FCA was officially created on Jan. 10, 1997 at Chicago’s O’Hare Hilton. The fledgling group of contractors approved articles of incorporation and elected the first FCA board of directors and officers. During the group’s first official board meeting, Bob Swanson was elected as the first President of the Board. During the spring of 1997, FCA’s international office was established in Washington, D.C. and its first executive director was hired. Read on for a full timeline of FCA’s history.

Before FCA
Before FCA, there was no national contractor association that represented the needs of signatory contractors. Another organization also representing non-signatory contractors had a signatory contractors committee, but the committee was not allowed to act on signatory interests alone. It was at that time that signatory contractors understood that they needed national representation. The below timeline is the path FCA took from 1996 to today.
2020
The FCA community met during the 2020 FCA International Leadership Council in San Antonio just before the coronavirus pandemic swept through the world. As contractors adjusted to an ever-changing environment, FCA worked with its legal, legislative and safety teams to provide contractors factual information and resources they needed as they worked during the unprecedented times. FCA developed a comprehensive, customizable COVID-19 exposure control plan for signatory contractors, expanded its toolbox talk library with seven COVID-19-related Toolbox Talks and set up a web page to serve as a resource library. FCA also hosted the first ever GlassCon Global VE, an all new virtual experience that recreated the in-person conference experience online. Additionally, FCA developed its Environmental Control Program.


2018
FCA launched its “Tell Our Story” marketing initiative to better educate contractors on the resources available to them through their international contractor association. FCA also further increased our influence on Capitol Hill by making a workforce pledge in the White House. FCA also provided information and education to contractors regarding their LMCI fund contributions following the IUPAT’s termination of the fund. Additionally, FCA hosted the 2018 International Leadership Council in California, held the third GlassCon Global Conference in Chicago, helped Congressional Representatives draft the GROW Act and organized a special FCA Legislative Fly-In on multiemployer pension reform. Finally, Jerry Haber became the management Co-Chair of the IPAT Pension Fund and Clark Anderson succeeded Mike Cassidy as Chairman of FCA International.


2016
FCA expanded its safety program with the launch of the FCA Toolbox Talk Program, the FCA Safety Helpline, monthly FCA Safety Bulletins and quarterly FCA Safety Webinars. FCA also published its FCA Safety Manual for Ontario. FCA hosted GlassCon Global 2016 in Boston. Additionally, FCA launched its brand new website and launched its Quality Program, which delivered quality manuals to FCA members for free.


2014
FCA hosted the first-ever GlassCon Global Conference in Philadelphia. It also developed the North American Contractor Certification Program for Architectural Glass & Metal. Additionally, FCA moved its international office to Chicago, updated its strategic plan and developed its Trustee Training II program. Finally, after years of effort from FCA and its industry partners, Congress passed the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014.


2012
FCA became an AIA CES Provider and implemented the FCA Sales and Marketing Strategy. The Safety Advisory Committee published the FCA Safety Manual, and FCA published “What Does a Journeyperson Look Like” for each of its trades and distributed to the FTI. FCA also developed SSPC QP Process flowcharts to assist contractors in understanding the process of obtaining SSPC QP 1, QP 2 and QP 9 certifications.


2010
Following the success of the FCA CBA Conference Calls, FCA launched quarterly Trustee Conference Calls. It also launched a new website, purchased a contact management system to enhance member communications and developed the CREST Awards safety program. Finally, FCA promoted Central Region Vice President Anthony Darkangelo to CEO of FCA International.


2008
FCA hired a new CEO and began work on a Labor Productivity Study. It also launched several programs, including a surety bonding program and a sponsorship program. The association also started its glazing advisory committee. Finally, FCA updated its strategic plan and mission statement.


2006
As part of the business plan, FCA staff realigned and expanded to deliver services to Affiliate associations. FCA hired a second regional vice president and a communications director. The association produced a “state of the industry” video and expanded its publications with two new member newsletters. FCA also hosted its first Leadership Council.


2004
The first Mutual Gains Bargaining Seminar was held, and FCA began developing its CBA database. The Board of Directors established the Distinguished Service Award to recognize a member’s outstanding dedication and service to the signatory finishing industry.


2002
FCA hires a new CEO and changes the title of “President” of the board to “Chairman” of the board. FCA launched its monthly legislative/regulatory update newsletter. By the end of the year, FCA had increaed to 27 affiliated associations.


2000
FCA implemented its Strategic Plan to foster more involvement with the IUPAT or International Union of Painters and Trades in developing recruitment and training programs (including supervisory training). FCA also launched its first website.


1998
FCA and its labor partner, the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, held a strategic planning meeting together in January. The association spent the year expanding member services and increasing awareness of FCA benefits through trade show and industry promotions.


1996
At a special meeting of the union contractors, members decided to form a new national organization for contractors signatory with the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. Tim McAnany, NCUC Chairman, asked Robert Swanson to lead the effort.
Guided by General Counsel Bill Ecklund and Bill Grimm (Executive Director of the Minnesota Painting & Wall Covering Employers Association), contractors held an initial organizational meeting in November. They decided upon a name for the organization – The Finishing Contractors Association.
