Message from The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress President Gary Wolfe
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress is the cornerstone of the National Roofing
Foundation's success. During its first decade of service, the Alliance received
financial commitments and pledges totaling $10,487,332. That's an amazing figure
for the size and scope of our industry. We owe a great deal of thanks to those roofing
contractors and industry partners who have come together to create this endowment.
We often are asked how the Alliance works. It's really quite simple. Alliance members
meet twice each year to discuss issues important to the future of the roofing industry.
They determine whether there are particular research topics related to new business
trends or operational issues that the Alliance should consider funding. These best
and brightest researchers at universities across the U.S. are asked for their recommended
approaches to investigating particular issues for the industry. We look for projects
that will help make you better contractors and businesspeople. You are our primary
market.
After the Alliance chooses a worthwhile project—provided the Alliance endowment
fund has earned sufficient funds to support the project—it recommends it to
the Alliance Board of Trustees for final approval. The Alliance has the key advisory
role, and the trustees have the fiduciary responsibility for the Alliance's assets.
A researcher isn't just assigned to a project. An Alliance task force monitors the
project and advises the researcher and the Alliance regarding its progress. After
the project is complete and has been finalized by the Alliance, it is made available
to the industry. We urge you to read and use the recommendations of these reports.
The financial savings potential and the thought-provoking business practices outlined
will give you a strong edge in business.
Our Alliance Board of Trustees is involved in the ongoing resource development of
the Alliance. We are by no means complacent with the amount of funds now in the
bank. There are many more contractors who want to be involved with the Alliance—and
who should be. We also know there are many industry partners whose advice and interest
would greatly add to our success.
We are The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress. In 2007-08, that progress has
been significant. We are proud of our leaders, projects and industry's future.
Sincerely,
Gary Wolfe
President
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress