Finalists Chosen in U.S. Champion Auto Glass Technician Competition

Champion to Represent U.S. in International Master Fitter Competition in Germany

WASHINGTON, DC, August 10, 2006--The National Glass Association (NGA) has announced the three finalists to compete to be the U.S. Champion Master Auto Glass Technician. The finalists are Jeff Olive of Glasspro, Inc. in Mount Pleasant, SC; Carl Sorrels of Northwest Windshields, Inc. in Walla Walla, WA; and Mark Taylor of Portland Glass in Portland, ME.

The three finalists will compete head to head in an event hosted by NGA on September 8, 2006 in suburban Washington, DC to determine the U.S. Champion. The U.S. Champion will then represent the United States and NGA in the International Master Fitter Competition in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 27-28, 2006 at glasstec 2006. NGA has also announced that it will be taking the champion and the two runner-up finalists to Germany to support the United States in the competition.

"We are looking forward to hosting our own competition right here in suburban Washington, DC--our nation's capital," states Philip J. James, NGA President & CEO. "There's no better place to select our U.S. Champion. We're pleased to bring all three finalists to Germany with us to make sure that our U.S. Champion can feel the support of his country during the competition."

The finalists have all expressed their feeling of honor in having been selected. "I consider it quite an honor to be recognized by NGA as one of the top three auto glass installers in the U.S.," says finalist Jeff Olive. "I'm ecstatic about going to Germany with the possibility of competing in the international competition. I hope to walk away a winner." Finalist Mark Taylor commented, "I'm honored to be chosen a finalist. I'm looking forward to competing for the championship and I'm hoping to better myself in the process." And finalist Carl Sorrels summed up his feelings by saying, "I'm thrilled and honored."

Finalists were chosen from applications submitted to NGA and reviewed by a panel of judges--Gilbert Gutierrez of Equalizer Industries, Inc.; Jay Sampson of Safety Auto Glass; and Leo Cyr, NGA's VP of Auto Glass. Entries were only accepted from auto glass technicians who are NGA Master-Certified. After a pre-screening application was submitted, qualified entrants were then asked a series of questions to determine their technical competency in both replacement and repair and their commitment to safety and training. Competition judges were unanimous in their choice of the top three finalists.

NGA's competition will take place on September 8, 2006 at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, VA. The competition is open to the public. To follow the competition or for more information, visit www.glass.org/cert/mfitter.htm.

About NGA

Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass industry. Based outside Washington, DC, NGA offers certification, education and training, and recently debuted MyGlassClass.com--a state-of-the-art, online training resource. NGA publishes the leading trade magazines--Glass Magazine®, Window & Door®, AutoGlass[tm], and new e-newsletter, e-glass weekly[tm]. NGA currently hosts GlassBuild America®: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO.