Manufacturing associationsManufacturing associations have many similarities to both trade and professional organizations in their drive for education and government advocacy. They are typically a consortium of manufacturers who are dedicated to raising the visibility of their industry and establishing consensus programs to improve overall quality. The Schaumburg, Ill.-based American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) of Reston, Va., the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) of Sumas, Wash., and the Metal Construction Association (MCA) of Glenview, Ill., are just a few of the manufacturing associations that provide, most often at no cost, product-based information to architects.

ASLA 2004 award recipient, Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, TX, the garden wall fountain at night. (Photo: Tim Wight - Peter Walker & Partners)

That's what CSSB provides architects. According to Lynne Christiansen, CSSB Director of Operations, CSSB is a non-profit association that promotes Certi-labelâ„¢ cedar shake and shingle roofing and sidewall products through their network of over 400 member manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, brokers, retailers, associates and approved installers. "Architects can access an entire range of cedar shake and shingle information from our printed literature, educational credit seminars, and online. Even the most unusual questions are welcomed and addressed by field staff with over 100 years of combined experience."

The CSSB has been instrumental in writing and updating grading rules and technical manuals for the industry, encouraging its use in such projects as Camp David, and the Antietam National Battlefield. It functions as the industry champion for State legislative issues, city ordinances and homeowner association issues concerning cedar shake and shingle roofing and siding.

Getting the word out through education is essential to AAMA as well. With almost 70 years of industry experience and an estimated 66 percent of residential products certified through the 43-year-old Gold Label Certification Program, AAMA provides technical expertise and product performance for the residential and commercial fenestration industry. Available on the organization's web site, aamanet.org, its Gold Label Certification Program is fundamental in comparing product performance and determining appropriate product specification based on local code requirements.

Like many associations, the AAMA is broadening its membership to include architects. While membership provides discounts on more than 200 AAMA documents and access to various industry communications, AAMA is dedicated to providing education to all, member or no. Free online courses are available on a dedicated AIA/CES web page within the "architect" section of the association's web site. Currently there are three courses available with at least two more expected this year.