Washington, DC (June 27, 2008) - ARMA announces the untimely passing of J.D. Hasselbach, Vice President, Southeast Area, GAF Materials Corporation and former Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) President, on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

According to Executive Director, Reed Hitchcock; Hasselbach's tenure is recognized for his dedication and steadfast efforts on behalf of ARMA's continued progressive roofing industry agenda. His efforts and direction resulted in numerous benefits for the ARMA organization. These benefits included an increased and more participatory ARMA membership, new and improved member-oriented services and programs and a greater "proactive" involvement in public affairs and issues of concern to ARMA member companies. Hasselbach could always be counted on to help coordinate and mobilize the ARMA position, and that of the ARMA member companies.

Hasselbach will most notably be remembered by the ARMA membership and the roofing community as a visionary who lead ARMA through some of its most dynamic times. These included, the post-Hurricane Andrew period in South Florida, when code changes were defeated that would have eliminated asphalt shingles from the South Florida roofing market; defeating the potential built-up roofing aggregate ban in Broward County, Florida, and his leadership and work with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's promulgation of the Maximum Attainable Control Technology Standard.

For additional information concerning ARMA, contact ARMA at (202) 207-0917; fax (202) 223-9741; or visit the ARMA web site at http://www.asphaltroofing.org/.