The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) National Conference was held Nov. 12-14 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Mary Jolly, the National Sales and Marketing Manager for GenFlex of Indianapolis, Ind., showed off his new and improved Web site at the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association National Convention in Grapevine, Texas.


The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) National Conference was held Nov. 12-14 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

The MRCA’s motto is: “A Commitment to Education is a Commitment to Your Company’s Future.” So it was no surprise that the estimated 1,000 people in attendance were treated to an array of educational programs and a trade show floor full of the newest products in the roofing industry, including the continued push of advertising for green products.

There were 110 exhibiting companies spanning 200 booths at this year’s show, which former MRCA President Rod Petrick said was dedicated to helping contractors “build their business, save money and improve the roofing industry.”

Neil Robinson, marketing manager of TAMKO Building Products, was all smiles at the MRCA National Convention. (Photos by Tom Watts)

Whether those attending were a residential or commercial contractor, consultant, architect, engineer, building owner, facility manager or code official, the MRCA Convention near Dallas was the place to be last month.

Among the activities that were available for attendees at the MRCA Convention included a TPO Factory Tour sponsored by GAF Materials Corporation, which allowed attendees to tour an 186,000-square-foot production facility on 25 acres of Texas land, and the MRCA Foundation Golf Tournament, which was held at Bear Creek Golf Club.

Educational opportunities, roofing forums, and contractor roundtables discussed everything from fall protection to software to back-office solutions. Among the other top-attended events at the MRCA Convention included a forum with Rene Dupuis, Dick Baxter and Steve Patterson discussing wind uplift design, SBS rash blistering, cover boards, alternative roof systems, and BUR performance.

At the MRCA Board of Directors Meeting, John Daly of Kaw Roofing & Sheet Metal in Kansas City, Kan., was named the new MRCA president, replacing Rod Petrick.

Also, the MRCA announced the 2008 James Q. McCawley Award recipient was Robert Swanda Jr. of Independent Roofing Co. in Omaha, Neb. The award is the highest honor bestowed by MRCA and is presented each year in recognition for outstanding service in the roofing industry.

Next year, the MRCA Convention will hold its 60th Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 28-30, 2009, at the Bartle Hall Convention Center. For more information, visit www.mrca.org.