News and notes from the National Roofing Contractors Association

NRCA Announces 116th Annual Convention

The National Roofing Contractors Association, Rosemont, Ill., will hold its 116th Annual Convention and Exhibit, “Succeeding Through Change,” Feb. 11-14, 2003, in New Orleans at the Ernest L. Morial Convention Center. Known as the largest roofing convention in the United States, the show will attract more than 7,500 attendees and 350 exhibiting companies from around the world.

A variety of educational sessions have been scheduled. Topics include mold; ergonomics; and technical issues, such as asphalt shingles, polyisocyanurate insulation and NRCA’s initiative to develop roof system performance standards.

In addition, NRCA has designated Thursday, Feb. 13, as Industry Day and developed customized programs for various industry segments. Specific programs will be available for commercial contractors, residential contractors, metal contractors, distributors, designers and consultants, building owners and building code officials. Participants of Industry Day will earn continuing-education credit for Educational Provider numbers: The Florida Board of Architecture & Interior Design — 8021, pending approval; CILB — 0040000910, pending approval; and Dade County — D067, pending approval.

During the Opening Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will address attendees. On Thursday, Feb. 13, the CNA-sponsored Member Breakfast will feature motivational speaker John Powers. During the Final Banquet on Friday, Feb. 14, the annual J.A. Piper Award, the most prestigious award in the roofing industry, will be presented to a deserving roofing professional. Fund-raising activities also are on the convention agenda, with golf, tennis and sporting clays tournaments planned to benefit ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee. All ROOFPAC events will take place Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Registration materials for the convention are available from NRCA’s Meetings and Convention Department at 847.299.9070 or 800.323.9545; fax 847.299.1183; or visit www.nrca.net.

NRF Announces Fellowship Award Call for Entries

The National Roofing Foundation (NRF), a separate but related educational and research organization of NRCA, has announced a call for entries for its William C. Cullen Fellowship Award.

The annual fellowship was created to honor late NRCA research associate William C. Cullen and awards a cash grant to an individual or research organization to support research relating specifically to the advancement of roofing technology.

The award will be presented at the annual installation dinner held during NRCA’s Midyear Meetings, July 9-12, 2003, in Chicago. The recipient will receive a recognition plaque and paid travel and lodging related to the award presentation. Nominations must be received by March 1, 2003.

For more information about the award or for application information, contact Chris Seidel, NRF’s executive director, at 847.299.9070, ext. 264; e-mail cseidel@nrca.net; or visit www.nrca.net.

NRCA Student Day

NRCA will host a student day at its 116th Annual Convention and Exhibit in New Orleans. NRCA is allowing any student with school-issued identification to attend the trade show free of charge. The day is meant to inform students about the roofing industry and show them that working in the roofing industry can offer viable careers. Schools are encouraged to make arrangements for a formal group tour of the trade show.

NRCA’s student day will be held Thursday, Feb. 13. For more information, contact Olicia Hinojosa, NRCA’s manager of international relations and work force programs, at 956.664.2370 or e-mail ohinojosa@nrca.net.

NRCA Releases CD-ROM Versions of Technical Conferences

NRCA has released proceedings from the 12th International Roofing and Waterproofing Conference on CD-ROM. The conference, “Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology Today” was held Sept. 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., and was sponsored by NRCA and Bitumen Waterproofing Association (incorporating the International Waterproofing Association).

The CD-ROM features 27 technical papers authored by internationally recognized researchers. Paper topics include asphalt, asphalt shingles, impact resistance, polyisocyanurate insulation, polymer-modified bitumen products, roof and waterproofing systems’ performances, ventilation and others. The CD-ROM is available for $50 to NRCA members and $75 to nonmembers.

In addition, NRCA Conference Proceedings, 1977-1999 — A 22-year History on CD-ROM, now is available. The CD-ROM contains proceedings and papers from 12 NRCA-sponsored technical conferences. Papers are sorted within the CD-ROM by author, title or keyword and can be viewed on screen and printed. The CD-ROM is available for $75 to NRCA members and $100 to nonmembers.

To order, contact NRCA InfoExpress at 866.ASK.NRCA (275.6722); fax 847.299.1183; or visit NRCA’s virtual store at http://shop.nrca.net.

NRCA Holds Future Executives Institute

Twenty-three students enrolled in NRCA’s Education Resource Group’s Future Executives Institute, a three-year educational and networking program for those who intend to be company and industry leaders.

The institute’s first session was held Oct. 23–26, 2002, at Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. The students learned about personal development, legal and financial issues, human resources, business relationships, family-business dynamics and other industry issues.

The 23 participants will attend the institute’s next session during NRCA’s 116th Annual Convention and Exhibit in New Orleans Feb. 11-14. For a list of participants, visit NRCA’s Web site, www.nrca.net. For additional information about NRCA’s Future Executives Institute, contact Amy Staska, NRCA’s director of education resources, at 847.299.9070, ext. 207, or astaska@nrca.net.