"The actions at the recent EIMA 2004 Annual Meeting reflect a new and exciting direction. The reorganization instituted in 2003 has been implemented with significant results. The Board of Directors, in adopting a new Mission Statement directed that specific challenges be addressed and we are entering a worthwhile phase in our industry's history.

"As the industry has evolved, so has EIMA but the primary goal remains the advancement of EIFS through research and dissemination of technical information to the construction industry. For example, the Code committee's efforts through the ICC illustrate how, with open dialogue you can produce worthwhile results. A lot of work remains but we have a good start. The Building Envelope committee is actively involved with a new and exciting testing program on EIFS. Partnering with DOE, we are developing test protocol and list of ‘deliverables' that will demonstrate the valuable aspects of the performance of EIFS. The Statistics committee has developed a procedure and method to collect industry information and is in the process of assembling the final numbers for 2003. The Product Guideline committee has embarked on several issues of interest to the EIFS industry.

"Work is continuing on specific EIFS components like EPS, mesh and trim accessories as well as on performance criteria dealing with impact issues and well as product performance. The Training committee has proposed the development of an AIA Educational program to assist the architect in specifying EIFS that will be offered through our web site. The Design Criteria committee, working through both ASTM and ANSI to double the documents in consideration. Together with the Product Guideline committee, we now are working on 14 different documents that will assist in delivering EIFS to the construction industry.

"The construction industry now recognizes that good design and construction practices, by all parties, coupled with compliance with prevailing codes, will have a positive impact. The recognition of the importance of the entire wall assembly, with its many components, will only be enhanced by the valuable work that has been started."