NRCA Announces 117th Annual Convention
The National Roofing Contractors Association, Rosemont, Ill., will hold its 117th Annual Convention and Exhibit, "Progress Through Partnership, " Feb. 22-25, 2004, in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center. Known as the largest roofing convention in the United States, the show will attract more than 7,000 attendees and 350 exhibiting companies from around the world.Highlighting the week's festivities are two well-known speakers. Bill O'Reilly, anchor of FOX News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor," will speak at the opening luncheon - sponsored by Denver-based Johns Manville Roofing Systems - on Monday, Feb. 23. In addition, marketing-expert Harry Beckwith will speak at the CNA-sponsored Member Breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Convention registration materials will be made available in early October. For more information, contact NRCA's Meetings and Convention Department at 847.299.9070 or 800.323.9545; or visit NRCA's Web site at www.nrca.net.
NRCA Releases Position Papers on Small-business Issues
NRCA has issued two position papers describing proposed legislative action and urging Congress to pass or amend bills that are beneficial to small business and the roofing industry.First, NRCA urges Congress to pass the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 (H.R. 660/S. 545), legislation that would allow bona fide trade, business and professional associations to provide quality, affordable health benefits through association health plans (AHPs) to their respective small-business members nationwide.
The Department of Labor estimates that passage of AHPs would result in health insurance coverage for as many as 8.5 million uninsured Americans. By providing small businesses the same purchasing power and federal regulatory structure enjoyed by large employers and Taft-Hartley union plans, AHPs would offer small businesses administrative efficiencies, larger economies of scale, greater bargaining power with insurers and providers, and new and competitively priced coverage options.
The NRCA also advocates comprehensive immigration reform. To relieve the shortage of semiskilled and unskilled labor in the United States, NRCA proposes that Congress should pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that would establish adequate legal avenues for foreign workers.
NRCA is a member of the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition (EWIC), a coalition of businesses, trade associations and other organizations concerned about the shortage of semiskilled and unskilled labor. NRCA and EWIC believe that Congress should pass legislation that would allow essential workers to enter the United States legally using simplified, realistic documentation procedures. EWIC believes such reform will strengthen the nation's security.
NRCA to Co-host China Roofing & Waterproofing 2004
NRCA will be co-sponsoring the Second China International Exhibition on Roofing & Waterproofing Technology in Beijing next summer. The first exhibition in the summer of 2002 attracted 10,000 visitors and included 165 exhibitors in the Asian pavilion and 20 exhibitors in the international pavilion.This event, in partnership with the China National Waterproofing Building Materials Industry Association, is one of NRCA's efforts in becoming a more prominent voice internationally and facilitating trade within our industry.
The goal of China Roofing & Waterproofing 2004 is to demonstrate the achievements in China's roofing and waterproofing industry, display the latest technologies and products from around the world, learn about new trends in technology and introduce foreigners to business opportunities in China.
For more information, contact Olicia Hinojosa, NRCA's manager of international relations, at 847.299.9070; fax 956.664.2935; or e-mail ohinojosa@nrca.net.
