Window & Door Manufacturers Association Announces Launch of Phase I of OneVoice™ Advocacy Program and Washington, DC Office

Chicago, IL, June 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- At its recent board of directors meeting, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association affirmed its decision to launch the OneVoice™ Advocacy Program to advance the interests of the window, door and skylight industry in the legislative, regulatory and code arenas. The decision was coupled with the opening of the WDMA Washington, DC office and the appointment of a high caliber advocacy team. WDMA will also retain its current Chicago offices.

“With the political landscape in Washington changing rapidly and numerous proposed policy initiatives potentially impacting the fenestration industry, it is imperative that WDMA actively engage legislators, regulators and code officials to educate them on the impact of these proposed policies on the industry, its employees and its customers,” said WDMA Chair Steve Tourek, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for The Marvin Companies. “We believe our OneVoice™ Advocacy Program and new advocacy team will ensure that our voices will be heard on these key issues,” he added.

Leading WDMA’s new Washington office will be Michael O’Brien, CAE, who was appointed WDMA Executive Vice President. O’Brien has over 20 years of Washington experience, which include positions with the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Manufactured Housing Institute.

Also appointed was Jeffrey Inks as Vice President of Code and Regulatory Affairs, who has held similar positions with the National Association of Home Builders and the Manufactured Housing Institute. Colleen Rocha Levine has been named Director of Legislative Affairs and Grassroots Activities, and has had previous experience with the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Manufacturers. WDMA Vice President of Technical Services, Jeffrey Lowinski, will also continue to play a key role in supporting the association’s advocacy program.

“With the new team in place, WDMA will immediately begin development of its National Policy Agenda and grassroots network, while at the same time our advocacy team will engage policymakers on current and pending issues impacting the industry,” said WDMA President John Stoiber. “This is a new era for the industry in Washington.”

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