Celebrating the Roofing Industry With 25 Years of Giving

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS Partner. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is proud to be a sponsor of the Roofing Alliance’s 25th Anniversary! 

Throughout 2021, and especially in January, we are helping to throw a virtual party for the Roofing Alliance. Watch for articles, events like our upcoming Coffee Conversations and fun memories and testimonials from Roofing Alliance leadership and members.

In the roofing industry, there are many ways to be involved, but seldom does an industry have a group whose whole purpose is to “GIVE.” The Roofing Alliance is that hidden treasure in the roofing industry. It has been active since 1996 and is now celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2021. It is a shining example of how the roofing industry keeps giving back and growing professionally.

The Roofing Alliance is the non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable arm of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). For 25 years, it has advanced and promoted the roofing industry by funding philanthropic initiatives, research, educational and technological programs. The foundation works to benefit the trade overall, striving to improve businesses and develop opportunities that offer ongoing success for the future of the industry. Through service and funding to communities, the Roofing Alliance provides charitable support, scholarships, research funding and much more.

It started out when The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress was established within the National Roofing Foundation (NRF) to create a permanent endowment fund to serve as a highly focused resource for the roofing industry and its customers. There have been changes to terminology over the years, but as the foundation of NRCA, its objectives continue to be to fund research and educational projects while also supporting and funding philanthropic, technological and sustainability programs. Today the Roofing Alliance provides timely and forward-thinking industry responses to major issues while also working to enhance the long-term viability and attractiveness of the roofing industry to workers, consumers and the overall construction industry.

Roofing Alliance programs and initiatives offer opportunities for roofing contractors to be involved at several levels. Every year they highlight the success of the roofing industry with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Gold Circle awards programs for craftsmanship, safety, technical and philanthropy. Staying close to its original goals, the Roofing Alliance also awards annual scholarships through the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program and is well-known for its Construction Management Student Design Competition. We are proud to promote all of these programs on the Coffee Shop and it is easy to find a way to get involved with these great events.

Every year, the Roofing Alliance also funds critical research, education and technical projects to help preserve a profitable and competitive industry. Since its inception in 1996, the Roofing Alliance has funded more than $5.6 million in projects. It is vital for the roofing industry to be on the cutting edge of research and technology. The Roofing Alliance looks to fund projects that help reinforce this idea—ultimately, projects that enhance the performance of the U.S. roofing industry.

As part of the philanthropy focus in April 2017, the Roofing Alliance partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) encouraging roofing contractors across the nation to adopt 165 stand-alone Ronald McDonald House roofs. The RMHC has been the perfect philanthropic project for the Roofing Alliance since it is dedicated to helping families with critically ill children stay together and near the hospitals providing them medical care. The houses provide private sleeping rooms, meals and support, offering opportunities for families to interact as they go through their difficult times. Through sponsorship funds and the ongoing adoption of the roofs, the Roofing Alliance has brought together roofing professionals and companies who donate their time and talents to provide regular roof system inspections, maintenance, repairs and replacements for these important homes.

Starting in January 2021, the Roofing Alliance will feature past presidents of the foundation who will highlight and reminisce on its unique and giving history. Stories will be told through multimedia video, articles, virtual events and potentially live events. With a spotlight on the last 25 years, the Roofing Alliance will also highlight new initiatives and funding that will continue to support research, education and philanthropy in the next 25 years and beyond.

During the 25-year anniversary celebration, the foundation membership will encourage roofing companies and individuals to:

1. Join - Member participation is vital, and the Roofing Alliance is always seeking new members

2. Connect – In addition to maintaining Ronald McDonald House program roofs, there are a variety of ways to volunteer

3. Support - The Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program

4. Fulfill - Philanthropic goals and leave a legacy with a Planned Gift

5. Attend - Roofing Alliance events, including the Construction Management Student Design Competition

For more information on the 25th anniversary of the Roofing Alliance contact Bennett Judson, the Roofing Alliance’s executive director, at bjudson@roofingalliance.net or visit www.roofingalliance.net. Getting to know Bennett and the Roofing Alliance leadership could be one of your best New Year resolutions.

Learn more about the Roofing Alliance in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory.