The Minnesota Glass Association (MGA) has announced that the glass network it created in conjunction with Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association (see Minnesota Glass Association to Create New Network, Glassbytes March 29, 2004) will officially begin operations on August 2, 2004.

Additionally, the MGA has announced that Mike Schmaltz has been hired as the Glass Network's vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and marketing of the company.

Schmaltz worked for Harmon Glass for 21 years and for Northstar Glass for nine years prior to joining Harmon. He is a founding member of the MGA and has served two stints as treasurer of the MGA and three turns as a member of the board of directors.

The announcements were made in an MGA member update.