By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

ARCA and NRCA training helps roofing foremen and supervisors build practical leadership skills. 

There is a growing recognition across the roofing industry that leadership development cannot wait until someone reaches the executive level. It has to start in the field, where foremen and supervisors are guiding crews as well asinfluencing culture and jobsite performance every day. A training opportunity from the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is putting that belief into action with a focused, practical approach to field leadership.

The NRCA Field Leadership Training Level 1 program is designed to meet roofing companies where they are, equipping field managers with the skills they need to lead more effectively right now. This one-day training isn’t theoretical. It is built around real-world applications, helping participants immediately strengthen communication along with improving productivity and stronger, more accountable teams. 

What makes this training especially relevant is its focus on the daily challenges facing field leaders. Communication gaps, misaligned expectations and unresolved conflict can quickly impact both morale and project outcomes. By addressing leadership styles, team engagement and conflict-resolution strategies, the program gives foremen and supervisors tools they can use the moment they return to the jobsite. 

The training, scheduled for July 10, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, also brings together respected industry experts who understand the realities of roofing. Participants will learn from professionals such as Amy Staska, vice president of NRCA University, and Jon Goodman, an NRCA subject matter expert, former roofing contractor and ProCertification® assessor. Their combined experience in workforce development and contractor education ensures the content is grounded in what truly works in the field. 

For companies looking to take the next step, this program can be paired with NRCA’s Foreman Management Training, held the day prior. That course expands into broader job management concepts including safety, customer service, quality, productivity and profitability, giving participants a more complete perspective on how their decisions affect project success. 

Opportunities like this highlight an important shift happening across the industry. Contractors are realizing that investing in people is just as critical as investing in equipment or materials. Strong leadership at the field level improves not only project outcomes but also retention. 

For contractors and companies focused on building the next generation of leaders, programs like NRCA’s Field Leadership Training are more than a class. They are a strategic investment in the future of their teams and their business. If you are looking to strengthen leadership from the ground up, now is the time to take action. Explore the training, and engage your future leaders.  It is a commitment to invest in their success. The strongest companies are built on strong leaders in the field. 

To register visit www.azroofing.org/events. 

By The Coffee Shops.™ 

Roofing found energy, talent and momentum at this year’s event.  

The roofing industry made a strong showing at SkillsUSA 2026, and the takeaway was clear: the next generation of skilled tradespeople is ready to get to work. Held during the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, the event brought together students, educators and industry leaders for hands-on competitions, career exploration and workforce development. More than 19,000 people attended, and 7,000 students competed in 115 contests, showing just how much energy and opportunity is surrounding the skilled trades right now. 

Students bring confidence and curiosity 

In a conversation from the show floor, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Lauren White of RoofersCoffeeShop® shared what stood out most at this year’s event. For Lauren, who has attended SkillsUSA competitions for the past three years, it was the students themselves. “They’re making eye contact with you. They’re asking you thoughtful questions. They’re shaking your hand. They’re not looking at their phones,” she said. “They’re happy to be here. They’re happy to have good conversations.” Across the event, students from a range of trades were eager to learn more about roofing and where a career in the industry could take them. 

That curiosity matters. Lauren said students were asking questions like, “Tell me more. Tell me about roofing,” which showed how much impact a simple conversation can have. Karen heard a similar theme while interviewing students, many of whom talked about how SkillsUSA helped them build confidence and push past their comfort zones. That willingness to try, learn and grow is exactly what makes SkillsUSA such a strong pipeline for the trades. 

The size of the event reinforced that message. The championships filled the Georgia World Congress Center, a venue that features more than four million square feet of meeting and event space and relied on nearly 2,000 industry volunteers to support the competitions. On the roofing side, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to expand the industry’s presence through the commercial roofing competition, which featured 22 competitors this year. 

The Roofing Pavilion keeps growing 

Lauren pointed to the Roofing Pavilion as one of the clearest signs the industry is serious about workforce development. “Our roofing pavilion gets bigger every year, and it always makes a statement,” she said.

This year, the pavilion showcased more parts of the industry, including tile and metal, giving students and visitors a broader look at the opportunities available in roofing. “They’re really trying to pull in all aspects of roofing, and all types of roofing to show what’s possible in the industry,” Lauren said. 

One industry, one opportunity 

That broader industry support is a big part of the story. NRCA emphasizes that contractors, manufacturers, distributors and trade groups all have a role to play by supporting local programs, donating materials, showing up at competitions and building relationships with schools. 

That spirit of collaboration came through clearly in the conversation. As Heidi put it, “It’s not just contractors, it’s not just manufacturers, it’s not just distribution. It’s all of us. One voice. One industry.” At SkillsUSA, that message feels real. Students are not just watching from the sidelines. Many are already networking, interviewing, and, in some cases, getting hired before the event concludes. One student competitor shared that he had already received additional offers while attending the competition, a sign that employers are paying attention. 

For an industry facing ongoing labor shortages, SkillsUSA is more than an inspiring event, it’s part of the solution. “It’s not only a feel-good experience, but also real solutions for our workforce and labor shortage,” Heidi said. Her message to contractors was simple: “If you’re a contractor, get involved.” Lauren suggested a practical first step: attend a state competition, spend time getting to know students and instructors, and start building relationships locally. 

That local-first approach is one of the best ways roofing companies can strengthen their workforce pipeline. Getting involved with nearby schools, supporting curriculum and showing up at competitions as volunteers, trainers or sponsors can make a real difference, both for students and for the future of the industry. 

And the winners are... 

High school 

• First place: Mason Miller from Larned High School in Larned, Kansas 
• Second place: Nathan Lutz-Santos form Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Tennessee 
• Third place:  Austin Gibson from Golden Strip Career Center in Greenville, South Carolina 

Post-secondary level 

• First place: Sean McWilliams from Alfred State College-School of Applied Technology 
• Second place: John Prophete from Orange Technical College – West Campus in Ocoee, Florida 
• Third place: Adam Thornton from Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia 

By the end of the week, one thing was obvious: SkillsUSA 2026 was more than a celebration of talent. It was proof that roofing’s future is already taking shape. The students brought skill, professionalism and curiosity. The industry brought opportunity, visibility and support. Together, they created the kind of momentum that can open doors, launch careers and strengthen the trades for years to come. 

Watch the full wrap up video live from the Roofing Pavilion at SkillsUSA: 

Check out the full playlist of interviews to hear about SkillsUSA from the students themselves!

By Jenny Yu. 

Industry experts discuss how increased awareness and tight labor markets are driving a shift toward coating restoration systems. 

Roof coating restoration is gaining momentum as building owners and specifiers look for cost-effective, less disruptive ways to extend roof life. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, industry experts from KARNAK and Clarity Roof Consulting discussed how accessibility to information and evolving project expectations are driving this trend. 

According to Chris Huettig of KARNAK, demand for coating systems is increasingly influenced by more informed building owners. “It’s driven from the top down,” he said. “Building owners are more educated and have questions that they’re bringing to specifiers.” That shift is leading many to consider restoration over replacement, particularly when evaluating cost, speed and business disruption. Coating systems can often be installed faster and with smaller crews, making them an attractive option in a tight labor market. 

Dan King of Clarity Roof Consulting agreed, acknowledging a broader change in how roofs are viewed. “There's more information percolating,” he said. “There’s been a change in looking at your roof as just a cost item to seeing it as an asset.” That mindset encourages more strategic decision-making, where restoration can offer long-term value when aligned with building performance goals. 

From the specifier side, Dan emphasized the importance of being a trusted partner for property owners to achieve a successful joint outcome. “In our role, we have really been able to open conversations based on trust with our clients,” Dan stated. “We work transparently, we build that trust and we breed success. Then, you can start to look at the value of different solutions. If you don't have that shared knowledge, you end up being more risk averse.” 

The panelists also highlighted the importance of collaboration and access to reliable information when navigating codes, regulations and system selection. “There's subject matter expertise held in manufacturing,” Dan said. “We go to fire marshals, we go to code officials, SPRI, RCMA, NRCA, RoofersCoffeeShop®. I find the ICC codes library really helpful.” Establishing relationships with these industry staples and leveraging the available resources help contractors and specifiers stay informed and deliver quality, compliant projects.  

As labor constraints persist and owners seek greater return on investment, coating restoration is positioned as a practical solution that balances performance, efficiency and cost. 

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how to meet evolving project demands with coating restorations. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

New Workforce Pell Grants could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers. 

A long-supported workforce initiative championed by the roofing industry is moving closer to reality and it could provide meaningful opportunities for contractors looking to build stronger crews for the future. On March 6, the Department of Education announced the publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program approved by Congress in 2025 as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The new program expands Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term, career-oriented workforce training programs, helping put workforce education on a more equal footing with traditional college degree pathways. 

For years, Pell Grants have largely been limited to students enrolled in longer-term college degree programs. While traditional higher education received federal support, many students pursuing careers in the skilled trades often faced limited financial assistance for technical and workforce training. Workforce Pell Grants are designed to help change that by creating greater access to career-focused education for students interested in hands-on professions such as roofing.

This development is especially important to the roofing industry. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has long supported Workforce Pell legislation and advocated for its approval over many years. Expanding access to workforce education funding has also been a recurring priority during Roofing Day in D.C., where industry leaders regularly meet with lawmakers to discuss workforce shortages, training needs and policies that strengthen the skilled trades. 

The timeline

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible students who meet the standard financial need criteria for traditional Pell Grants may qualify for assistance while enrolled in approved workforce training programs. To qualify, programs must be offered through accredited institutions that participate in federal financial aid and must meet several requirements. Eligible training programs must:

• Be between eight and 15 weeks in length
• Prepare students for employment in high-skill, high-wage or in-demand careers
• Lead to portable, industry-recognized credentials

Credentials also must count toward an associate or bachelor’s degree pathway while meeting performance standards.

The big picture

For roofing contractors, this could become an important workforce development tool at a time when labor shortages continue to challenge businesses across the country. By opening financial aid opportunities for shorter-term workforce education, more students, veterans, career changers and young workers may see skilled trades such as roofing as a realistic and affordable career path. Contractors who partner with accredited technical schools, trade programs and workforce development organizations may gain access to a stronger pipeline of trained workers who already have foundational knowledge in safety, roofing systems and construction practices. 

The timing aligns with broader workforce efforts already underway across roofing. NRCA continues investing in workforce development, technical education and initiatives such as SkillsUSA, where the association will support a record number of roofing competitors during the 2026 national competition in Atlanta. These efforts, combined with Workforce Pell Grants, have the potential to strengthen roofing’s talent pipeline and create more opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers. 

As implementation moves forward, NRCA remains optimistic about the impact Workforce Pell Grants can have on the skilled trades. For roofing contractors, this program may offer more than educational access. It may help create a stronger future workforce while making roofing careers more attainable and affordable for those interested in joining the trades. 

For more information on workforce development, advocacy initiatives and how the roofing industry is supporting future workforce solutions, visit NRCA and the NRCA ROOFPAC directory on RoofersCoffeeShop. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The honor highlights Heidi's leadership in advancing the roofing and outdoor industries. 

The Coffee Shops™ are proud to share that our President, Heidi J. Ellsworth, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top Women Leaders of Oregon for 2026. The annual list honors accomplished women leaders who are making significant contributions across industries while demonstrating leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing their professions. 

Women We Admire is a membership organization and professional network comprised of women executives and leaders across the United States and Canada. Through its annual recognition programs, the organization celebrates women who are driving growth, fostering innovation and creating positive impact within their industries and communities. 

Heidi was recognized for her decades-long leadership in the roofing and building industries and for her role in helping grow The Coffee Shops into some of the industry's most influential media and community platforms. Heidi has spent more than 30 years advancing roofing sales, marketing, business development and industry engagement and is also widely known for her advocacy of workforce development, industry inclusion and education. 

Under Heidi’s leadership, The Coffee Shops have continued to expand their reach and influence. Over the past year, they've launched OutdoorCoffeeShop™, a digital community dedicated to the outdoor living and exterior construction markets. The new platform extends The Coffee Shops’ mission of connecting contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals through education, networking and business resources. 

They also expanded internationally with the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, bringing its established model of industry news, education and community engagement to roofing professionals across the United Kingdom. The expansion reflects the growing demand for accessible industry resources and opportunities to connect roofing professionals around the globe. 

In addition to leading The Coffee Shops, Heidi remains active throughout the industry through speaking engagements, board service and mentorship initiatives. Her work with organizations such as National Women in Roofing, National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofing Alliance has helped strengthen opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing sector. 

To learn more about the women recognized on this year’s list, visit Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of Oregon for the 2026 feature. You can also learn more about Heidi’s ongoing impact on the industry at her RoofersCoffeeShop directory! 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The policies shaping the future of roofing. 

As I begin my service on the board of directors for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), one of the most valuable parts of the onboarding process has been gaining a deeper understanding of the association’s government affairs efforts. While many roofing professionals immediately think of technical education, workforce development or industry networking when they think of NRCA, the reality is that advocacy plays an equally important role in protecting and advancing the roofing industry.

During a recent onboarding session, NRCA Vice President of Government Affairs Duane Musser provided an update on the legislative and regulatory issues that continue to impact roofing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and construction professionals across the country. The presentation reinforced just how important it is for roofing professionals to understand the policies being debated in Washington, D.C. and how those decisions directly affect businesses, jobs and long-term industry growth.

One of the key takeaways from the presentation was that government policy is not an abstract issue. It directly affects profitability, workforce availability, tax planning, energy incentives and training opportunities. NRCA continues to advocate for tax policies that support roofing businesses, including maintaining the Section 199A deduction for pass-through businesses, preserving the 21% corporate tax rate, maintaining estate tax exemptions and restoring full deductions for research and development costs. The association also continues to support provisions that allow full expensing for nonresidential roof improvements under Section 179.

These tax policies matter because they influence investment decisions, business growth and succession planning for roofing companies of every size. For many contractors, these policies can determine whether they purchase new equipment, expand operations or invest in additional employees. Tax issues have also been a major focus of Roofing Day in Washington, D.C. for several years, demonstrating how important these policies are to the future success of roofing businesses.

At the same time, NRCA is closely monitoring changes to federal energy efficiency incentives. Several energy-related tax credits and deductions are being phased out over the next one to two years, including incentives tied to commercial building energy efficiency, residential energy-efficient construction and renewable energy investments. While future opportunities may emerge, the current landscape highlights the need for roofing professionals to stay informed as energy policy continues to evolve and impact project opportunities.

Workforce development remains another critical priority for the roofing industry. The update included discussions around the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provides funding and support for workforce training programs across the country. NRCA supports reforms that would streamline administrative requirements, expand access to competency-based training and certification programs and increase employer representation on workforce development boards. These efforts align directly with the roofing industry's ongoing need to recruit, train and retain skilled workers.

The association is also continuing its advocacy efforts around Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. Through support of Perkins Career and Technical Education grants and other workforce initiatives, NRCA is helping expand opportunities for students and future trades professionals to pursue careers in roofing and construction. The association has successfully advocated for increased funding over the years and continues working to expand career and technical education opportunities that help build the industry's future workforce.

As someone who has spent decades advocating for workforce development through industry media, associations and educational initiatives, it was encouraging to see how much focus NRCA continues to place on creating pathways into the roofing profession. Developing the next generation of roofing professionals remains one of the most important challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

Another important topic discussed during the onboarding session was immigration legislation and workforce availability. NRCA continues to support efforts that improve access to legal workforce programs, including maximizing the effectiveness of the H-2B seasonal visa program. The presentation also highlighted legislative proposals that could create additional workforce opportunities through expanded visa programs designed to address labor shortages in critical industries.

Regardless of individual political viewpoints, one fact remains clear: roofing companies across the country continue to face workforce shortages. Industry leaders need to understand the policy discussions surrounding workforce availability because these decisions directly impact the ability of contractors to meet customer demand, complete projects and grow their businesses.

One of the reasons I have always valued industry associations is their ability to serve as the collective voice of the industry. Individual roofing companies often do not have the time or resources to monitor every legislative proposal, regulatory change or policy debate occurring at the federal level. NRCA's government affairs team provides tremendous value by staying engaged in these discussions and ensuring the roofing industry's perspective is represented.

The issues discussed during this onboarding session are not future concerns. They are current issues affecting contractors today. Tax policy influences business investments, workforce legislation impacts hiring, career and technical education affect the future labor pipeline and energy policies shape product demand and project opportunities. Understanding these issues helps roofing professionals make better business decisions while ensuring our industry continues to have a strong voice in the policymaking process.

As I begin my service on the NRCA Board of Directors, I am even more convinced that advocacy is one of the most important services our industry association provides. The work happening behind the scenes in Washington, D.C. may not always make headlines, but it has a profound impact on the future of roofing. I am particularly honored to be serving on the PAC Advisory Committee, which helps raise funds to support ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee, which helps ensure that bipartisan lawmakers understand the issues affecting roofing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and workers across the country. Supporting advocacy through NRCA and ROOFPAC helps strengthen our industry's voice and protect the future of roofing for generations to come.

For roofing professionals who want to make a difference, there has never been a better time to get involved. I encourage contractors and industry leaders to become members of NRCA and learn more about supporting ROOFPAC. Together, we can help ensure the roofing industry remains represented on critical issues including workforce development, tax policy, career and technical education, energy incentives and regulatory reform. To learn more, visit NRCA's ROOFPAC program and consider becoming an active participant in shaping the future of our industry.

By Dani Sheehan. 

What if your strongest sustainability program isn’t in recycling end-of-life materials, but in your company’s safety culture? 

The word “sustainability” has become quite a buzzword in the construction industry, with conversations quickly turning to recycled materials, waste diversion plans, fuel efficiency or environmental product declarations (EPDs). And these conversations matter. According to new guidance from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the built environment is responsible for roughly one-third of global energy use and carbon emissions, making every construction trade part of the larger sustainability equation. 

But NRCA’s latest white paper, Roofing Contractors’ Role in Sustainability, offers a perspective that may feel both surprising and familiar: some of the most meaningful sustainability work happening in the industry may not live in a landfill diversion report or product specification. It may happen in your morning safety huddle, or the apprentice training your company offers.  

Bigger than environmental impact 

The National Environmental Policy Act defines sustainability as something that can “create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.” This asks business owners a much bigger question: what are you doing today to ensure your company, and your people, can thrive tomorrow? 

NRCA frames sustainability through three pillars: environmental, social and governance (ESG):   

1 – Environmental. How your company manages: 

• Material waste 
• Recycling 
• Energy consumption 
• Vehicle efficiency 
• Product selection 

2 – Social. How your company invests in: 

• Workforce health and safety 
• Employee development 
• Diversity and inclusion 
• Community impact 

3 – Governance. How your company demonstrates: 

• Transparency 
• Supply chain accountability 
• Ethical pricing 
• Risk management 
• Innovation 

While environmental initiatives often dominate the conversation, many roofing contractors may find their strongest story lies in the social pillar. Safety is a powerful form of sustainability your company already practices. Every morning huddle. Every fall protection checklist. Every new hire orientation. Every moment a crew member speaks up before a hazard becomes an incident. These are all sustainable practices. 

This year’s Construction Safety Week 2026 theme clearly illustrates social sustainability: “All in Together: Recognize, Respond, Respect.” Although recordable incidents across construction have declined, fatality rates have remained stubbornly high for more than a decade, which is why this year’s campaign centers on a unified approach to recognizing high-energy hazards and preventing serious injuries. Creating systems that help crews identify risk, speak up and stop work when conditions change not only reduces incidents, but protects knowledge, careers, families and ultimately, the long-term health of your business. 

Workforce development as a sustainable advantage 

The roofing industry continues to face labor shortages, generational turnover and growing competition for skilled talent. Sustainability means looking at who will still be climbing those ladders, running those crews and leading those teams ten years from now. When experienced foremen transfer knowledge to the next generation, companies reduce operational risk, preserve institutional knowledge and build businesses that can outlast market cycles. 

As NRCA makes clear, sustainability doesn’t require a formal ESG department or a polished carbon disclosure. You may already be doing meaningful sustainability work if your company is: 

• Investing in safety training 
• Hosting toolbox talks and stand-downs 
• Developing future leaders by supporting continuing education 
• Recruiting new workers into the trade 
• Giving back to your community 
• Creating a culture where worker feel respected enough to speak up 

Tell your sustainability story 

As sustainability regulations continue to evolve at the federal, state and local levels, roofing contractors who understand both the environmental and human side of sustainability will be better positioned to lead. The companies that will define the next era of roofing will not only be diverting more material from landfills but will be sending every worker home safe, investing in the next generations and building cultures designed to last.  

Read the full white paper, explore safety and workforce resources and discover how membership with NRCA can help your company stay ahead of the industry’s evolving priorities. 

June 2, 2026 @ 9:00 am - June 4, 2026 @ 5:00 pm EST

SkillsUSA will have a new Immersive Experience- Construction this year at our annual conference NLSC(National Leadership & Skills Conference) supported by Lowe’s Foundation and Bosch Community Fund. This is for 100 SkillsUSA members that are not competitors but coming for 3 days for an immersive experience to learn more about the construction industry. 

Agenda

Tuesday, June 2

• Construction Scenario Challenges 
• Columbus Tech Carpentry Training Trailer 
• Construction Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, June 3

• Atlanta Brave’s Stadium Tour 
• Cobb Galleria Active Jobsite Tour 
• Lowe’s Store Walkthrough 
• Employer Insights Panel

Thursday, June 4

• NC3 Credentialing 
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Hammers, Punches, and Chisels
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Screwdrivers
  • 3M PPE: Head, Eye, and Face  
• Celebration Dinner

Learn more and register today!

June 2, 2026 @ 9:00 am - June 4, 2026 @ 5:00 pm EST

SkillsUSA will have a new Immersive Experience- Construction this year at our annual conference NLSC(National Leadership & Skills Conference) supported by Lowe’s Foundation and Bosch Community Fund. This is for 100 SkillsUSA members that are not competitors but coming for 3 days for an immersive experience to learn more about the construction industry. 

Agenda

Tuesday, June 2

• Construction Scenario Challenges 
• Columbus Tech Carpentry Training Trailer 
• Construction Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, June 3

• Atlanta Brave’s Stadium Tour 
• Cobb Galleria Active Jobsite Tour 
• Lowe’s Store Walkthrough 
• Employer Insights Panel

Thursday, June 4

• NC3 Credentialing 
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Hammers, Punches, and Chisels
  • Snap - On Hand Tool ID: Screwdrivers
  • 3M PPE: Head, Eye, and Face  
• Celebration Dinner

Learn more and register today!

By Jenny Yu.  

NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing engagement with lawmakers is shaping the future of the roofing industry. 

Duane underscored the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Capitol Hill. “We are the advocate for the roofing industry in Washington, D.C., working with members of Congress, staff and regulators on everything that’s important to the industry,” he said. From workforce challenges to regulatory concerns, NRCA’s efforts extend year-round to ensure contractors’ voices are heard. 

Immigration reform remained a central focus during Roofing Day discussions. Duane noted the urgency of advancing legislative solutions that support a stable workforce. “We’ve been working on this for 20 years, and Congress hasn’t addressed it in a comprehensive way,” he said, referencing proposals like the Dignity Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act as potential pathways forward. 

Another key focus of NRCA’s advocacy is workforce development. Brad highlighted progress in career and technical education funding, noting, “Increasing CTE funding at a federal level is one of the ways we can help retain and find new labor.” He added that recent gains in Perkins Grant funding reflect bipartisan support for skilled trades, a promising sign for the industry’s future. 

In addition to legislative priorities, NRCA remains active in regulatory advocacy, working closely with agencies like OSHA to shape practical safety standards. Duane emphasized the importance of balancing worker protection with real-world jobsite conditions, especially regarding fall protection and heat exposure rules. 

As the industry looks ahead, NRCA’s continued advocacy signals a unified commitment to addressing challenges and driving progress long after Roofing Day concludes. 

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the whole conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about how NRCA is advocating for the roofing industry and how to get involved!