Miriam Higginbotham Named ARMA’s New Health, Safety, and Environment Director
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has named Miriam Higginbotham as its new Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Director.
In this role, Higginbotham will serve as ARMA’s primary resource for identifying, monitoring, and recommending/implementing action on HSE regulatory and legislative issues of importance to the asphalt roofing industry. She will be ARMA’s liaison with outside stakeholders on issues in these areas, and will also oversee ARMA’s annual Accident Prevention Contest.
“Miriam has provided valuable consulting services to ARMA for the past two years on environmental and occupational safety and health issues,” said Reed Hitchcock, ARMA executive vice president. “She is the ideal candidate for this position, and I look forward to seeing her enhance ARMA’s work in this important area.”
Higginbotham graduated summa cum laude from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. After law school, she practiced with a Washington, D.C. law firm, focusing on environmental and chemical control regulations.
For more information about ARMA, visit asphaltroofing.org.
Roofing Alliance Seeks to Fund Initiatives That Advance Roofing Industry
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), announced its annual Call for Funding. Committed to promoting and funding the advancement of roofing through research, education, technology and philanthropic programs, the Roofing Alliance is seeking to fund initiatives that will contribute to the advancement and growth of the roofing industry.
This year’s deadline for funding applications is Jan. 1, 2021.
Each year, the Roofing Alliance provides funding for research, educational initiatives and technical programs that address current issues and work to secure the future of the roofing industry. Roofing Alliance Executive Director Bennett Judson said a total of $272,253 in project funding was approved in 2020.
“While much of our funding is earmarked for our ongoing initiatives, the Roofing Alliance is always looking to support new programs that can fulfill a need within our industry and contribute toward the betterment of the U.S. roofing industry,” said Judson.
A notable example of a successful funding request was that of Clemson University, which used the funds to develop a three-credit roofing class for use in construction management programs throughout the country. The Roofing Alliance will be donating the course materials to construction management schools that are members of the American Council for Construction Education.
For 24 years, the Roofing Alliance has been committed to shaping the industry’s future by funding education, research, scholarships and philanthropic initiatives, all for the purpose of securing the industry’s future excellence. Ongoing initiatives include committee projects and programs including the partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities®, the Roofing Alliance Student Competition and construction management partnerships with universities.
For information on specific criteria and the funding review process, please visit roofingalliance.net/About/Funding. To learn more about the Roofing Alliance, please visit roofingalliance.net or contact Judson at bjudson@roofingalliance.net.
MCA Releases White Paper Addressing Resilient Roofing Best Practices
CHICAGO — The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a new white paper, "Roofing Best Practices: FORTIFIED HOME PROGRAM," available at metalconstruction.org/tech-resources. It outlines an educational program that has been developed to provide guidance as well as a model for certification for enhanced wind performance for roofing applications.
The FORTIFIED program was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program’s objective was for roofing materials to have greater resistance to severe weather conditions and prevent roofing failure from wind uplift and excessive wind loading. The paper also details how the study differentiates from current IBC and IRC requirements regarding metal roofing construction and retrofit.
The FORTIFIED program is the result of several existing roof tests as well as field experience dealing with this type of wind loading. The performance levels are generally more than what is required by local codes.
“This is important work,” said Jeff Henry, MCA executive director. “We are always seeking higher safety standards, and this study shows a clear path to safer roofing installation.”
The white paper is free for download on the MCA website in the resources section.
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has entered into a strategic partnership with national TV show “Inside the Blueprint” to produce educational content regarding roofing industry issues, initiatives and innovative solutions.
“NRCA is pleased to partner with ‘Inside the Blueprint,’” said NRCA CEO Reid Ribble. “We appreciate the opportunity to provide content that will connect with a broader audience, promote professionalism and educate those involved in the roofing industry.”
NRCA will create broadcast-quality video content specifically addressing roofing industry insight for industry professionals, and the content will be integrated into half-hour episodes. The TV show airs nationally on Fox Business Network and internationally to more than 35 countries on Bloomberg International. NRCA and “Inside the Blueprint” will work together to promote the TV show via digital marketing and on social media platforms leading up to the first airing in 2021.
“‘Inside the Blueprint’ shares NRCA’s view that providing educational content specific to the needs of architects, engineers and roofing professionals are keys to helping the industry address challenges related to sustainability, efficiency and resilience,” said Ron Secreto, executive vice president, partnerships, for “Inside the Blueprint.”
NRCA Partners with 'Inside the Blueprint' to Produce Educational Content for the Roofing Industry
