Industry Initiatives

With an eye on the future, AEC represents the interests of its members to regulatory, code, and standard-setting bodies. As appropriate, AEC serves as an advocate on behalf of its members and may form task forces to address relevant concerns.

One such example is the Fair Trade Initiative campaign. AEC has led the U.S. aluminum extrusion industry in achieving level competition by winning tariff protection that offsets unfair trade practices of extruders/importers of aluminum profiles produced in China. Our efforts have been of enormous value to domestic extruders and suppliers. This effort is ongoing and will continue to be defended so long as there is industry support.

Another such example is the Keep Aluminum Windows (KAW) campaign, whose mission is simple-to keep aluminum windows as a viable and preferred component within the residential and commercial construction markets. As a battle whose front is continuously challenged, significant time, money, and energy continues to pour into this aggressive advocacy program fueled with proactive initiatives and constant vigilance.

AEC also has memberships with, representatives to, and maintains active involvement with industry-critical organizations, ultimately giving members a voice and keeping AEC apprised of a multitude of issues. Such organizations include, among others:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• ASTM International
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

The Council also closely monitors the activities and participates in public forums of such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE).