result of good practices of precision and recordkeeping demonstrated by the tightly scheduled lab, which contributed to ISO accreditation, and to customer satisfaction. In addition, Bizzaglia was elect- ed chairman of the ISO TC189 Committee. He will succeed the venerable Dr. Svend Hovmand, former president and former chair- man of the board of Crossville, Inc. Hovmand has served and is cur- rently serving on numerous indus- try boards of directors, including those of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, Porcelain Tile Certification Agency, Coverings, and Tile Council of North America. Bizzaglia will become chair on January 1, 2018. Hovmand praised Bizzaglia’s extensive international work expe- rience developing laboratory meth- ods and standards and many roles in the tile industry, which includes experience in manufacturing and nearly 10 years leading TCNA’s lab. “It’s an honor to represent TCNA and serve the industry on this international committee,” Bizzaglia said. “Stepping into this role following Svend will not be easy, but I hope to be up to the challenge.” TCNA works to coordinate Global Lab Network Another aspect of Bizzaglia’s work has been completing sev- eral rounds of conversation regard- ing the assembly of a Global Lab Network. The goals of the Network include establishing standards for precision in test methods among its affili- ates, as well as accepted norms for responsiveness and overall ser- vice, while also providing forums for best practices, problem-solving, and networking, Bizzaglia says. “We feel that intercontinental cooperation will be of great benefit TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TCNA Lab Technicians Nicole Spandley and Damon McDowell testing the shear bond strength of thin-set mortar on the Instron Universal Tester according to the ANSI A118 method, one of the many market-relevant test methods in which the TCNA Lab is ISO17025 accredited. Claudio Bizzaglia, TCNA’s director of Laboratory Services, has been elected to chair ISO’s Technical Committee TC189 beginning January 1, 2018. This commit- tee develops voluntary, consensus-based standards for ceramic tiles and related installation materials, including grouts, adhesives, and membranes. 58 TileLetter | June 2017