FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The South Florida roofing community came together through the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) to provide a substantial donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and the International Game Fish Association.

The RCASF, a not-for-profit trade association, endeavors to give back to their community throughout the year by hosting several charitable events. The RCASF Fishing Tournament is the association's largest annual philanthropic effort. This year, the RCASF Fishing Tournament, held June 11, raised $280,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $35,000 for the International Game Fish Association's Junior Angler's Educational Program.

The tournament was held at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key with an attendance of over 600 people from the roofing industry. A banquet and auction followed featuring an original piece of driftwood carved art titled, "THE BEAST" by RL Originals, Russ Lynn. Corey Daley, committee chairman, emceed the banquet and introduced the guest of honor, Chris Alegria, who spoke about his experience as a "wish child" and how it impacted his life.

"There was magic in the room," said Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Senior Special Events Manager Jackie Perl. "It was astonishing to see roofing contractor after roofing contractor stand up when the call came for a Make-A-Wish Signature Sponsorship donation of $5,000 to grant the wish of one child."

Norm Wedderburn, CEO and president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Southern Florida, said RCASF has "literally changed the lives of thousands of people," including children and their families who are affected by critical illness.

"RCASF truly believes in our wish granting mission," he said. "We are very grateful to RCASF for their continued support."

The Awards Ceremony was held at the IGFA on Sept. 7.

"We are inspired by the work Make-A-Wish does to brighten the lives of children diagnosed with critical illnesses," said Corey Daley, of Daley Brothers Roofing and Fishing Tournament Committee chairman. "We understand the impact that a 'wish' has on a child. It allows these kids to focus on a dream rather than hospitals and treatments. We are proud to support programs that can provide hope, inspiration and happiness, especially in the lives of children."

As a nonprofit receiving no government funding, Make-A-Wish relies on the support of donors to make wish granting possible.

The RCASF Fishing Committee, a group of civic-minded member/volunteers, has already begun planning for next year's tournament. The date is set for June 9-11, 2023 at a new venue, The Islander Resort in Islamorada, with the goal of brightening the lives of even more children. They encourage donations of fishing-related items for auction and financial sponsorships. If you would like to contribute or learn more about RCASF members and sponsors, please visit RCASF.org.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Roofing Alliance has released its 2021-22 Annual Report, which highlights the organization’s funding initiatives, membership, communications, awards, student competition and more.

“This annual report is a great way to finalize our celebration of our 25 years of roofing excellence,” said Dave Lawlor, national sales manager of ROCKWOOL and 2021-22 Roofing Alliance president. “It has been my pleasure leading the Roofing Alliance and working with our members who are passionate about improving our industry for those currently involved as well as for future generations.”

Despite the pandemic, the organization remained financially strong. Roofing Alliance members moved forward with several new initiatives, scholarships and giving opportunities with the goal of strengthening the roofing industry now and for the future.

“The Roofing Alliance is grounded in deepening member engagement and strengthening the overall vision and value proposition for the organization and the roofing community, and this year’s annual report reflects all those efforts,” said Roofing Alliance Executive Director Alison L. LaValley, CAE.

Lawlor summarized his term and recognized members for their contributions, saying Roofing Alliance members are a "dedicated group of roofing business leaders and experts working for the common goal of making our industry better."

"This is where competitors and partners alike organize to ensure the entire industry, not just their respective companies, flourish," Lawlor said. "This annual report shows the passion and commitment of our membership, staff and volunteers.”

The annual report can be viewed or downloaded on the Roofing Alliance website. For more information about the Roofing Alliance, contact LaValley at alavalley@nrca.net or visit roofingalliance.net.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, announced the recipients of its Contractor of the Year and Chapter Executive of the Year awards during its 78th Annual Convention in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Jack Knox, president of R.F. Knox Company Inc., is this year’s Contractor of the Year. This prestigious award is given to a professional who exceeds all expectations of serving and promoting the industry.

“Jack’s passion for innovation and his commitment to developing the next generation of sheet metal professionals has not only bettered his business, but SMACNA and the industry as a whole,” said Aaron Hilger, SMACNA’s chief executive officer. “No one is more deserving of this award than Jack. He has been an exemplary SMACNA member for more than two decades, having served on more than 20 committees over the years, as well as serving on our Executive Committee. I join with all of our SMACNA members to say I am thrilled for him to receive this much-deserved recognition.”

Knox is a fourth-generation owner of a family business with more than 100 years in the trade. He’s risen through the ranks, holding various roles ranging from estimator to project manager to construction management and now, president.

Knox has also played a significant role within SMACNA. He served as SMACNA’s 2017-18 board president, as well as served on the Budget and Finance Committee, Technical Resources Committee, and the Investment Committee. An advocate for positive legislative change, Knox has been a longtime member of the SMACNA’s legislative and political action committees, and a member of the SMAC PAC donor clubs for almost 20 years. He is also the management trustee of the Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension fund.

Locally, Knox is an active member of the board of directors for Georgia SMACNA and serves on several standing committees, including the joint apprenticeship and training committee, health and welfare committee, and the industry fund.

Chapter Executive of the Year

Nathan Cooper, executive director of SMACNA Colorado, is this year’s Chapter Executive of the Year. This special award is given to the person who has made a positive and significant impact on SMACNA as a national association and the local chapter.  

“Nathan is a tireless advocate for the industry and is someone who builds bridges between management and labor in a way that benefits all,” said Hilger. “His leadership skills are unparalleled, as is his compassion and thoughtfulness for those around him. I am thrilled to honor SMACNA Colorado’s own Nathan Cooper with the 2022 Chapter Executive of the Year.”

Cooper has served as the executive director of SMACNA Colorado, the local chapter representing more than 75 contactor firms across the Centennial State, since 2018. In the role, he’s been instrumental in supporting initiatives most important to his contractors, including workforce development and infrastructure. Cooper also plays an important role on SMACNA’s Legislative Committee and the SMACNA PAC Committee. He is a top PAC and administrative fund contributor, with nearly a decade as a Diamond CIC.

Prior to joining SMACNA Colorado, Cooper worked in the Iowa Senate and spent six years with the Sheet Metal Contractors of Iowa as the association’s education director. There, he sharpened his skills in political persuasion, leadership, and workforce development. Cooper leverages all of these traits on a daily basis in his current role.

Cooper is also an active member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on the Chamber’s Construction and Trades Industry Action Committee. He has also participated as a member of the Colorado WORK Act Grant Review Committee. Cooper and his wife, Laura, enjoy traveling around Colorado and the world, and assisting with the Faith Lutheran Church’s Youth Group.