TIAC and Provincial Associations – the benefits of membership

Brad Haysom, Tight 5 Insulation, is the TIAC board liaison for the BCICA. He fulfills the role by attending TIAC events and reporting back to the provincial association on progress, initiatives, and changes happening at the national level. “My job is to attend meetings with TIAC as the BCICA representative and share how we do things in BC,” Haysom says. “I also learn how things are done in other regions of Canada and bring that information and suggestions back to the BCICA.” 

Haysom says this is one important benefit of being a TIAC member—the ability to network with and learn from members in other regions and share ideas. “Provincial associations pay into TIAC, so every BCICA member, for example, is also a TIAC member,” he says. “That means any member has access to the benefits of TIAC membership. They just need to reach out and take advantage of what TIAC has to offer.”

TIAC serves as a unified voice for the thermal insulation industry at the national level, says Tristan Bertram, director of industry affairs for TIAC. “Provincial associations benefit from having a strong advocate representing their interests in government, specification, and industry matters.” 

TIAC offers access to industry-specific information and resources, such as the North

American Commercial and Industrial Insulation Standards Manual (NACIIS), and training programs that help enhance the skills and knowledge of members. TIAC members have full member access to a vast array of training programs offered by the US-based National Insulation Association (NIA).

TIAC's collaboration with NIA also extends provincial associations’ reach beyond provincial borders, connecting them with a wider North American network of insulation professionals.

“TIAC also engages in advocacy and lobbying efforts to influence policies and programs that impact the thermal insulation industry,” Bertram says. “One example is TIAC’s past influence on the National Building Code.

TIAC facilitates a Technical Committee that can provide technical support and expertise on insulation-related issues, and affiliated provincial associations can collaborate with TIAC on various projects, such as research studies, awareness campaigns, and industry events, which can enhance their influence and reach.

“The TIAC Times is another benefit, offering provincial associations a unique opportunity to gain industry recognition and enhance their marketing efforts,” Bertram says. “With the option to contribute articles at no cost, provincial associations can showcase their expertise and accomplishments, bolstering their visibility and credibility within the thermal insulation community.”