Is there light at the end of the tunnel? This likely was a question asked by many
in our industry during the past year. The answers, of course, are mixed. On one
hand, we witnessed the U.S. economy's slow progression as we wrestled ourselves
from the jaws of a substantial economic reversal that has become known as the Great
Recession. Yet, as we know painfully well, private industry and the market for roofing
services have a long way to go in what is expected to be a slow, lengthy recovery.
Meanwhile, we continue to experience change in many ways, from the growth of our
federal government and its legislative and regulatory initiatives to emerging technologies
affecting our nation's roofs.
Not surprisingly, our association reflected many of the issues affecting the U.S.
and roofing industry during the past year. From an economic standpoint, we adjusted
to a "reset" economy affecting the business aspects of our association. Following
a year of significant change, cost reduction and sacrifice (though sacrifice continues),
your NRCA staff diligently worked within the new reality of the association's recurring
revenue sources as we no longer looked to our investment fund results as a means
of financial support. And as the U.S. economy continued to struggle, we experienced
pressure on many of our revenue sources during the past year.
In the face of these challenges, you can be proud of your association's accomplishments.
A down economy has shown to be inversely related to the number of significant issues
affecting our industry; as the economy contracted, the number of roofing issues
grew. NRCA proved to be up to the challenge as it continued to deal with myriad
matters affecting its members and the industry. Helping contractors with risk management,
technical, educational, insurance and business matters, your association updated
existing resources and provided numerous new products and programs of interest to
its members.
The past year was a particularly unique one for NRCA's Washington, D.C., office.
As our economy contracted, our government's intrusion on the private sector expanded,
and we found ourselves engaged in various critically important legislative and regulatory
issues. This is one area that will require our attention for some time.
Yet our industry is not without its opportunities. Years ago, the term "CEO" was
defined to me as "change equals opportunity." We undoubtedly are seeing change in
the use of our rooftop space. We now see interest in roof systems as vegetative
environments, platforms for renewable energy and a means of achieving greater energy
conservation in the building envelope, among other purposes. In many ways, our association
and industry have begun to build their own knowledge base and expand their reach
to help ensure our nation's rooftops remain in the domain of the U.S. roofing industry.
Although there is more that needs to be done, we already have developed technical
guidelines and provided educational programs covering many of these topics. And
we are in the midst of delivering a certification program offering a credential
for those involved with rooftop photovoltaic system installations.
Despite the headwinds our industry has faced during the past year, we are not afraid
to address our challenges head-on. As a testament to the roofing industry's optimistic
attitude, NRCA actually witnessed substantial growth in the ranks of new members
during the past year. Fortunately, our industry recognizes we can accomplish more
together than apart. Thanks to our new members for joining us this year, and thanks
to NRCA membership staff, who has worked hard to help obtain these new members.
With the issues currently confronting us, we'll undoubtedly need to band together
to protect not only our businesses and rooftop domain but the U.S. economy's overall
health.
On this note, please join me in thanking our NRCA staff, who work hard each day
to help improve our businesses and industry. NRCA Executive Vice President Bill
Good and the entire NRCA staff take our association and industry to heart, and it
shows.
Additionally, we are thankful to have many fellow contractors who serve on our board
of directors and volunteer their time and talents to NRCA's various committees and
task forces during the year. And to my friends and business associates on the Executive
Committee—Nelson Braddy, president and chief executive officer of King of Texas
Roofing Co., Grand Prairie, Texas; Jim Eckstein, president of C.A. Eckstein Roofing
Inc., Cincinnati; Will Fort, president of Fort Roofing & Sheet Metal Works, Sumter,
S.C.; Bruce McCrory, owner and secretary/treasurer of Kiker Corp., Mobile, Ala.;
Rob McReynolds, president of D & D Roofing Inc., Commerce City, Colo.; and Rich
Nugent, president of Nations Roof LLC, Bridgeport, Conn.—we are fortunate to
have your leadership, guidance and hard work to help direct our association during
these critical times.
I have been especially fortunate to work beside Immediate Former NRCA President
Rob Therrien and Senior Vice President Allen Lancaster this year. Their ideas, guidance,
hard work and friendship have surpassed any expectations I may have had. I can assure
you that Lancaster, the incoming NRCA president, will provide NRCA with outstanding
leadership that has been the hallmark of this association.
There also is one final group who has shown incredible patience with my traveling
and time working at home—my wife, Kate, and our three kids. Thanks for your
understanding.
Most important, thanks so much to all of you, our members, who make NRCA a great
association. With your participation, we'll no doubt find that light at the end
of the tunnel.
Sincerely,
Rob McNamara
NRCA President 2009-10