>>SPFA Technical Director Speaks at IBS Session on Insulation
SPFA's Technical Director Dr. Richard S. Duncan was one of the speakers at a session at IBS 2015, the NAHB International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Along with C.R. Herro of Meritage Homes and Martins Pecholcs of Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Duncan discussed the topic "Insulation: From Spec Through Inspection, Steps to a Versatile High Performance Solution" on Jan. 20. The moderator was Justin Koscher of the American Chemistry Council and Spray Foam Coalition. Read more here.
>>California DTSC Corrects Misinformation About SPF
SPFA Pleased with Corrections, but Continues to Represent Industry in the Fight to De-list the Product Completely from the Agency Process Aimed at Potential Product Regulation
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), a leading voice representing spray polyurethane foam industry contractors, manufacturers and the complete product value chain, is pleased to announce that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has completed corrections to the public documents distributed by the agency as part of the Safer Consumer Products Priority Products Initiative. Corrections completed by the DTSC include the deletion, or adjustment, of inaccurate facts about the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) product, its chemical components and safety. The SPFA, along with partner organizations representing a resolute coalition of homebuilders, building performance professionals and systems manufacturers, had previously made requests to the Department in person during a series of public workshops and in submitted letters, as part of the formal process surrounding the state’s Priority Products Initiative.
As part of the DTSC’s corrections, changes have been made to the publicly distributed Priority Product Profile for SPF, in addition to the scope of the Department’s activity. Corrections include:
-- The Department has altered the definition of "Spray Polyurethane Foam Systems", narrowing it to include only pressurized two-component systems utilized to make SPF. Additionally, the definition includes two-component systems marketed for insulation and roofing applications, however now excludes roof coatings.
-- The Department has excluded one-component spray polyurethane foam systems sold in cans from the official Scope of Products being evaluated.
-- The DTSC has removed HDI and TDI, isocyanates utilized in some elastomeric roof coatings but not in the A-side of SPF systems, from the scope of the Chemicals of Concern documentation.
-- The Department has deleted certain reference documents from the Priority Product File.
-- The DTSC revised the contentious and incorrect statement found on page 6 of the Product Profile that read "diisocyanates are the leading attributable cause of asthma in the workplace" to state "exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace can cause asthma." SPFA has long contended that California’s own CDC data (p. 104) tracking all of the sources of Occupational Asthma, indicates the incorrectness of their statement.
"The SPFA is pleased that these critical changes were completed to these public documents, as the facts put forth in the initial documents were grossly incorrect and have caused irreparable harm to our members and the building industry in the state of California," said Kurt Riesenberg, executive director of the SPFA. "However, the SPFA and its members believe that spray polyurethane foam was unjustly selected for the Safer Consumer Products Initiative because it is not a consumer product, but rather a professionally installed product, and because the information used by the DTSC in the selection process was so faulty. Furthermore, any safety concern surrounding the installation of SPF is a worker issue and is already being addressed by US OSHA under the Isocyanates National Emphasis Program. It is for these reasons that the SPFA believes it should be de-listed from the DTSC Priority Products Initiative process altogether."
Next steps in the Department’s Priority Products evaluation process include the establishment of the Final Priority Product List, an Alternatives Analysis and a Regulatory Response (which could range among a number of rules and regulations regarding the use of SPF in California). The SPFA will actively participate in the process at all stages on behalf of its member constituents and the spray polyurethane foam industry at-large.
"Our members in California continue to face unwarranted scrutiny because of the inclusion of SPF in the Priority Products Initiative and the SPFA will continue to fight to have it removed," added Riesenberg. "The process has not only damaged the business of our California members, but it has called into question the state of California’s ability to achieve its stated net-zero energy goal by 2020. Spray polyurethane foam outperforms competing building materials in energy efficiency, but is being simultaneously promoted and persecuted by two sides of the same state that needs it to achieve this aggressive energy goal."
>>SPFA Forms Marketing Committee
SPFA formed a Marketing Committee -- co-chaired by Mac Sheldon and Ridge Stockdale -- and there are opportunities for SPFA members to be involved. If you would like to be involved in promoting, protecting and growing the SPF industry, and helping SPFA do the same, please reach out to Kurt Riesenberg, SPFA Executive Director.
Some of the initial goals of the committee are to:
- Provide input to SPFA’s SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine & bi-weekly newsletter for future articles, topics, authors, new areas
- Consider/establish consistent industry messaging for various audiences – architects, specifiers, builders, general contractors, code officials
-Establish regular informational webinars on SPF (safety, PPE, OSHA, fire testing, introduction to foam, decoding thermal and ignition barriers, building science, troubleshooting, etc)
-Utilize SPFA’s deep list of previously-submitted projects (Annual Awards Program) to construct dozens of success stories and promotional material
>>SPFA's Board Members
SPFA's Board of Directors for the 2014-2016 term include:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Mr. Dennis Vandewater, Sadler Coating Systems (IA)
Vice President: Mr. John Achille, Coastal Insulation (NJ)
Treasurer: Mr. Richard Spiess, Innovative Insulation Solutions (IL)
Immediate Past President: Mr. Robert (Bob) Duke, Carolina Comfort Foam
BOARD MEMBERS
Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Ms. Bonnie Strickler, Puff Inc. (VA)
Mr. Ron Winkle, Western Pacific Roofing (CA)
Mr. Larry Ash, United Thermal Systems (NY)
Mr. Tyler Fiske, Anchor Insulation (RI)
Mr. Bryan Heldreth, RPC (VA)
Ms. Tiffiny Flaim, Biofoam Inc. (IL)
Non-Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Mr. Joe Stockdale, Bayer Material Science (TX)
Ms. Mary Bogdan, Honeywell (NY)
Mr. Mitch Clifton, NCFI (NC)
Mr. Mac Sheldon, Demilec Inc. (TX)
Mr. Nick Pagano, Graco Inc. (MN)
Mr. Tom Sojak, Gaco Western (WI)
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>>Top 5 Areas to Be Impacted by Greater Efficiency in 2015
Source: bpi.org / Mike Kandel
The U.S. Department of Energy projects the top five residential energy end uses impacted by greater efficiency in 2015 will be space heating, space cooling, water heating, lighting, and refrigeration. Read more here.
>>President Obama's FY2016 Budget Request Highlights Importance of Energy Efficiency
Source: ase.org / Reed Brown
President Obama released his Budget Request for FY 2016. The request outlines some impressive goals and highlights the President’s priorities for the remainder of his term. We are very pleased to see that one of these priorities is the commitment to doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030, as evidenced by his proposed budgets for programs that support energy efficiency. Read more here.
Source: energycircle.com / Peter Troast
A few of the experts in the industry share their take on what 2015 has in store. From economic and political trends, to the impact technology will have on our day to day business, this is a full view of what to expect in the year to come. Some of the topics include: Instrumentation and Technology Working Together, Adjusting to Changing Priorities, Investments in Large-scale Residential, Expanding Market with Access to Financing, Defining Our Terminology To Cut Through the Confusion, Sales & Marketing Skills to the Fore, Technology Will Power the Industry, Important Consumer Upgrades, and more! Read more here.
>>New Training Tool Broadens Pool of Home Energy Score Assessors
Source:energy.gov
DOE announced the release of the Home Energy Score Simulation Training, a new online simulation tool that provides free, targeted training and testing to individuals interested in providing the Home Energy Score – a standard energy efficiency assessment and score generated only by qualifying professionals. The Home Energy Score Simulation Training (the Sim), developed by Interplay Learning, lets candidates walk through different virtual homes (colonial, ranch, and townhome) with numerous combinations of energy-related characteristics (e.g., heating, cooling, hot water equipment; wall construction; insulation levels; footprints). The Home Energy Score team will host a webinar on March 4 from 2-3 p.m. ET for anyone interested in learning more about the Home Energy Score, the Sim, and new credential requirements.
>>Legalization of Marijuana - Feeling the Effects in a Zero-Tolerance Industry
Source: agc.org / Katie Kuehnew-Hebert
Using marijuana – whether for medical or recreational reasons – is becoming legal in more and more states, causing contractors to double-down on their zero-tolerance policies. Read more here. Reprinted with permission from Constructor, January/February 2015, a publication of the Associated General Contractors of America.
>>ASHRAE/IAQA Consolidate
Source: ashrae.org
A consolidation between ASHRAE and the Indoor Air Quality Association has been finalized and approved by the Boards of Directors for ASHRAE and IAQA at ASHRAE’s recent 2015 Winter Conference in Chicago. "We are excited about the opportunities presented by this consolidation," ASHRAE President Tom Phoenix said. " President IAQA Kent Rawhouser said, "This is an historic event for both associations and has great promise for growth and development for both organizations." Read more here.
>>EPA Welcomes New "Top Cop" for Criminal Enforcement Program in New England
Source: epa.gov
Tyler Amon, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Criminal Enforcement, has been selected as the new Special Agent-in-Charge of its Area Office in Boston. He will supervise all environmental crimes investigations throughout EPA’s Region 1 jurisdiction, encompassing Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Criminal Investigation Division (CID) mission is to investigate allegations of the most egregious violations of the federal environmental statutes, and to assist the Department of Justice in the prosecution of individuals and corporations charged with criminal offenses. Read more here.
>>20 New Partners Join the Better Buildings Challenge
Source: energy.gov
The Energy Department on January 29 announced that more than 20 new partners in the Department's Better Buildings Challenge have committed to improving energy efficiency across their respective building portfolios by 20% over the next 10 years. These new partners span 70 million square feet of fast-food, restaurant, manufacturing, university, and government facilities. The new partners will work with the Energy Department to share their successful efficiency strategies and help pave the way for other organizations to follow. Among the new partners are: Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia; Bank of America, San Francisco, California; and Celanese Corporation, Irving, Texas. Also, the Energy Department recognized the City of Roanoke, Virginia, for its leadership in the Better Buildings Challenge. Roanoke has committed to 20% savings by 2020 across more than 25 buildings, covering 1 million square feet. Roanoke has already achieved 16% savings since 2009. See the Energy Department news release and the Department's Roanoke news release.
>>ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Agree to Develop Biomass Requirements for Green Building Standard
Source: ashrae.org
The development of biomass requirements is being explored by ASHRAE, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), for inclusion in their co-sponsored green building standard. ASHRAE/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings, contains minimum requirements for the siting, design and construction of high-performance green buildings in support of reducing building energy, resource consumption and other environmental impacts. At ASHRAE’s 2015 Winter Conference held recently in Chicago, the committee voted not to accept the proposal to simply add the word biomass to this definition. However, in its response to the proposal, the committee stated that they intend to work on a definition of biomass as well as requirements on the use of biomass to meet the renewable energy requirements of the standard, according to chair Andy Persily.
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>>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- Turbulence Coming on
Immigration and Regulations
>>SAFETY FIRST -- SPFA Drafts Safety Program for Member Use
>>ASK THE EXPERT -- Measuring Thermal Barrier Coating Thickness
>>WHY I SUPPORT SPF by Ty Pennington
>>HOW TO MAKE MONEY AND HAVE FUN DOING IT by Mac
Sheldon
>>SPF INDUSTRY PREPPING FOR CODE CHANGES IN SWEDENby Shani Calvo
>>WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FILE IN 2015 by
Kendall Coleman
>>TIPS ON SPRAYING FOAM -- Are You Doing It Right?
>>10 WAYS YOUR COMPANY CAN USE INSTAGRAM by Kelly
Donovan Clark
>>Search for specific keywords or phrases.
>>Flag favorite articles.
>>Make notes in the margins.
>>Connect with vendors quickly and easily.
If you do not receive SPRAYFOAM Professional in the mail or via email and would like to be on future distribution lists, click here to sign up.
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If you missed the Conference Daily enewsletters, check them out! We released one pre-expo issue, one each day of the show, and one wrapup (to come):
Issue 1 (pre-expo)
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 4
Issue 5
Issue 6 (post-expo wrap-up): To be released soon!
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>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide Available Online
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which is mailed out every September. This directory is also available in a digital format The convenient digital format allows users to navigate and access the directory's content quickly and easily, on the road or in the office. Use the information provided to contact fellow SPFA members and industry partners throughout the year to share ideas, ask questions, or just stay in touch.
>>SPFA Member Benefits
SPFA knows there are lots of organizations out there that would like to have you in their membership. But if you are in, or getting into, the sprayfoam business, we are the place for you. We work hard to represent you well and give you value back for your support. Click here to find out more.
Available on the SPFA website, the SPFA Membership Brochure highlights some of the various benefits of membership and activities of the organization as it pursues its mission to represent SPF professionals in areas of technical and environmental leadership, government advocacy, professional certification, industry promotion and outreach, and delivery of a world-class convention and expo. Please check out the brochure if you have been considering joining SPFA and support our mission to serve you. For more information or to access the application to join, please click here.
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>>SPFA
Newsletter Adding a Spotlight on Newly Accredited Companies!
Bayer
MaterialScience and Premium Spray Products have recently achieved the
acclaimed SPFA Accredited Supplier designation, joining Huntsman.
In
each issue, we’ll highlight one of our newly accredited companies! This week’s spotlight is on Bayer MaterialScience. Next issue will have the spotlight
on Premium Spray Products -- stay tuned for others as they earn this
prestigious designation.
Bayer MaterialScience LLC Earns SPFA Supplier Accreditation
Bayer MaterialScience LLC, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems house and raw materials supplier, has completed a comprehensive certification program to become a Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Accredited Supplier.
Bayer strongly advocates for continually raising standards related to SPF safety, product stewardship, quality and professionalism. Becoming an Accredited Supplier underscores the company’s commitment to remaining involved in ongoing efforts to raise the standards of health and safety for the entire SPF industry.
"Bayer is proud to be among the leading spray foam manufacturers coming together to define their commitment to product stewardship and safety," said Paul Royba, interim general systems house manager, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.
Furthermore, Bayer is convinced that all value chain members can work with various industry groups including the Center for the Polyurethane Industry, the Spray Foam Coalition, SPFA and other system houses to enhance product health and safety.
"Much progress has already been made and Bayer is optimistic that along with the industry, consumers will continue to recognize the importance of using properly trained and educated SPF providers," Royba continued. Read more here.
>>SPFA PCP Exam Prep Courses and Exams
Feb. 17-18: Bayer
MaterialScience (private)
Feb. 17-18: Coating
and Foam Solutions (private)
Feb. 26: Certainteed (private)
March 23-27: Spray
Foam Nation, West Hartford, Conn. Click here for more information.
Date TBD: Lapolla, Chatham, N.J. (being rescheduled due to weather). Contact srand@lapolla.com for more
information.
Ongoing -- Webinar SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional
Hosted by Gaco Western
Contact Karen Wolfenberger at kwolfenberger@gaco.com
More details for each location are available on our website – www.sprayfoam.org. If you would like more information on the PCP, please contact Kelly Marcavage, SPFA PCP Certification Director, at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.
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Volatile Free, Inc. has launched a new and improved website (www.volatilefree.com). Upgrades include better developed product categorizations and visualizations. VFI®’s new website also features new products and product certifications. For example, SEALGUARD 990 SILICONE and VFI-600 Acrylic Coating, are now Energy Star Certified. They have also added a new sprayfoam product, VFI-727, which is UL certified. Their signature VFI-540 polyurea hybrid coating, Badgerliners® and Qwik Spray System® are represented with more visuals and detailed product information.
Volatile Free, Inc. is celebrating 20 years as a manufacturer of high performance polymers. "We are so excited to have a fully functional website that will give us more opportunity in our industry," says VFI President, Nancy Hochmuth.
Since 1995, Volatile Free, Inc. has manufactured polyurea and polyurea hybrid products, and has remained strong in the industrial and commercial roof coating industry, while branching into more OEM markets.
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>>DOE Seeks Input on Definition for Zero Energy Buildings, Due Feb. 20
On January 6, in an effort to help the private sector and regulators to agree on standards for zero-energy buildings, the Department of Energy published a notice in the Federal Register asking the public for input on potential definitions of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs), nomenclature, and implementation guidelines related to the proposed zero energy definitions. DOE has funded the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) to assess various potential definitions and propose draft definitions with input from a number of subject matter experts and stakeholder organizations. The public comment period is now open and will end on February 20, 2015. DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing any relevant comments and information. Interested persons can submit comments via:
1. Email: ZEB2014BLDG0050@ee.doe.gov. Include EERE-2014-BT-BLDG-0050 in the subject line of the message. Submit electronic comments in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number.
>>DOE Issues a Request for Information Regarding Manufactured Housing
Source:energy.gov
>>ASHRAE Announces Next Energy Modeling Conference, Call for Presenters
Source: ashrae.org
ASHRAE has announced that its next "Energy Modeling Conference: Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings" will take place September 30 to October 2, 2015, in Atlanta. ASHRAE seeks presenters who can speak specifically about the use of modeling to design, construct, commission, operate and maintain new and existing buildings to improve a building's energy performance and indoor environmental quality while reducing the cost to operate and maintain them. The conference will focus on the tools, step-by-step processes, best practices and workflows for the application of single or multiple modeling techniques. Read more here.
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>>2015 Energy Codes Conference Returning in 2015
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is holding an energy codes conference for the first time since 2011. This conference, scheduled for March 24-26, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee, will be solely dedicated to energy codes. A major theme will be achieving compliance but sessions will cover development, adoption, policy and research. Click here to register and here for more information.
>>DOE Issues Preliminary Determination of Energy Savings for Residential Buildings
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published a Notice of Preliminary Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), preliminarily affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC (as compared with buildings meeting the 2012 IECC) would result in national energy savings of approximately 1.12 percent of residential building energy consumption, as regulated by the IECC. If this determination is finalized, each state would be required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether to update their code to meet or exceed the 2015 IECC.
The DOE Building Energy Codes Program encourages increased energy efficiency through building codes and standards. DOE is required to review published editions of model codes, including the IECC and Standard 90.1, and issue a determination as to whether the updated edition is expected to result in energy savings in residential and commercial buildings, respectively. Through its support for building energy codes, DOE helps states and local governments realize significant energy savings, resulting in cost savings for U.S. home and business owners, and associated environmental benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Read more here.
>>Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes
Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. Topics addressed in the current issue include:
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE - Register for the DOE National Energy Codes Conference 2015: Energy Codes In Action!
DOE - Seeks Input on Definition for Zero Energy Buildings
* New State and Local Alerts *
San Antonio, TX - Becomes the First Major City in Texas to Adopt the 2015 IECC
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Colorado - Public Utilities Commission Considers Changes to the Energy Benchmarking Rule
New Jersey - Accepting Comments on Its Proposed 2015 IECC Adoption and Amendments
New York - Help Update NY Codes to the 2015 I-Codes and 2015 NEC
Pennsylvania - Public Hearing on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption Next Wednesday, Feb. 11
South Carolina - Requests Comments Concerning the Adoption of 2015 I-Codes
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>>Updates from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Source: energy.gov
The December issue of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Update newsletter is now available. Read this issue to learn about:
-The Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation Funding Opportunity and December 12 deadline for Concept Papers
-Exciting news about the 2015 Race to Zero Student Design Competition
-The December 17 webinar, Building America: Research for Real-World Homes -An overview of the Building America research teams—industry partnerships essential to the program’s success
-Residential success stories targeting energy savings in multifamily buildings
-Zero Energy Ready Home technical training in December
-Building America in the news
-The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
Click here to access the most current Building America Update. Learn more about the Building America program.
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Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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>>Why Businesses Must Adapt to the "New SEO"
Source: bpi.org / Jacob Peck
If we could take a time machine back to circa 2005, we could achieve very good search results simply by inserting the 2-4 words that people use in their searches (e.g., "oil furnace repair company") into your website’s page text and META tags. This was traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Despite what some tech guys or junk mail spammers might tell you today, however, traditional SEO efforts alone will no longer get you on the first page of Google. Read more here. >>Offering Energy Efficient Financing: A Path to Closing More Jobs, Increasing Sales and Making Customers Happy!
Source: bpi.org / Andrew Isaacs
You could say there are two types of contractors in the marketplace today, those who offer financing at the point of sale and those who don't. Savvy contractors help empower their customers by offering a choice to pay out of pocket or choose financing to pay for improvements. These contractors focus on the monthly payment rather than the total job cost, not only to reduce sticker shock but also to add measures to a job that will increase efficiency and comfort. Long term, competitively priced financing means expanded work scopes for contractors and greater home performance benefits for consumers. Read more here.
>>Webinar: Choose a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business, Feb. 26
Source: sba.gov
Get practical information and helpful tips to understand and compare the options to start and operate a retirement savings plan. The options provide an effective way to save for a secure retirement and most provide tax advantages for both employers and employees. The webinar will be Thursday, February 26 from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT. Read more here.
>>Prepare Your Small Business for Tax Time
Source: sba.gov
It's tax season! Whether you decide to outsource your tax tasks or perform them in-house, it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge to make sure your business not only complies but also saves time and money wherever possible. Here are a few resources to get you started. Read more here.
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