First analysis of Insulated Concrete Forms and wood walls shows major energy savings from ICF. Omaha, Nebraska - March 30, 2017 - Fox Blocks, as part of the Insulated Concrete Form Manufacturers Association, supported an independent study by CLEB Laboratory that revealed superior insulating value and energy savings in testing comparisons of a typical 6-inch (150 mm) ICF wall over a 2x6 wood framed wall. CLEB Laboratory conducted whole-wall thermal studies comparing 6-inch (150 mm) thick wall assemblies made with ICF and wood. They evaluated their findings against U.S. and Canadian codes, both of which revealed higher thermal insulating properties and energy saving capabilities from ICF wall assemblies over traditional wood wall assemblies. An improvement in R value and energy savings with ICF over wood frame construction were reported based on North American climate zones and other conditions. The full report is available at: www.icf-ma.org/thermalstudy “Fox Blocks is pleased to support the ICF Manufacturers Association in this first of many CLEB Laboratory analysis of ICF. We can scientifically quantify benefits that our customers have experienced for many years,” says Mike Kennaw, Vice President of Fox Blocks. “This study, funded by the united ICF market shows that we are growing as an industry and together will bring thermal benefits, and many other benefits of Insulated Concrete Forms, to North American building owners.” Kennaw noted that this first in a series of CLEB Laboratory studies for the ICF Manufacturers Association comparing full wall assemblies of a traditional 2 x 6 insulated wood frame wall to a standard ICF with a 6-inch core. Previous ICF tests were based on limited field comparisons or thermographic computer modeling. “Even though ICF has been around for decades, this type of formal analysis will help building owners feel more comfortable with the ICF approach compared to stick frame construction,” Kennaw said. The study was SCC & IAC accredited and used ASTM testing procedures as it confirmed measurable energy savings from the continuous interior and exterior insulation surrounding the concrete wall thermal mass. The study investigated heat flow, surface temperatures, surface conductance and other thermal conditions. CLEB Laboratory concluded that up to $140 - $190 per month could be saved in extreme cold conditions (-30°F) using ICF instead of traditional wood frame construction. “We look forward to getting the word out about this breakthrough study, supporting future studies and working in other ways with ICFMA members to promote the many benefits of building with Insulated Concrete Forms,” said Kennaw. About Fox Blocks: Fox Blocks Insulating Concrete Form Wall Systems provide an extremely energy efficient building envelope offering superior strength, sound, air quality, and well insulated walls. Fox Blocks ICF building blocks is a division of Airlite Plastics Company. www.FoxBlocks.com About CLEB Laboratory: CLEB is based in Montreal, Canada with offices in New York and elsewhere. It includes consulting offices and a test laboratory offering a range of expertise, testing, and quality control. About the ICFMA: The Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association is the North American, non-profit trade associations for the Insulated Concrete Form industry. It was founded in 2014 to improve the quality and acceptance of Insulated Concrete Form construction.

Hands-on training and CEU’s among many benefits of conference Columbia, MD (March 29, 2017)—Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. invites professionals, educators and students in the AEC, landscape and entertainment industries to attend the third annual Vectorworks Design Summit from September 18 to 20, 2017 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel in MD. The conference includes three days of industry sessions, tech support, networking events and inspiring keynotes, as well as hands-on training opportunities to arm designers with the resources to improve their company’s bottom line. “The Vectorworks Design Summit is the most efficient and cost-effective way to obtain software training,” said Nicole Davison, vice president of sales at Vectorworks. “Based on feedback from our community of designers, this year’s event boasts even more lab-style training sessions and one-on-one tech support, along with multiple accredited speaking sessions by industry thought leaders. We’re always looking for more opportunities to make designers’ jobs easier and help them grow their skills.” The agenda includes plenty of networking events, like the exhibitor happy hour and the Customer Appreciation Dinner, as well as all the lunches and breaks between sessions. In addition, there will be two keynotes and more than 30 sessions led by industry experts, like Greg Henderson, founder of Arx Pax Labs, Inc.; Steve Shelley, president of Field Template LLC; Bryan Goff, director of design + sciences at Grey Leaf Design, Inc.; and Todd McCurdy, vice president at Huitt-Zollars. Session and training topics span a variety of areas, including: the basics of building information modeling (BIM), moving from 2D to 3D modeling, water-efficient landscape design, working with DWG files, graphical scripting, event design and more; multiple sessions will offer continuing education credits. Last year's Design Summit received high marks from attendees, such as Chris Burgin of Axxis Inc., who said his favorite part of the Design Summit was, “learning tips to make my workflow faster, learning about upcoming and new features and meeting other people who are excited about Vectorworks.” Registration and other pricing details below: • Now until May 31, attendees can save $200 and register for $499, as well as take advantage of discounted rooms at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, the conference’s headquarters, for $199 per night. • Until April 30, there is a buy one, get one free special on registration. • From May 31 until August 8, admission for the event will increase to $599, and room rates will be $222 per night. • Post-August 9, registration will cost $699 with room rates at $222 per night. • As part of Vectorworks’ commitment to supporting the academic community, students and professors can register from now until May 31 for just $49, or at any time after for $99. To see the full list of sessions and to register, please visit vectorworks.net/design-summit. Press can register for free by emailing Vectorworks' Communications Manager Lauren Meyer at Lmeyer@vectorworks.net. Join the Summit conversation by following and engaging with #VectorworksDesignSummit.

Hanover, Md., March 21, 2017 - James D. Hussin, P.E., M.ASCE is the recipient of the Wallace Hayward Baker Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers' Geo-Institute. The award was presented by Garry H. Gregory, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, president of the Geo-Institute, on March 13, 2017 at the Geo-Frontiers 2017 conference in Orlando, Fla. In receiving the career award, Hussin was cited for his "extraordinary contributions to the ground improvement industry through development of soil mixing technologies and the creative application of Vibro ground improvement" in the North American construction industry. Hussin has more than 35 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and construction. He joined Hayward Baker Inc. in 1984 as a senior project engineer and in 1992 became chief engineer in the company's office in Tampa, Fla. In 2002, Hussin was appointed a director at Hayward Baker Inc., and in 2015 he was named a director at Keller Foundations LLC, Hayward Baker's parent company. Hussin has participated in some of the largest and most challenging ground improvement projects in the United States, often involving multiple techniques. Among them are ground improvement for the Steel Creek Dam at the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina, the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Georgia, the LNG Import Terminal in Puerto Rico, U.S. Highway 1 at Jewfish Creek near Key Largo, Fla., the Wando Terminal in South Carolina, several Cape Canaveral Airforce Station launch pads, and the Herbert Hoover Dike in Florida Hussin's work has made a significant contribution to the practical design and construction of many types of ground modification systems. He is the author of more than 20 published papers pertaining to ground improvement, grouting and geotechnical engineering. The Wallace Hayward Baker Award was established in 2000 by the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The award is given in recognition of creative and innovative contributions in the field of ground modification. Emphasis is placed on the resourceful development of new technologies – or the creative application of existing technologies – to achieve performance not previously demonstrated in the ground modification field. Commenting on the award announcement, John Rubright, president of Keller North America stated, "We are delighted that the Geo-Institute has recognized Jim's expertise and outstanding contributions to the ground improvement field. Through his efforts, ground improvement technologies have made great strides in the United States in terms of their practical application." Hussin is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), International Society for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (ISSMFE), the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), among others. He has been very active in the ASCE, serving as a counselor for the ASCE Technical Coordination Council representing the National Soil Improvement Committee, Grouting Committee and Deep Soil Mixing Task Force. Hussin is also a past chairman of the ASCE National Technical Committee on Soil Improvement. About ASCE and the Geo-Institute Established in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers is America's oldest national engineering society. It represents more than 40,000 members of the civil engineering profession. The society's mission is to "provide essential value to ASCE members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good." ASCE members hold a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited civil engineering program, are licensed professional engineers, or have a minimum of five year's responsible charge of engineering experience. The Geo-Institute was established in 1996 and is one of ASCE's eight institutes. Its members include scientists, engineers, technologists and organizations interested in improving the environment, mitigating natural hazards, and economically constructing engineered facilities. Its award programs, including the Wallace Hayward Baker Award, offer members opportunities to be recognized for their contribution to the geotechnical profession. About Hayward Baker Inc. Hayward Baker is North America's leader in geotechnical construction, annually ranked by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine #1 in foundation construction. With a more than 60-year record of experience, Hayward Baker offers geotechnical construction technologies through a network of more than 30 company-owned offices and equipment yards across the continent. Project applications include foundation support, settlement control, site improvement, slope stabilization, underpinning, excavation shoring, earth retention, seismic/liquefaction mitigation, ground water control, and environmental remediation.

There are several strong reasons to consider having railings for your home custom-made. The first is appearance. Custom-made railings from AGS will look better on your home than stock railings purchased from a retail supplier. They will fit your home more precisely, they will get you more compliments, last longer, require less work to install and be easier to maintain in the coming years. Imagine how gorgeous your home or office will look with new custom-made railings from AGS Stainless!

Service Pack 3 includes several performance updates Columbia, Md. (March 21, 2017)—Today, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. announces the Service Pack 3 (SP3) release for the 2017 line of products, which include Vectorworks® Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Designer and Vision. “Vectorworks 2017 was a monumental release for us, but we haven’t stopped working to make it the best design software available,” said Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar. “This feature-heavy Service Pack 3 update reinforces our mission to develop user-friendly and adaptable software that achieves high-quality performance for the ever-changing needs of today’s professional design firms. What’s more, our service packs are a free added benefit to all customers.” SERVICE PACK 3 UPDATES IN VECTORWORKS 2017 The new productivity and performance enhancements in the SP3 release include the following: • For a more productive 3D workflow and faster navigation, designers will benefit from improved capability with 3Dconnexion’s 3D mouse. Designers can make use of the 3D mouse and design with two hands for better workflow customization. Functionality on the Mac now aligns with that of Windows. • Providing a greater level of control and consistency on Open BIM projects, the new IFC Data Mappings command ensures that IFC has been mapped before exporting to a BIM model. • More than 13 times as many high-quality 3D plants from VBvisual are now available by default, at the time of use, enabling more efficient workflows and offering improved visualizations. • With IFC symbol import, it’s now possible to instance symbol data, which reduces file import time and file size, therefore improving the overall file performance. • When exporting sheet layers to DWG, only the visible objects are exported. This significantly improves the file size when exporting a small, cropped viewport from a large file. • Overall performance improvements include but are not limited to the Vectorworks Graphics Module (VGM), structural member object, viewport data visualization and BCF Manager. SERVICE PACK 3 UPDATES IN VISION 2017 Since acquiring what was previously known as ESP Vision, Vectorworks has been committed to the continued development and improved performance of the Vision previsualization software. To this end, the Vision 2017 Service Pack 3 received performance improvements, notably to rendering quality and speed. “I must say, improvements are noticeable and as a customer that makes me happy,” said Gaspar Potcnik, a Vectorworks user, acknowledging the Vision updates. “The new render is much more user friendly.” Other new Vision updates with SP3 include: • The new Export Video command allows designers to render out a movie of the currently rendered scene as a video file for improved sharing of design ideas with clients and colleagues • Significantly faster file loading time • Video capture devices can easily be customized for screen displays • More realistic textured objects Current Vectorworks users can apply Service Pack 3 updates by running the “Check for Updates” command, and those purchasing a Vectorworks 2017 license after the Service Pack 3 release should double check that it was downloaded. Vision users can obtain the links to download Service Pack 3 updates by visiting the tech bulletin. To learn more about Vectorworks 2017 software, click “READ MORE”.

See us at Booth #305 and learn how VaproShield Membranes are ideally suited for modular factory installation. March 17-20, J.W. Marriott of Tucson, AZ. Visit Booth 309 on March 28-30 at the Oregon Convention Center to see how VaproShield membranes are the perfect WRB / Air-Barrier's for Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT.) Come to Booth 441 and learn why VaproShield membranes are the ideal WRB/Air barrier for in all settings-especially pre-panel manufacturing and fabricating.

TEMPE, March 10, 2017- It's never a boring day when you work at Meltdown Glass Art & Design. This Monday, employees created a new linear texture that would attract various clients. “We wanted to appeal to modern designers who still have a love for organic nature-inspired designs.” The texture, recently named Coastal, was created by hand at their Arizona based factory. It can be used in kiln-fired glass installations ranging from large monolithic feature walls, privacy partitions, counter and tabletops, signage, doors, cabinets, water features, and more. Meltdown Glass creates panels as large as 90” x 150” and that range in 1/4” to 3” in thicknesses. Visit the website at www.meltdownglass.com to see hundreds of their decorative glass installations. About Meltdown Glass: Started in 1993 by glass artist BJ Katz, Meltdown Glass has grown to become one of America's pre-eminent glass art studios as well as a leading manufacturer of kiln-cast glass for architecture, interiors and fine art. Meltdown Glass fabricates specialty glass orders that are installed all over the country for a diverse client base. For more information about the company, please visit www.meltdownglass.com.

Hampshire, IL – HRM 714 from W. R. MEADOWS is hot-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane that is comprised of 100% solids blend of asphalts, synthetic rubber polymers, and filler formulated to provide toughness with flexibility and low moisture vapor permeance. HRM 714 is hot-applied to form a continuous elastomeric membrane. It is ideal for waterproofing bridge, parking, plaza, or promenade decks; tunnels; pedestrian concourses; and similar types of construction where a monolithic waterproofing membrane is desirable. "HRM 714 hot applied waterproofing membrane provides W. R. MEADOWS with a hot applied option for waterproofing to complement our line of waterproofing materials, allowing us to be a single source manufacturer for all types of waterproofing applications. It provides both liquid and water vapor protection along with possessing great flexibility and long term durability," said Russ Snow, Building Science Specialist at W. R. MEADOWS. HRM 714 comes in a 50 Lb. (22.7 kg) carton in the form of two 25 lb. buns. Newly available is a cured sample that shows the toughness and flexibility of the product after application. For more information on HRM 714, and to request promotional materials and samples, call (847) 214-2100, email info@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.

Hanover, Md., March 9, 2017 – Hayward Baker Inc. (HBI), North America‘s leader in geotechnical construction, is pleased to report that John R. Wolosick, P.E., D.G.E., has received an Engineer of the Year in Industry Award from the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers. The award was part of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia’s inaugural Georgia Engineering Awards event held on February 25, 2017 celebrating the state‘s exceptional engineers, engineering projects and industry achievements. More than 400 attendees were present at the awards event. Wolosick‘s award covered one of nine engineering categories for which awards were given (Industry), and there were also 14 State and Honor Awards given to engineering companies based on noteworthy projects completed across seven categories. Wolosick is the director of engineering at Hayward Baker‘s Atlanta office, where he is responsible for engineering design and business development support for HBI‘s offices nationwide. With 37 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and contracting, Wolosick specializes in slope stabilization, support of excavation, soil nailing, micropile foundations including underpinning, and all types of grouting. He holds his B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a registered professional engineer in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Highly active in the construction engineering field, Wolosick is the immediate past president of the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), an international association of more over 3,300 contractors, engineers, suppliers, academics and owners in the deep foundations industry. In addition to having served as president and trustee at DFI, Wolosick is a member of the ASCE Earth Retaining Structures Committee. He is a former co-chair of the ADSC/DFI Micropile Committee (2004-2007), and chair of the ASCE/Geo-Institute of Georgia Geotechnical Committee (2003-2005). Wolosick is also the author of more than 35 technical papers and is the recipient of the 2008 ASCE/Geo-Institute Martin S. Kapp Foundation Engineering Award. Commenting on the receipt of his award, John Wolosick stated, "I am deeply honored to be recognized by my peers with this award. My career has been a lot of fun. One of my mentors, George Sowers, often said that if you aren’t having fun at work, find something else to do!" John Wolosick is based in Hayward Baker’s Atlanta office. He can be reached at 770-442-1801 or jrwolosick@haywardbaker.com. About the Georgia Engineering Awards Debuting in 2017, the Georgia Engineering Awards celebrate the state’s exceptional engineers, engineering projects and industry achievements. The awards program is hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE), with the support of the nine other associations that comprise the Georgia Engineering Alliance: American Society of Civil Engineers - Georgia Section American Society of Highway Engineers - Georgia Chapter Georgia Engineering Foundation Institute of Transportation Engineers - Georgia Section Intelligent Transportation Society of Georgia Society of American Military Engineers - Atlanta Post Society for Marketing Professional Services - Atlanta Structural Engineers Association of Georgia Women’s Transportation Seminar - Atlanta Chapter About Hayward Baker Inc. Hayward Baker [www.haywardbaker.com] is North America‘s leader in geotechnical construction, annually ranked by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine #1 in foundation construction. With a more than 60-year record of experience, Hayward Baker offers geotechnical construction technologies through a network of more than 30 company-owned offices and equipment yards across the continent. Project applications include foundation support, settlement control, site improvement, slope stabilization, underpinning, excavation shoring, earth retention, seismic/liquefaction mitigation, ground water control, and environmental remediation. Hayward Baker Inc. is part of the Keller Group of companies, a multinational organization providing geotechnical construction services throughout the world.

Redefining the Industry Standard Tucson, Arizona, January 1, 2017 - Ascension, the manufacturer of the globally circulated Protégé and Virtuoso wheelchair lifts, has unveiled their latest platform lift, the Clarity 16E. The Clarity 16E was conceived to support organizations placing a premium on patron dignity and visual appeal to do so without sacrificing safety, reliability or performance. Accordingly, the Clarity 16E offers a unique combination of rise capability, space economy, ADA-compliance, and modern aesthetic. Designed with flexibility in mind, the Clarity 16E is capable of providing access for elevation changes between 3' and 14'. In addition, the footprint of the Clarity 16E is 48” wide by 67” deep, making it the narrowest lift suitable for public facilities currently available on the market. Thus, the Clarity 16E is suitable for a range of locations, from K-12 schools and universities to high-end businesses, theaters, and retail stores. Merging unparalleled safety with uncompromising image, the Clarity 16E is fully enclosed, yet provides three sides of unimpaired visibility via transparent high-impact acrylic windows. To achieve this combination, the machinery cabinet is uniquely located on the landing side of the lift. Furthermore, underlying the Clarity16E's modern aesthetic is a full complement of ADA-compliant features, including non-slip flooring, an illuminated handrail, and a flush, non-pinch machinery cabinet. The Clarity 16E also features a ground-level platform that removes the need for an entry ramp or installation pit; a feature that makes the lift an ideal solution for renovations and new structures alike. Finally, the Clarity 16E features the industry’s only 20-year warranty. Appearing at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conference this April, Ascension representatives and technicians will be on hand to discuss this latest innovation, as well as prior design achievements, and how they benefit modern architectural thought and design. Ascension representatives will be at booth 1224. For information regarding any Ascension product please visit the Ascension website. To contact a sales or technical representative directly, please call Ascension at 520-881-3993, or toll free at 800-459-0400. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST).

Vectorworks wins CAD software category Columbia, Md. (Monday, March 6, 2017)—Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. congratulates its Japanese distributor A&A Co., Ltd for receiving a BCN AWARD 2017. Winning the CAD software category, A&A received the honor due to its 32 percent Japanese market share, making Vectorworks software the bestselling CAD solution in Japanese electronics retail stores. As the market leader, Vectorworks beat out software providers Phototron Limited (24.3 percent market share) and Lilac System Inc. (21.8 percent market share). Market share is based on statistics accumulated from 2,614 stores providing sales reports to BCN Co., Ltd., the organizer of the BCN AWARD. Now in its 18th year, the BCN AWARD collects the sales data of major domestic electric appliance mass merchandisers, personal computer specialty shops and net shops in Japan. Based off these numbers, the awards recognize manufacturers with the highest total annual sales volume. “This is an incredible honor for A&A, and it’s quite the accomplishment for them to win this award in the highly competitive Japanese market. We sincerely thank all A&A employees for their hard work and dedication, resulting in this tremendous success,” said Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar. “We will continue developing the robust Vectorworks product line to further empower our distributors to lead the market and enable today’s designers to create unmatched experiences.” This year, 58 product provider companies received prizes in 121 different categories, with a range of software categories such as Business software, Communications software and Education/learning software. This marks the seventh year that A&A was recognized with a BCN AWARD, winning third place in 2012 and second place from 2013 to 2016. “It is a great honor to receive a BCN AWARD. It reaffirms that architects and designers highly appreciate the creative design features in the Vectorworks series, which led to us receiving this award,” said Eiichi Kawase, president of A&A Co., Ltd., during the awards ceremony. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the customers and dealers who have given us support and patronage. We will continue to make efforts to provide more attractive products and services in the future.”

Ready to take a 6,000-year-old design process into the 21st century? Artaic and Bostik have paved the way for today's mosaic design to reach beyond the threshold of tomorrow using proprietary robots, and the world's most decorative, high-performance grout. They are co-hosting a FREE event, and YOU are cordially invited. Microsoft - Global Flagship store Thursday, March 23rd Doors at 6:00pm Workshop: 6:30 - 9:00pm Cocktails: 9:00pm - 11:00pm Microsoft Store 677 Fifth Avenue, NYC The night will feature a hands-on tutorial regarding Artaic's mosaic software, Tylist™, details on how Bostik's Dimension® RapidCure™ Glass-Filled, Pre-Mixed, Urethane Grout can enhance any mosaic and information on how you can enter the Design 'N Gather 2017 mosaic design competition. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at a bar, following the workshop. On top of all that, by attending this event, you could win a Microsoft Tablet!