The EPDM Roofing Association announced celebrating its 20th anniversary of service to the roofing industry, building on a foundation of science-based research to expand its focus on sustainability.

This focus, the organization says, will further explore the complex and inconsistent temperature assessment protocols used in virtually all urban heat island evaluations.

Given the multiple approaches to reducing UHI, such as expanding green spaces, using reflective roofing, and introducing moisture into the atmosphere, this inconsistency can make efficacy comparisons problematic.

During this anniversary year, ERA says it will also focus on providing new and additional research-based science helping clarify the choice of appropriate roofing systems in climates throughout the United States and internationally. ERA members manufacture white-reflective and dark roofing membranes, including Holcim Building Envelope, Johns Manville, and Carlisle Construction Materials.

“We realize this is a critical time for the building community. People have questions about sustainability, cool roofing, recycling, and the environmental impact of construction products,” said Ellen Thorp, executive director of ERA. “We are proud of our two decades of industry leadership. And we plan to celebrate those 20 years of success by continuing to provide the industry with specific answers to many of the questions that confront us.”

Since its founding in January 2003, ERA has protected industry decision-makers from restrictions that would limit their choice of building products. Previous actions include defeating broad efforts to mandate reflective roofs in areas presenting construction challenges, requiring different solutions.

ERA has also sponsored research on the benefits of dark roofs in cold climates, investigated the superior resistance of EPDM to hail, and conducted a service life assessment that showed the outstanding longevity of EPDM.

To stay current with state-of-the-art thinking about the sustainability of various roofing systems, ERA leadership visited the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, the Building Envelope Materials Research Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to consult with leading scientists on the result of their specific research.

Former Congressman and past CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association Reid Ribble may be retired, but he’s remaining busy.

The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (UW-Green Bay) announced that Ribble would be the university’s inaugural practitioner-in-residence in political science, providing students and the community with opportunities to discuss critical topics in American democracy.

According to the university, Ribble — a third-generation Wisconsin resident — will spend time on campus engaging in guest lectures, panel discussions, and other initiatives.

“The ability to share what I have learned from my personal experience while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives can become a launch pad for careers in government for UW-Green Bay students,” Ribble said in a written statement.

Ribble is no stranger to the UW-Green Bay campus. He has been a yearly guest speaker in political science classes and has helped UW-Green Bay students secure internships in congressional offices. The former House member also serves on the UW-Green Bay Chancellor’s Council of Trustees.

Ribble will draw on his experience serving six years in the U.S. House of Representatives (R-WI-08). During his tenure, he served on the Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget and Finance, and Foreign Affairs Committees, where he served as vice chairman of the Committee on Emerging Threats.

Along with his position at the university, Ribble serves as a board member with National Roofing Partners.

The National Roofing Contractors Association is accepting applications for its Future Executives Institute (FEI) program from now until March 15.

FEI is a learning experience focusing on leading and managing a thriving roofing business. This three-year program, held at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, offers participants an in-depth look at management theory and practice. Participants can also take advantage of unique industry networking opportunities while developing leadership and communication skills.

The program is built on 10 core areas essential to small-business operations: leadership, management, strategic planning, human resources, financial management, marketing, roofing industry issues, risk management, family relationships/succession and personal-development skills. The NRCA reports 210 students have graduated from FEI since its inception in 2002.

“FEI has been a key part of readying me for ownership in my company,” said Kellie Paasch, vice president of Independent Roofing Co., in a testimonial on the NRCA’s website. “The knowledge I’ve gained has challenged my thinking, processes and attitude. My entire company has greatly benefited from my participation in FEI.”

Class meets in the fall for up to four days and up to two days during the NRCA’s annual convention, held in conjunction with the International Roofing Expo.

To apply, visit www.nrca.net/education/fei. For more information, contact Janice Davis at 800-323-9545, ext. 7505 or jdavis@nrca.net.

The National Roofing Contractors Association invites all industry professionals to register for “Roofing Day in D.C. 2023,” which takes place April 18-19, 2023. The event’s purpose is to bring the roofing industry together to meet with members of Congress and their staff and deliver the industry’s message with one voice.

It is crucial that members of Congress see roofing contractors, distributors, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders from throughout the U.S. and hear about the industry’s critical issues. Information about 2023 advocacy issues will be available soon; previous years’ issues have included increased funding for career and technical education programs and immigration reform to meet the industry’s workforce needs.

“A new Congress now is in session on Capitol Hill, and it is critically important for the roofing industry to engage with lawmakers face-to-face,” said McKay Daniels, NRCA CEO. “Join us as we bring the industry’s message directly to Washington, D.C. Together, we can make a difference.”

Roofing professionals are encouraged to participate and bring one or more standout crew members to help share the industry’s story.

Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2023 is $95 for company representatives and $35 for field workers, students, and spouses. Registration closes on April 5, 2023.

For more information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2023, contact NRCA’s Washington, D.C., staff at 800-338-5765 or visit nrca.net/roofingday.