NASFA's mandate was to enable and encourage the widespread, practical and economic use of-and preference for- steel framing in residential construction. With a small base of members representing the steel industry and operating similar to a product development group, NASFA made significant strides affecting building code changes and standards, developing tools and facilitating several product innovations.

The new SFA is now poised to shift its direction-from development to implementation. To implement these advancements and affect change on a local level, the SFA is engaging everyone involved in, or affected by, the building industry. Operating as a trade association, the Alliance is expanding its member and knowledge base. This is expected to magnetize a diverse group that represents a vertical cross-section of both the steel and construction industries.

"With more participation from the entire market," said Tim Waite, president of Alliance, "we will gain valuable expertise, facilitate a more inclusive approach to bringing steel technology to homebuilding and provide more business and networking opportunities for our members."