The following information was published in the IGA e-mail newsletter, the Beacon Bulletin:

The board of directors of the Independent Glass Association (IGA) has issued a clarification concerning its position on windshield repair.

"Windshield repair is a very active and vital technology used by many of our members in the auto glass business. There has been so much discussion about the IGA's position on windshield repair that we are clarifying it," said association president Kurt Muller.

"The board does not intend to pursue any further action or discussion of the efficacy of windshield repair. Our original concerns revolved around consumer safety. Upon our review we have seen no evidence of repair as a safety issue and will not pursue the matter until or unless such safety issues become evident," said IGA Board member Dave Zoldowski. "Unfortunately, this issue became 'larger than life, and a good deal of inaccurate and misinformation was spread. Up to 75% of our members do windshield repair, and we need to acknowledge that we are all working in the same industry battling common problems.

"Our singular focus is the future of all independent auto glass businesses in this country," said Muller. "We believe illegal steering will totally destroy the whole industry, both repair and replacement, if it is not stopped."

Muller said work on a major lawsuit against illegal network steering is in the works. "Steering affects the entire industry - both repair and replacement companies - and it we need to be united in our work to bring this issue into the courts and let a federal judge decide if these practices are fair and legal."

The IGA is the country's largest association of auto glass companies, representing nearly $10 billion in auto glass sales per year. Its members are local and regional glass companies that subscribe to the highest tenants of safety and ethics.