The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is revving up for its 71st Annual MRCA Conference and Expo with help from Harley-Davidson.

After having to cancel its 2020 conference due to the pandemic, the MRCA board, committees, councils and staff worked to bring an exciting show to the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wis. on Nov. 9-11. The show will feature new educational sessions both on and off the trade show floor as well as product demonstrations, hands-on experiences and enhanced technology-based interaction with the Product Peep Shows and mobile conference app.

This year's keynote speaker will be Bill Davidson, the great-grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson, and the son of William G. "Willie G." Davidson. He will be speaking on Nov. 10 during a presentation that is free to all attendees and exhibitors.

Bill currently serves as the company’s senior vice president and chief styling officer. Bill, who joined the company in 1984, has ridden motorcycles since the age of 7 and has been in various leadership positions within the company for more than 26 years, spending his career focused on strengthening Harley-Davidson’s relationships with riders around the world.

In addition to being the keynote speaker at the annual meeting, Bill will be autographing the MRCA/CERTA sponsored 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX that will be given away on the expo floor Nov. 10. Harley-Davidson of Wisconsin will also be in attendance with a display of Harley-Davidson bikes. Details on how to enter the giveaway can be found at the MRCA's website.

The motorcycle theme continues into the MRCA's "Born to be Wild" Foundation Reception & Fundraiser, held 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 10. The event is free to all attendees and exhibitors and features both silent and live auctions.

Returning to this year's conference for the third year is the MRCA Roofer Challenge. Held at noon on the last day of the show, the event encourages contractors and their employees to compete in four industry-related challenges. Each challenge will be scored on speed and quality with the first-place winner earning $1,000 cash, $500 for second place and $250 for third. Registration for the Roofer Challenge is free.

For contractors working with torch applications, the MRCA will hold Certified Roofing Torch Applicator and Train-the-Trainer (CERTA) classes on Nov. 9 and 10. The programs train experienced roof system installers on the safe use of roofing torches for applying polymer-modified bitumen roofing products. The sessions include meals and access to the exhibit hall, but separate registration for the classes is required.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit mrca.org.

CHICAGO — The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released a new white paper, “MCM Best Practices: Proper Surface Preparation for Stiffener Adhesion.” The technical document focuses on the proper preparation for the two most predominant materials used for stiffener adhesion.

Metal Composite Material (MCM) cladding systems are an attractive and popular choice for aesthetics and durability. Among these benefits is MCM’s ability to deflect under load and return to flat after the load is removed. Still, MCM must meet the deflection requirements defined in the building code. To accomplish the requirements, MCM panels are generally reinforced using stiffeners adhered to the non-exposed side of the panel. This paper details the preparation of both the face and the stiffener surface to ensure that the bond remains intact and performs as required.

“Proper stiffener adhesion are one of the most important steps in MCM construction,” said Tom Seitz, chair of MCA’s MCM Alliance. “This paper provides clarity on the additional steps that may be required to adequately attach these stiffeners. MCA is proud to add this to our lineup of important documents on our website.”

FOREST HILL, Md. — The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is now accepting submissions for the 2022 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. ARMA encourages all roofing contractors to submit their best low and steep-slope asphalt roofing projects from the past three years for consideration by Dec. 1, 2021.

“Our program places great emphasis on excellence. Every year we see more and more contractors rise to the occasion and we hope that this year will be even better. Every entry we receive reinforces that asphalt roofing is beautiful, affordable, reliable, and the preferred roofing solution,” said Reed Hitchcock, ARMA’s executive vice president.

There is no limit to the number of entries a company may submit as long as each project meets the program criteria. Projects will be judged in four categories:

• Beauty – Does the project embody the true beauty of asphalt roofing?
• Performance – Does the project demonstrate asphalt roofing’s reliability, durability, and overall system strength?
• Asphalt: The Roofing Solution – Why was asphalt chosen for this project?

• Distinction – Is the project clearly distinct from its peers?

Winning companies will be recognized during the 2022 International Roofing Expo, Feb. 1-3 in New Orleans. Winners will receive a monetary prize (Gold – $2,000; Silver – $1,000; Bronze – $500), plus recognition in national trade media, local media and on ARMA’s website and social media.

The Excellence Awards submission form, along with the full program guidelines, can be found at www.asphaltroofing.org/excellence.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The roofing community made a splash in South Florida with the largest non-corporate donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida as well as a substantial donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

The Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) is a not-for-profit trade association whose purpose is to educate and foster a high standard of business ethics among roofing contractors and associate members. RCASF members endeavor 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 raised $225,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $25,000 for the IGFA's Junior Angler's Educational Program.

"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," said Senior Committee Member Erica Bergeron. "People just kept standing up and waving their credit cards. It made me proud to be a part of this industry of giving individuals."

The tournament was held on June 12 at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key with an attendance of over 500 people. A banquet followed featuring the catch of the day; mahi-mahi. The guest of honor, Lauren Potter, spoke eloquently about her experience as a "wish child" and how it impacted her life.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the house," said Anthony Utter, senior tournament committee member.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida COO, Richard Kelly remarked how amazed he was by the roofing community's generosity. The awards ceremony was held at the IGFA on Aug. 4.

"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.

"RCASF truly believes in our wish granting mission," said Norm Wedderburn, CEO and president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Southern Florida. "RCASF has literally changed the lives of thousands of people; children and their families, who are affected by critical illnesses. We are very grateful to RCASF for their continued support."

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 10-12, 2022 at Hawk's Cay Resort with the goal of brightening the lives of even more children. Donations of fishing related items for auction and financial sponsorships are encouraged. If you would like to contribute or learn more, visit www.RCASF.org.