National Roofing Contractors Association continues to elevate

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The mid-year meetings of the NRCA provide solutions and direction for the industry.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) continues to lead the way in bringing the roofing industry together. During its 2025 Midyear Meetings, the NRCA welcomed roofing professionals from across the country and around the globe to collaborate on the most pressing issues facing the industry today. Each year, these meetings serve as a platform for discussion, problem solving and innovation as the NRCA works to protect, promote and advance the roofing industry, specifically the individuals who make roofing their career. 

One of the most urgent and emotional topics discussed was immigration. Still a complex and deeply personal issue for many contractors and workers, members shared firsthand accounts of job site shutdowns and company-wide meetings being canceled due to fears surrounding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The NRCA’s Hispanic Outreach Task Team is working diligently to equip the industry with resources, including bilingual materials that explain workers’ rights during ICE audits and raids. The team’s efforts are focused on education, transparency and protecting the workforce that is vital to the success of the industry. 

Workforce development also remained front and center, especially through the NRCA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative. The commercial roofing competition at SkillsUSA has gained significant momentum, and the committee is now focused on expanding state-level competitions nationwide ahead of the 2026 national event. The initiative aims to expose more students to career opportunities in roofing while encouraging contractors and associations to get involved at the local level. This effort is a long-term investment in the future of the industry. 

Advocacy continues to be a core pillar of the NRCA’s mission. Updates were provided on recent legislative activity, including the extension of key tax provisions that benefit small businesses and contractors. While several wins were reported in the passage of the recent reconciliation legislation, there was also disappointment as long supported sustainable energy incentives were eliminated, which had supported sectors of the roofing industry. Continued uncertainty due to new tariffs remains an unresolved issue, with ongoing discussions and policy shifts still unfolding. 

With the next priorities being workforce development and immigration reform, the Government Relations Committee considered new versions of proposals they have supported in the past. Both the Dignity Act and the Stronger Workforce for America Act have been reintroduced and are currently under consideration by the committee as they review the updates and changes from previous editions. The NRCA’s Washington D.C. team remains highly active, advocating for fair policies and keeping members informed. 

In addition to national efforts like Roofing Day in Washington, D.C., the NRCA Government Affairs Committee is encouraging and supporting states to host their own Roofing Days. States such as Montana, California and Florida have already led the way with successful events, creating strong platforms for local advocacy and industry awareness. 

How roofing contractors can communicate with building owners, architects, consultants and policy makers about sustainability was discussed at the Sustainability Committee. This group met to discuss how NRCA can support and prepare contractors to discuss these important issues with their customers, helping them decide which options are right for their situation and climate. While also trying to help contractors be a stakeholder in policy conversations as these important issues come to their state, county or city so that the contractor can be a voice at that table to help set the path forward with a view of what is possible and sustainable.  

Many committee meetings occurred throughout the week — such as Technical Operations, ProCertification and other strategic initiatives along with a focus on global relations and events. The work being done within these committees is essential to the continued growth and professionalism of the industry. Whether it's developing certification programs, improving safety standards or tackling code changes, NRCA committees are at the heart of industry progress. 

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of roofing, now is the time to get involved. Membership in the NRCA opens the door to these impactful conversations and initiatives. Joining a committee is more than volunteering — it’s contributing to a better, stronger industry for generations to come.  The Coffee Shops™ are proud to be a One Voice member and part of these ongoing conversations. 

Photo credit: Heidi J. Ellsworth