Cox Industries has been hard at work with American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education (CE) Classes. These classes are not only an opportunity for Cox to educate architects on our products, but also help architects obtain continuing education credits needed to maintain annual certifications. Cox’s LifePine team, along with partnering vendors, offer opportunities to obtain up to eight Health, Safety and Welfare credits in one sitting at no cost to the architect. Vendors such as Anderson Windows, BlueLinx, Coronado Stone, DOW Chemical, James Hardie, Marvin Windows, Simpson Strong-Tie, and SmartVENT partner with Cox to provide a knowledge mix of high-end, interior and exterior, residential and commercial products. 

Cox’s AIA CE classes started in the Fall of 2008 in Charleston, SC and attracted an average of 10 participants. Over a span of 10 weeks and approximately 600 miles (from southern Mississippi to central North Carolina) classes rapidly grew in participation and in popularity. By the end of December 2008, 113 architects received over 904 continuing education credit hours. Based on current class schedules, Cox projects participation from over 300 architects - totaling 1,500 continuing education credit hours - by May 2009. 

In November 2008, Cox moved all AIA CE classes from third-party meeting areas straight into Cox dealer locations. Ocean Springs Lumber in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was first to open their doors and educate not only architects, but local builders, contractors and interior decorators as well. Fred Moran, owner of Ocean Springs Lumber, was so excited with the results that he scheduled a second class for the spring.

In February 2009, Berlin G. Myers Lumber Corporation in Summerville, SC graciously hosted 30 architects and industry professionals. From morning pancake breakfast to lunch and afternoon anniversary celebration, this educational event proved to be as entertaining as it was informative. Participants experienced first hand the top quality and first class service of this fine dealer.

Cox Industries’ goal in 2009 is to continue creating networking opportunities for our dealers, to meet and establish relationships with local architects, builders and specialty vendors. This AIA program is yet another way for Cox to assist our dealers with education and marketing support.

In addition to classroom opportunities, Cox now offers free online AIA CE courses through www.ronblank.com for Dricon, DuraPine, FrameGuard and LifePine products. For more information on Cox Industries AIA CE Program, contact Kelly Phillips, Cox Industries’ Architect Scheduler at (803) 614-1355 or visit www.coxwood.com.

2009 Spring CE Class Schedule