National Associate members are the primary supplier and manufacturing members of the association, which can be found in the CFA’s active Products and Services Directory. The Associate of the Year award honors one of the many National Associate members (a company or an individual) for their commitment to supporting and growing the association. Their efforts are to be recognized in relation to the mission and purpose of the CFA as well as in relation to their presence in the industry. As long as the CFA has been around, there have been numerous manufacturing companies and distributors of high-quality products that have supported association contractors. Beginning in 2015, the CFA Board of Directors has recognized this membership category, honoring such efforts beyond traditional involvement..

The recipient of the 2023 Associate of the Year is Owens Corning Infrastructure Solutions of Toledo, Ohio. Owens Corning has participated thoroughly over the past two years to build the value of Convention and Foundation Contractors’ Night @ The Strat. Their goal has been to make moments with the CFA memorable for all, from the Pink Panther in attendance to the specialty cocktails. Owens Corning has also contributed mightily to major technical efforts the CFA has long advocated for and maintained, such as ACI 332 Residential Code. Through volunteer participation of some of their key staff engineers, Owens Corning has begun to lead the advancing efforts for these codes, thereby advancing the entire industry and not simply focusing on advancement interests of their primary reinforcement product.

“With this award, the Board recognizes the many sponsors and exhibitors that are here,” Baty said. “This association would not be sustainable without our National Associates who continue to do great things behind the scenes as well as bringing a public face to your network. We are proud to therefore recognize the team from Owens Corning for their specific contributions.” Cheryl Whitten represented the Owens Corning in receiving the award, along with Paula Kuntz-Long, Casey Ingle, Jared Honsvick, Jimmy Wear, Savanah Wear, and Jay Pease. “I think the one thing that excites us about this organization is that you guys are excited about innovation,” stated Whitten. “Therefore, we want to invest in you as well as to invest in the CFA.”