March 2019

Welcome

Welcome to the MN Glass Association's quarterly eNewsletter. Stay current with industry news. We invite our members to participate by sending in articles, release company announcements, post non-MGA events at no charge within this publication for others in the industry to see. We also invite our members and non-members to advertise within (see below for rates). This publication goes out to just over 1,000 people in the glass industry. Please send to: Info@mnglass.org and it will be included in the next electronic newsletter. 

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President's Report

Hello MGA members and affiliates,

My name is Todd Hanson with PGW Autoglass.  I am proud to serve as the 2019 President of the Minnesota Glass Association.  First I would like to thank you for the continued support from our regular and affiliate members.  We want to continue to grow in 2019 to insure the Association remains strong and in place for years to come.  

There has been a lot of activity over the last year. The MGA has a voice at the Capitol and, with 40+ years, our voice carries weight.  The MGA is in place to protect both the Auto and Flat glass industries.  We don’t know what the future holds, but by strengthening this Association, we know that whatever does come we will not be alone in the fight.  See an article below from our Lobbyist. I look forward to seeing you at our events over the next year.  Let’s make 2019 a great year for the MGA.

Again, thank you for all your support. Wishing you all the very best in 2019,

Todd Hanson
MGA President
PGW Autoglass

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Calendar of Events

March 12: Financial / Strategic Planning. This is hosted by The Minnesota Subcontractors Association. CLICK HERE for details and to register (you will be re-routed to the MSA website to register).

April 4: Recalibration Demo. CLICK HERE for details and to register.

May 1: Viracon Tour. CLICK HERE for details and to register.

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New Members Spotllight

Architectural & Design Elements

Lynne (Webber) Mitchell is the principal of  A+D Elements:  a collection of contemporary, sophisticated tables,   seating and architectural products.

Trustworthy Glass

Trustworthy Glass is a family owned and operated full-service glass company. They provide services in the twin cities and surrounding suburbs. They supply and install all forms of glass products.

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Industry News

Capitol Update Report      

By Sarah Psick, MGA Lobbyist

MGA Legislative Update

February 2019 

The 2019 Legislative Session started with a bang and has been off to a quick pace.  In January, newly elected Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) took the oath of office and moved into the Capitol.  At the same time, a new DFL majority took control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, with many new members and the appointment of a new slate of committee chairs.  Since the full Minnesota Senate was not up for election in November, Republicans continue to hold a majority in that body. 

Along with new Legislative leaders, Governor Walz had the responsibility to new appoint state agency commissioners.  Of particular interest to the Minnesota Glass Association, Governor Walz has appointed Steve Kelley to head the Minnesota Department of Commerce.  Most recently Commissioner Kelley was a senior fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.  Prior to that, he served 10 years in the Minnesota Senate and four years in the Minnesota House of Representatives.  In the Legislature, Commissioner Kelley served on committees dealing with energy and was one of the leading experts on telecommunications policy.  He also worked on issues relating to energy and environmental policy.  He also practiced commercial litigation in a Minneapolis law firm, representing plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving securities fraud, accounting malpractice and other financial transactions.  In addition, Fred Andersen is serving as Acting Deputy Commissioner of Insurance.  And, Marty Fleischhacker continues as Assistance Commissioner of the Enforcement Division. 

On behalf of the Minnesota Glass Association, we are supporting two bills sponsored by the Minnesota Subcontractors Association.  The first bill, HF 878/SF 947, address the practice of “retainage” on a work project.  The bill would require that subcontractors be paid within 30 days after work has been completed, who to contact if not paid, and ensures that the retained funds are being held safely.  The second bill, HF 879/SF 948, ends the “duty to defend” which will prohibit contracts that require subcontractors to pay legal fees of a negligent contractor.  An action alert was recently sent out to MGA members working in this area, urging you to contact members of the House Labor Committee. 

We also continue to keep a close watch on legislative activities and bill introductions for any objectionable legislation.  We know the Insurance Federation of Minnesota has indicated they would like to pursue legislation relating to arbitration, repair vs replacement of auto glass, auto glass replacement rates, and other issues.   As they say, whenever the legislature is in town – no one (or industry) is completely safe!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sarah Psick, MGA Lobbyist

Psick Capitol Solutions

spsick@psickcapitolsolutions.com

MGA Advertising and Specifications 

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Board of Directors

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