"We exist to elevate the standards and make sure that we are providing the tools and resources for fabricators to be successful in their businesses, but also advocate on their behalf," said Weber. "I don't want it to be misleading that we're just representing our membership. We're not. We're representing the community as a whole."

Weber brings 26 years of experience in trade association management, with a background in construction-related organizations, ANSI standards development and apprenticeship programs. She was part of the first-ever OSHA alliance and has managed significant organizational change efforts throughout her career.

The organization's annual conference, held earlier this fall, saw what Weber described as the highest attendance ever for its annual general membership meeting. The event featured the presentation of a strategic plan covering 2026 to 2028, along with speaker sessions, tabletop exhibits and an awards ceremony.

Among the most significant plans for 2026, ISFA intends to hire three new staff members. One position will focus specifically on regulatory health and safety, with the goal of creating a fabrication shop standard that could eventually be endorsed through the ANSI developer process.

"The government really doesn't have the resources to do the oversight that the manufacturers and our supporters are asking them," said Weber. "And we need to do that as an industry. So we need to come together."

The initiative comes as a direct response to California's SB 20 and broader concerns about silica safety in fabrication shops. ISFA plans to take its message on the road, visiting 10 cities in 2026 with representatives from its OSHA alliance to discuss silica safety, compliance challenges and opportunities under current legislation.

On the technology and engagement front, ISFA is launching the ISFA Connect app, a community platform that will allow fabricators to communicate with one another in real time across the country. The organization is also investing in Spanish translation equipment to ensure all safety and training programming is accessible to Spanish-speaking workers.

A key component of the 2026 plan is the development of a shop accreditation program. Once the fabrication shop standard is developed, ISFA will implement an accreditation process in which the association serves as a third-party validator.

"You have different levels of membership," said Weber. "You have ones that have been accredited. And then you have ones that have this learning period, and we give them the tools and we help them to get into compliance."

ISFA is also working with a national health organization to address challenges surrounding the medical surveillance requirement of the silica standard. The organization recently rebranded its training platform as ISFA Academy, formerly known as Ving, which will support apprenticeship programs and accredited certifications.

Weber said the organization plans to apply for ANSI developer status, which she called a significant milestone. ISFA currently has two standards related to quartz and solid surface equipment, but neither has been endorsed through the ANSI process. Both will be updated, and a third standard focused on fabrication shop guidelines will also go through the formal endorsement process.

Perhaps the most notable new initiative is the formation of the American Countertop Manufacturers Council. The council will operate as an independent entity, with ISFA serving as its secretary. It is designed to capture industry consensus on outstanding issues and facilitate advocacy efforts.

"ISFA really doesn't have a stance. Our members may. And so that's where ACMC comes in," said Weber. "The council itself will decide if we need advocacy and who that lobbyist advocacy group will be."

The ACMC is expected to launch by the end of December. Participation does not require ISFA membership, but applicants must be fabrication shops. A $250 fee will apply, and ISFA members can also apply to join.

Weber emphasized that ISFA's goal is not to work in isolation. She said the organization is actively seeking partnerships with groups including NSI, the Artisan Group, All Slab, SFA and other industry organizations.

"We don't have any competitors. We just really want to have a voice," said Weber. "How do we do that together so it's not so fragmented anymore?"

Looking ahead to 2027, Weber said the plan calls for adding four more staff members to support shop verification efforts and continued growth.

Fabricators interested in learning more about ISFA or getting involved can visit isfanow.org or contact the organization at info@isfanow.org. Weber encouraged those interested to connect with current board members, who can provide firsthand perspective on the organization's direction.

"We need committee members. We need shops that we can tour to see what a good shop is," said Weber. "There's many ways to get involved. It's not just becoming a member."