(source: Chicago Group press release)

The Chicago Auto Glass Group, a not for profit company formed by leading glass professionals from across the United States issued a statement regarding their recent activities.

"The Chicago Group has been working diligently on the testing and validation of our benchmark process. We fully intend to continue our process and urge the industry to support the process," said Wes Topping, the president of CAGG. "We are encouraged by early feedback regarding our test and look forward to presenting an entire solution to the industry as soon as it is available. We feel that it is vital to get a defensible, accurate benchmark into the field and we intend to make that happen as soon as it can be prepared. It is vital that the benchmark we produce holds to the original tenants that we outlined in our white paper. We simply will not cut corners. We feel that the risk in rushing a new solution to the industry is outweighed by the damage that can occur if that solution isn't accurate."

When asked about industry support, Topping said, "We have received overwhelming support through our website and financial commitments from several major industry suppliers. Anyone that is interested in our mission, we encourage to sign up on the website. If they have questions or concerns, they can send an email and get a response, or call a group member. We feel that we have a solution that can be beneficial to the industry as a whole, and still be fair and accurate. If we gain enough industry support, we can make it happen. To date, the range of supporters we have gained - from single store operations to national chains - has been incredible, and has given us a strong indication that we are on the right track."