the current and future value of carbon credits and how your business and the insulation industry can utilize them, this session is for you.

Speakers:
Benjamin Martin, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Advisor, Baker Tilly
Brian Kassalen, Principal and Construction Industry Leader, Baker Tilly

Distributors/Fabricators Session: Working Group Discussion: Value of Distribution and Fabrication

There are several new projects for this committee! The attendees will discuss changing the information shared with buyers and end users through the Buyer’s Guide. The attendees will focus on updating the Value of Distribution brochure and creating a new brochure on the Fabrication Process vs Insulation Manufacturing. During this interactive session, distributor and fabricator members will have the opportunity to provide their feedback and expertise on drafted outlines and help shape the direction and content that will be included in these materials to benefit the industry. Everyone is welcome to participate in this session—you do not have to be a committee member.

Facilitators:
Brian Blazek, Regional Vice President, East, Specialty Products & Insulation
Kenneth Cole, Vice President, Sales, Insul-Therm International, Inc.

Health and Safety Session
Addressing Medical and Recreational Marijuana in the Construction Industry

Langdon Ramsburg will examine the current national and state laws around marijuana, including the legal use of medical marijuana and the proposed legalization of recreational marijuana use.  While the rules governing commercial driver’s license holders are fairly clear, things are hazy for other employees.  Langdon will review recent case law and then help attendees look ahead to what the landscape may look like for employers in states where marijuana is legal for recreational purposes.

Speaker:
Langdon Ramsburg, Member, McNees, Wallace & Nurick LLC

Merit Contractors Committee: Regional Roundup 

Join the Merit Contractors Committee members for a wide-ranging regional discussion led by Committee Chair Michael McCowan of L.C. Insulations, Inc., focusing on market conditions and updates from across the United States.

Speaker:
Mike McCowan, Committee Chair, L.C. Insulations, Inc.

Union Contractors Subcommittee Session: Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution Resources with FMCS

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), created in 1947, is an independent agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with more than 60 field and home offices in six regions, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies, and communities. Kathy Hall will share the types of situations FMCS can help with, how a mediator can help with negotiations, and how to determine when to engage a mediation and conflict resolution firm.

Speaker:
Kathy Hall, Field Operations Manager, Region 2, FMCS

Young Professional Advisory Committee (YPAC): Improving Communication Habits and Mastering Time Management 

Understanding the importance of listening, recognizing non-verbal communication, and effectively managing your time are essential skills at every career level. During this session, Darice Thompson (who co-leads FMI’s Emerging Managers Institute) will examine best practices and share practical tips on how to improve these core skills, creating long-term sustainable results. This interactive session will help you assess where you are and provide strategies to help you reach your potential.

Speaker:
Darice Michelle Thompson, Senior Consultant, FMI Consulting