NEWTON, Mass. — METALCON introduces its first advisory council to help shape the future of METALCON, ensuring it represents all factions of the metal construction industry and its major attendee groups.
“We’ve gathered a council comprised of key exhibitors, industry experts, associations and attendees to invite their feedback on what they would like to see new and different about the show,” said Judy Geller, METALCON’s vice president of tradeshows. “We are listening and initiating new programming for 2021, including more diverse focus areas on the show floor, expanded education and training, a new solar pavilion, the new Architect’s Experience and additional networking opportunities.
“We are pleased to announce the 2021 METALCON Advisory Council, an esteemed group of industry leaders who are dedicating their time to making the show better than ever. Representing all facets of the industry, these volunteers are generous with their time, insights and ideas, helping to ensure that METALCON is a vibrant and relevant event that meets the ongoing needs of the industry.”
- Art Hance, founder and president of Hance Construction Inc., and national president, MBCEA
- Bob Repovs, president and CEO, Samco Machinery
- Brent A. Schipper, founding principal, ASK Studio
- Geoffrey L. Stone, founder, owner and CEO, MetalForming Inc.
- Heidi Ellsworth, owner, HJE Consulting
- Jeff Henry MB, CAE, executive director, Metal Construction Association
- Jeff Irwin, president, JH Irwin Consulting LLC
- Lori Reynolds Morrow, CSI, CDT, architectural project manager, Sheffield Metals International
- Mark Kalin, FAIA, FCSI, LEED, president, Kalin Associates
- Paul Deffenbaugh, editorial director, Modern Trade Communications
- Paul Lechiara, owner/president, East Coast Metal Roofing
- Tony Bouquot, general manager, MBMA and vice president at Thomas Associates Inc.
METALCON Advisory Council members represent those in metal construction, metal building systems, metal building contracting and erecting, insulated metal panels, architecture, contracting, roofing, roll forming, key associations and industry trade press.
“We are truly grateful for the council’s volunteer participation and look forward to doing great things together,” said Geller. “This year’s show promises to be representative of the entire metal construction industry with a broader base of exhibitors and attendees.”
METALCON 2021 takes place Wednesday, Oct. 6-8 at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, Fla., 33602. Registration opens beginning in mid-April.
METALCON Introduces New Advisory Council
Jennifer Ford-Smith of Johns Manville Named New ERA Chair
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jennifer Ford-Smith, director of product management and marketing | roofing systems at Johns Manville, has been named the new chair of the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) by the group’s board of directors. She replaces David Martiny, director of product management at Firestone Building Products, who will remain on the board.
“The roofing industry has experienced unprecedented challenges during this past year,” said Ford-Smith. “David Martiny has provided outstanding leadership during this critical period. ERA is perfectly positioned to lead our industry as we create a resilient future for EPDM membranes and the buildings they protect. I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve.”
Ford-Smith has been with Johns Manville for more than a decade, introducing innovative marketing strategies and developing customer-driven sales in B2B and B2C environments. Additionally, she has served as a member of the leadership team of National Women in Roofing and on the Board of Directors for the National Roofing Contractors Association.
“We are fortunate to have Jennifer leading our efforts,” said Ellen Thorp, executive director of ERA. “This is a challenging time for the manufacturers of EPDM, and no one is better suited than Jennifer to help us capitalize on what I am sure will be significant opportunities ahead.”
ERA is the first trade association solely representing the manufacturers of EPDM single-ply roofing products and their leading suppliers. ERA provides technical and research support to the public and the construction industry, and communicates the longstanding attributes, consistency and the value proposition of EPDM rubber membrane roofing materials.
Jennifer Ford-Smith
NRCA Announces 2021-2022 Officers and Directors
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has announced its 2021-22 slate of officers and directors.
Most officers and directors will remain unchanged after the NRCA Nominating Committee met Feb. 17 and unanimously voted to recommend the Extension of Force Majeure to the NRCA Executive Committee and board of directors as stated in Article IX, Section 3 of NRCA’s bylaws. The Executive Committee and board of directors voted to approve the Nominating Committee’s recommendation March 1. As a result, the 2020-21 Executive Committee and board of directors will serve an additional year starting June 1.
This isn't the first time NRCA officers have served more than one year, but it's certainly the most recent occurrence. COVID-19 has caused many changes in the past year that are otherwise unprecedented, so as one of the construction industry's most respected trade associations, the NRCA decided to maintain its leadership as the roofing industry navigates the pandemic.
Rod Petrick, president of Ridgeworth Roofing Co. Inc., Frankfort, Ill., remains NRCA chairman of the board; Kyle Thomas, vice president of Thomas Roofing, Mobile, Ala., remains chairman of the board-elect.
In addition, the Nominating Committee nominated the following individuals to serve three-year terms as NRCA directors:
- Brad Baker, owner of Professional Roofing, Bellevue, Idaho
- George Patterson, president of Bennett and Brosseau Roofing Inc., Romeoville, Ill.
A complete list of NRCA directors is available at nrca.net/about/leadership/board.
