Storm & Security

IN/BOX continued Wall of Wind Open to Product Testing The Wall of Wind™ at Florida International University, Miami, FL, is working with private industry clients and researchers by providing wind testing for new ideas and products. The 12-fan Wall of Wind is the largest and most powerful university research facility of its kind and is capable of simulating a Category 5 hurricane, the university states. Its calibrated flow management system creates realistic hurricane characteristics with turbulence, gusting and atmospheric boundary layer conditions, it adds. Using wind and wind-driven rain, the Wall of Wind is available to test roofing materials and systems, wall cladding, fenestration products, shelters, building envelop systems, transportation structures, electrical and communications infrastructure and can be used for research in product development. NLBMDA Policy Agenda Focuses on Regulation, Taxes The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has set its federal policy priorities on regulations, sound fiscal guidelines and tax reform. NLBMDA in January released its 2014 National Policy Agenda aiming to revitalize the nation's housing and building industry and to advance pro-growth policies that will strengthen small businesses and protect the many multi-generational family-owned businesses in the industry, it states. "We need policymakers to focus on eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens, creating sound fiscal policies, and reforming our tax code in a way that will aid the economic recovery," said NLBMDA Chair Chris Yenrick, president, Smith Phillips Building Supply, Winston-Salem, NC. "The 2014 NLBMDA National Policy Agenda outlines what our vital small businesses need to boost employment and get our country back on track," he said. NLBMDA's 2014 National Policy Agenda will be distributed to Congress and key administration officials and will be used by NLBMDA members when they visit members of Congress during the NLBMDA Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference March 31 to April 2. The complete policy agenda can be found at NLBMDA's Web site: www.dealer.org. CSU Hurricane Forecasts in Jeopardy The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins, CO, could issue its last Atlantic Basin hurricane forecast in April. In a statement issued December 10, 2013, as part of its discussion of 2014 seasonal activity, the CSU forecast team stated it has lost financial support once obtained through government grants and private sector funding. Unless additional funds are found through sponsorships, the CSU team will suspend forecasts beginning in April. For the past 30 years, the CSU forecasts were developed largely utilizing funding from various government agencies, but recent attempts at obtaining continued grant money have been unsuccessful, it reports. In recent years, funding from several insurance companies enabled the forecasts to continue. However, the CSU team has lost some of its financial support from industry, so new sources of revenue are required to keep the forecasts going. The Tropical Meteorology Project currently is seeking partnerships with the private sector in order to continue issuing its seasonal hurricane forecasts. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be awarded as the grand prize in the 2014 Therma-Tru sweepstakes. Therma-Tru Launches 2014 Unlock the Opportunities Sweepstakes Therma-Tru Corp., Maumee, OH, has begun its 2014 Unlock the Opportunities national sweepstakes for builders, remodelers, dealers and contractors. An online, interactive game, Spot the Difference, is intended as a fun and educational way for the company to introduce new products and to help its customers improve product knowledge and build sales. The Spot the Difference sweepstakes game shows two almost identical Therma-Tru door images and encourages participants to spot the four subtle differences between the two. Scoring is based on the amount of time it takes to complete each game plus the accuracy of answers. Daily and monthly prizes will be awarded as well as high score prizes and a grand prize of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE 2014 / STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION 7

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