NIA's October 2020 E-News Bulletin, Issue 2
Honoring the Life of NIA Past President Kenneth M. Spraetz

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of NIA Past President Kenneth M. Spraetz. He passed peacefully in his home, with his family by his side, on October 12, 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He served as the 1995 NIA President. In 1998-1999, NIA presented Ken with the NIA President's Award in recognition of his lifetime achievements. He served Performance Contracting for 38 years and retired as President and CEO. To honor his contributions to PCI, the Kenneth M. Spraetz Distinguished Safety Achievement Award annually recognizes four PCI branches that exemplify the safety-first culture. He was a great leader in our industry and will be missed. NIA will post his full obituary, when released, on our Members News web page

Quick Calendar Reminders  


10/22
to register for NIA's Virtual Fall Summit 

11/13 to confirm eligibility for NIA's Associate (Manufacturer) award

11/16 to promote your company all year long in NIA's Buyer's Guide

12/2 to reserve your 2021 advertising package   

12/31 to renew your company's NIA membership  

Deadline This Thursday: Regular Registration for NIA's Virtual Fall Summit

The countdown is on for NIA's Virtual Fall Summit, which is taking place online November 3-6!

Quick Links & Deadlines

Top Reasons to Register Now
  • Get your name included on the pre-event attendee list to maximize your customer and supplier networking potential.
  • Ensure you have all your committee materials to help you stay on top of your sector.
  • Schedule your meetings and appointments on your calendar to prioritize your business development and your industry.
  • Receive the pre-event attendee email that outlines everything you need to know.
  • Plus, receive a fun goody bag!
Registration for Fall Summit is required to attend any portion of the event, including committee meetings. We look forward to catching up with our members!  
 

More on Fraudulent Phishing Event Emails
 
Recently, several NIA members received a fraudulent phishing email (from Lead Essential), soliciting names and contact information of Fall Summit attendees, and we can assure you that NIA has not partnered with any organization to share attendee information. If you receive an email like this, the best course of action is to block the sender and delete the email from your inbox. NIA's data is secure, and member information is never sold to third parties. Any claims offering to sell NIA membership or event attendee information are scams.   
 
In the previous E-News Bulletin, we shared how NIA has recently partnered with more than 100 associations and organizations to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately address and protect associations and their members from fraudulent event marketing like this.Click here to read the letter to asking the FTC and DOJ to address and combat these deceptive practices. 
Sneak Peek: NIA News

In this issue of NIA News, we are eager to share new details about branching out to reconnect with our members at NIA's Virtual Fall Summit 2020, taking place online November 3-6. Plus, we are proud to introduce our 2020-21 Board of Directors and to continue celebrating our long-standing member companies! We also have more details about our virtual training and certification courses. In addition, get the latest on NIA's Foundation actions on the industry's behalf, the most recent Safety Corner insights from NIA's legal counsel, plus much more.

NIA News has gone digital only so look for your copy in your inbox next week, not your mailbox.

Huge Success! Specifications Course Wildly Popular!

NIA's New Understanding Specifications for Insulation Course 
The 4-hour course helps class participants understand the purpose and complexity of specifications, how they vary between market segments, and how that knowledge can benefit your company.  
 
The first hosted course was sold out and successfully held last week. We are pleased to report that we have received very positive feedback so far with 100% of the survey responses received rating the course as good or excellent! NIA will hold another class in 2021, but if you would like to host your own class, click here or email [email protected].  
NIA Informs:
COVID-19 and Related Information for the Insulation Industry   
 
PPP Loan Forgiveness Simplified Form 
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America's smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Click here to read more.

OSHA State Plan States amid COVID-19
A note from NIA Legal Counsel Gary Auman: If you perform work in an OSHA State Plan state, remember the rules in that state govern the work you perform, even if your company is based in a different State Plan state or a state where safety is governed by federal OSHA. For example, Virginia has adopted a very detailed Emergency Temporary Standard for employee exposures to COVID-19. Click here to read more.
Plan Now for 2021 
 
Insulation Outlook: January issue & 2021 Packages!
Don't miss out! Deadline approaching: Dec. 2, 2020.

NIA 2021 Buyer's Guide
NIA member advertisers will appear 4 times and get 2 full-color logos! The opportunity to showcase your company for a full year ends on Nov. 16, 2020!

We can help you reach your marketing and sales goals. Contact [email protected] for options that fit your business needs.   
Save the Date and Get Certified in 2021!

New Virtual Course Dates Just Announced for February and May 2021
 
NIA's Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification™ course is now a fully virtual 4-day learning experience that educates participants on how to inspect and verify that the materials and the insulation system have been installed in accordance with the mechanical insulation specifications.  

Newly Scheduled 2021 Courses:
  • Feb. 10-11, 2021: Part 1, NIA's Introduction to Mechanical Insulation
  • Feb. 17­-18, 2021: Part 2, NIA's Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification Course
  • Registration Deadline: Jan. 26, 2021
  • May 11-12, 2021: Part 1, NIA's Introduction to Mechanical Insulation
  • May 18­-19, 2021: Part 2, NIA's Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification Course
  • Registration Deadline: Apr. 26, 2021
To become a Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector, class participants must complete both levels and receive a passing grade on the final examination at the end of each level. If you are considering taking the course, we recommend that you consider completing the online Mechanical Insulation E-Learning Series modules, which are a pre-qualification.   

Click here to learn more or email [email protected].

Private Courses Available!
Choose from NIA's courses, including: Introduction to Mechanical Insulation (2-day course), the full Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification (4-day course), and the new Understanding Specifications for Insulation (4-hour course). All courses can be held virtually or at the location of your choice, and you can invite your employees, members, and guests. 
 
Contact [email protected] for pricing and more information.  
Primary Reps: Check Your Email Inbox for Your Company's 2021 Membership Renewal Notification

2021 membership dues renewal invoices have been emailed to primary representatives and are due by Dec. 31, 2020. Please review your invoice and be sure that your payment amount matches your form of payment.

Click here to pay your company's dues online. To take advantage of discounted check prices, please send a check along with a copy of your dues invoice to:
National Insulation Association (NIA)
516 Herndon Parkway, Suite D
Herndon, VA 20170

We thank you for your continued involvement and support of NIA!

Questions? Email [email protected].
You Can't Earn NIA's Premier Industry Manufacturer Award If You Don't Apply!  

Apply by Nov. 13 & Let NIA Track Your Points for the Premier Industry Manufacturer Award

NIA makes it easy to be rewarded for the actions you are already taking! We extended the deadline to Nov. 13 to help encourage participation during this unusual time. Once you turn in your free application, NIA will track your activity points to see if you earned the required level for the award.

Available exclusively to NIA Associate member companies, this program helps them demonstrate that they are recognized leaders. Due to the effects of COVID-19 on our in-person events and training opportunities, we have added additional point opportunities for 2020. Detailed information was sent to Associate member primary representatives.

Product Spotlight:
NIA's On-Demand Training Portal  
Vimeo On-Demand Training Portal
NIA's archived webinars are free for NIA members and can be accessed through NIA's Vimeo on Demand Training Portal. In addition to the free videos found on Vimeo, users can order and stream:
  • The English version of NIA's Mechanical Insulation Installation Video Series;
  • The Spanish version of NIA's Mechanical Insulation Installation Video Series; and
  • The newly updated Fasteners Video.
Note: The pricing that appears on Vimeo On Demand is the non-member pricing, and members receive a significant discount by using their NIA Member Promo Code. Contact  [email protected] to get your promo code.     
 
Key Dates

Nov. 3-6, 2020
Virtual Meeting

Nov. 9, 2020
NIA Executive Committee Meeting (closed)
Virtual Meeting, 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Nov. 10, 2020
NIA Board of Directors and Council of Committees Meeting (closed)
Virtual Meeting, 2:00-5:00 p.m. ET

Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 17­-18, 2021 

Mar. 17-19, 2021 (RESCHEDULE IS PENDING, PLEASE STAY TUNED)
NIA's 66th Annual Convention
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Maui, Hawaii

May 11-12 and May 18­-19, 2021

For more information on NIA events, please email [email protected].

Click here for the NIA Calendar of Events
STAY CONNECTED:
Copyright © 2020 National Insulation Association. All Rights Reserved.  
Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited and would violate NIA's copyright.  
To reprint information, contact the NIA offices.