This year’s Roofing Day, scheduled for March 23-24, will have a different feel than usual, but will be just as important as past lobbying efforts made by a unified roofing industry — if not more, says McKay Daniels.

“Without a doubt it will be different, but one aspect where it will be better will be at the crew and shop level," explained Daniels, COO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). “Instead of just one or two people going, the crew is going to experience this together."

This year’s topics will include infrastructure, immigration reform, and continuing education programs. Speaking with a unified voice on the issues will be key to making progress, as will building stronger relationships inside and outside of the industry.

“We’ll discuss the issues, but the soft-sale aspect of relationship building, which comes with time and continued contact,” Daniels said.

The NRCA will setup meetings for roofing industry stakeholders by state throughout the day. Among the group highlights of the event is a virtual visit by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, (R-Neb.). Continuing a tradition of high-profile Beltway speakers like Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Mick Mulvaney, the former White House chief of staff, Sasse is no stranger to controversy. He was one of the few GOP senators who voted to impeach former President Trump for the Jan. 6 attack on Capitol Hill.

“Sen. Sasse has been a big fan of the roofing industry,” said NRCA CEO Reid Ribble, noting Sasse’s appearance at the 2018 Midwest Roofing Contractors Association Expo in Omaha. “We have a friendly relationship and he was gracious enough to come talk to us.

“I don’t mind the controversy,” Ribble continued. “Anytime a member of Congress votes their conscious it shouldn’t be a controversial vote.”

Hear the entire discussion on RC’s Podcast page, and follow RC for complete Roofing Day coverage.

For more information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2021 and registration instructions, visit nrca.net/advocacy/roofingday or contact NRCA’s Washington, D.C., office at 800-338-5765.