By Emma Peterson. 

Join your industry peers and leaders for two days of learning, networking and more!  

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is hosting their Summer Meeting from June 23-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. Sponsored by ATAS International and Carlisle Construction Materials, this two-day event is packed with education opportunities, high-value networking and industry insights! Whether you are a business leader, a technical professional, an emerging leader or a marketing/sales specialist, this meeting will help you stay ahead of the competition.  

What you can expect 

At this year’s meeting, there will be a variety of industry experts sharing real-world strategies to help professionals navigate everything from the global economy to local policy and regulatory developments. One of these leaders is Johnny Quinn, who will be delivering his keynote, Unstoppable Momentum, at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23.  

This year also introduces a new dual-track education program! This program allows contractors to “choose the sessions that fit [their] role — with content for business leaders and technical staff running at the same time as sessions designed for marketing and sales.”  

One of the sessions that is a part of this new program is hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! Karen will be moderating a panel about marketing trends that can be leveraged by professionals to diversify their businesses. There will also be sessions from Bob Zabcik and Paul Trombitas! Bob, who is MCA’s technical director, will give a codes and standards report while Paul will share about MCA’s exclusive market study.  

And as always, there will be ample opportunity at breaks, meals and events to build relationships with peers and experts across the industry. This is a great way to build relationships and spark new ideas in relaxed settings like the Chicago Dogs versus Cleburne Railroaders baseball game ($25 additional fee at registration). 

The logistics 

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare, conveniently just minutes from the O’Hare International Airport. Attendees should make sure to reserve their hotel room by Friday, May 29, 2026. 

MCA also has a unique deal for professionals who register multiple members of their team! You can save 15% per person when you register more than one person from your company with code SUMMER26. Not only is this a great deal, but having multiple members of your company in attendance allows you to take full advantage of the dual-track sessions and get takeaways from the meeting that benefit your entire organization.  

Learn more and get registered today!

By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

Honoring industry leaders for lifetimes of contribution and service to the metal industry.

In 2012, the Metal Constructon News Hall of Fame was formed through a collaboration with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association (MCA) and Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) to recognize "those individuals who have had a significant impact on the metal construction industry through their innovation, effort and leadership." 

These individuals are chosen based on five categories:

• Unique contribution: Looks specifically at the individual's creations and/or developments that advance the industry.
• Body of work: Assess the depth and breadth of the nominee's contributions to the industry across their entire career
• Legacy: Focuses on the long-lasting impacts of the nominee's work in the industry.
• Integrity: Highlights the ethical and professional standards that the nominee exhibits.
• Longevity: Requires the nominee to have been "actively involved in the industry for at least 10 years."

Now in its 14th year, the Hall of Fame has releasede the 2026 list of contractors, manufacturers and industry friends who have made a difference and been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ted Wolfe

In the high-stakes, heavy-tonnage world of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), the industry often risks losing sight of the people beneath the steel. Modern corporations frequently succumb to the “commodity trap,” viewing the market as little more than rows on a spreadsheet and total tons shipped. But for decades, the industry had a conscience — a “Southern gentleman” named Ted Wolfe who understood that while the factory produces the parts, it is the builder who produces the building.

Tony “TR” Raimondo and Phil Raimondo

The metal building industry is often defined by those who can bridge the gap between rigorous engineering and visionary leadership. For nearly four decades, Tony “TR” Raimondo and his son, Phil Raimondo, embodied this balance, transforming Behlen Manufacturing Company from a struggling enterprise into a global industry titan. Their combined leadership represents a unique “father-son” milestone in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) history, marking a legacy of service that has fortified the industry’s standards, market reach and workforce.

Jeff Alexander

In the world of industrial coatings, few names carry as much weight as Jeff Alexander. As the global vice president of sales for the coil and extrusion division of The Sherwin-Williams Company, Alexander doesn’t just help to manage a multibillion-dollar business; he shapes the very aesthetic and structural integrity of the modern built environment. With a career spanning four decades, Jeff’s induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes a leader whose impact is measured not just in square footage coated but in the enduring partnerships and organizational cultures he has built.

Arnold Corbin

In the specialized world of insulated metal panels (IMPs) and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), few professionals have bridged the gap between manufacturing precision and jobsite reality as effectively as Arnold Corbin. With a career spanning over four decades at the forefront of the industry’s evolution — from the early days of Metl-Span to his current leadership within the Nucor Insulated Panel Group — Arnold has become a foundational figure whose influence extends far beyond the corporate boardrooms of his employers.

Richard Ahrens

In the storied history of the Florida construction industry, few figures have managed to bridge the gap between legacy and logic as effectively as Richard Ahrens. A third-generation leader representing a heritage that dates back to 1902, Richard did not merely maintain a family business; he transformed it. By blending the grit of a traditional builder with the analytical precision of an academic, he moved the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) industry from the fringes of economical utility into the mainstream of high-performance architectural design.

Mark Detwiler

Through a career spanning the full spectrum of structural engineering — from the details of project design to the influence of national standards — Mark Detwiler has been a cornerstone of the metal industry. His trajectory is defined not merely by his professional advancement from hands-on engineering to senior technical leadership, but by a tireless commitment to the safety, reliability and advancement of metal building systems. Mark’s work represents a rare bridge between the theoretical rigors of applied research and the practical realities of the field.

Find more information online.

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the third quarter of 2025.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade assocations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Seventy percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 30% of responses came from roof consultants. Forty-eight percent of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 39% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 13% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 32% reported no change and 36% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

Thirty-six percent of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. Forty-three percent of respondents reported no change in activity, and 21% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 33% of respondents, 40% reported no change in activity and 27% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry increased to 57.1 compared with 39.0 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 59.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 57.1.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 52.9 compared with 45.2 for the fourth quarter of 2025. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 56.1, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 50.0.

As of April 2026, 26% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 40% indicated project backlogs of one to two months and 21% indicated backlogs of three to four months. Thirteen percent of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.

About NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Jenny Yu.  

In a time of increasingly complex federal and state regulations, MCA is preparing new resources and partnerships to strengthen the industry. 

During this episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), about MCA’s Winter Meeting and the initiatives the association is developing to support industry growth.  

One major focus is education for professionals entering the metal construction sector. “We're developing an education program for people that are new to the industry,” Jeff shared. “What are the basic things they need to understand — substrates that are used, when do you use what, the different roles that people play in the industry. It’s a soup-to-nuts approach, a metal 101 curriculum.” Segments of the program are expected to roll out in 2026. 

At the same time, MCA is looking to expand its market development activities. According to Jeff, the organization recently completed an agency review and is bringing on a marketing firm to expand their impact. “That’s our purpose: to advance the use of metal in the building envelope,” Jeff said. “We intend to grow and expand our impact and our educational efforts to our key constituents and stakeholders and those who make decisions about what products are used in their projects.” 

Furthermore, MCA is strengthening collaboration across the industry. They recently hosted an executive forum that brought together 10 trade associations to discuss common interests, goals and opportunities. “We have an opportunity to come together and have greater collaboration and impact as one entity rather than 10 individual programs,” Jeff stated. “We plan to hold that conference twice a year, and we’ve already identified a couple initiatives.” 

Among these initiatives is paying closer attention to government relations as regulatory activity increases and becomes more complex at the state level. “It's kind of the Wild West at the moment,” Jeff said. “It's important to be informed when there's new legislation or regulatory issues that are being proposed so that the experts can have a voice in that process and influence outcomes."

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about MCA’s priorities and how the association plans to support the metal construction industry in 2026.

By Jenny Yu. 

Sherwin-Williams' MetalVue gathers all the tools, resources and training contractors need to break through in the metal space. 

For contractors, nothing is more valuable than having the right resources and support. Sherwin-Willams wants to see more metal across buildings and rooftops, so they’re doing their part to help contractors succeed.  

MetalVue is a carefully curated suite of services to help newcomers and metal veterans alike as they grow and scale their businesses. “Anyone that wants to start offering metal, increase their metal offerings or maybe move away from asphalt to metal — whatever scenario it is, we want to make sure that they feel supported, and that they have the right resources needed to be successful in the metal space,” Junny Lee, market segment manager for MetalVue, shared in this RoofersCoffeeShop RLW®.  

Heather McGinnis, MetalVue’s contractor sales representative, likened MetalVue to an expert contractor’s toolbox, complete with visualizers, CRMs and business solutions. “We've done the homework for you, put it in a nice toolbox and you can reach in that toolbox anytime you need to,” Heather explained. “There are different tools for each part of what you do. You can take what pertains to your business and what your business needs are. We went out and got the best of the best.” 

Some “tools” included in the toolbox include: 

• Renoworks: An advanced AI-powered web visualizer 
• The Stonegate Group: A veteran business solutions and consulting firm 
• Eagleview: A leading provider of aerial imagery and asset intelligence 
• GiddyUp Roofing Software: A cloud-based CRM and canvasser 
• MetalCoffeeShop®: A one-of-a-kind educational, informational and community experience for metal contractors 
• Associations like Metal Roofing Alliance, the Metal Construction Association and National Women in Roofing for networking opportunities 
• Roofing Passport: Sherwin-Williams' roof takeoff and estimating software. 

“If we want to be industry leaders in our industry, we want to make sure the people that we work with are also leaders in their respective space,” Junny said to the caliber of the hand-picked partners that make up MetalVue. “We're always trying to figure out ways to bring value to contractors.” 

So far, contractors have benefited from the value provided by MetalVue, providing positive feedback about the program’s impact on their businesses. “It has given them their time back that they would have spent bidding and estimating and researching these things. We've already done it for you,” Heather offered, adding that there’s only more opportunity ahead. “The growth benefits are huge for metal. We see it everywhere, and we would love to partner with anybody that wants to either grow their business or get started in it.  

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the conversation or Watch the presentation to learn more about how you can take advantage of the value the MetalVue program creates for metal contractors. 

This annual report reflects the dedication and collaboration of MCA members and sets the stage for what’s ahead.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released its 2025 Annual Report. Read, download and share the report now to see MCA’s key achievements throughout the year and the industry leaders who made them possible.

The 2025 Annual Report comprises four sections based on MCA’s priorities:

• Creating demand for metal: MCA promotes metal to architects, building owners and other decision-makers, growing the industry to create new opportunities for our members.
• Educating members and the industry: MCA also educates industry stakeholders through live events and digital resources to ensure metal performs exactly as it should.
• Growing membership: MCA’s growth is driven by the value it offers members. That growth, in turn, fuels the delivery of impactful resources and amplifies our voice.
• Industry leadership: Led by professionals actively working in the field, MCA reflects the industry to ensure association priorities, initiatives and investments are shaped by real‑world experience and focused on advancing shared goals.

“This annual report reflects the dedication and collaboration of our members, and it also sets the stage for what’s ahead,” MCA Executive Director Jeff Henry said. “MCA’s progress is driven by members who step up, share their expertise and help shape what comes next. Now is a great time to get involved with MCA so that your company benefits from our shared achievements.”

Learn more at https://metalconstruction.org/membership and https://metalconstruction.org/2025-annual-report.

About the Metal Construction Association

MCA exists to advance metal construction. Through MCA, a diverse group of companies involved in metal roof and wall systems come together to expand understanding of metal’s performance, durability and design potential through education, research and advocacy. By working collectively, MCA members create market demand, shape best practices and support better building outcomes.

This top honor is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.

Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), recently received one of the Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) highest honors — the Larry A. Swaney Award — at MCA’s 2026 Winter Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas.

Ramey was honored with the Larry A. Swaney Award for her leadership role in working to grow the residential metal roofing market. In the U.S. alone, market share for metal roofing has risen from 3% at MRA’s inception to now capturing over 17% of the overall residential roofing market. This top honor is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.

In her role, Ramey guides MRA’s focus on rigorous quality and uniformity standards and helps drive consumer and homeowner awareness and adoption in the U.S. and Canada by promoting the many benefits of high quality metal roofing. MRA works together with contractors, manufacturers, roofing coalitions and industry partners to highlight the advantages of residential metal roofing as a sustainable, long lasting and resilient option. Ramey has served as executive director of the MRA since 2017 and has long been recognized for her leadership role in the metal industry.

MCA also recognized long-time MRA member Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, by awarding him the Patrick R. Bush Service Award. This award honors the outstanding volunteer contributions of an individual from an MCA member company. This award was created to commemorate Patrick R. Bush, a significant and long-serving member of the MCA board.

Haddock’s legendary career as a renowned metal roofing expert, inventor and industry pioneer spans nearly four decades, earning him a long list of honors including an early induction into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame.

Previous MCA service award recipients can be seen here: www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/other-awards

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

About the Metal Construction Association

Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.

The awards were announced on January 14 during MCA's 2026 Winter Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) presented its Patrick R. Bush Service Award to Rob Haddock of S-5! and its Larry A. Swaney Award to Renee Ramey of the Metal Roofing Alliance. The awards were announced on January 14 during MCA's 2026 Winter Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

The Patrick R. Bush Award honors the outstanding volunteer contributions of an individual from an MCA member company. This award was created to commemorate Patrick R. Bush, a significant and long-serving member of the MCA board.

This year’s recipient is Rob Haddock, founder of S-5! Rob entered the industry at just 19, founding a company that erected pre-engineered steel buildings. Today, his legendary career has earned him an early induction into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame. A renowned metal roof expert, inventor and industry pioneer, Rob created an entirely new market for non-penetrating roof attachments and holds numerous patents. He is also the director of the Metal Roof Advisory Group, a global consulting firm serving clients since 1989.

A contractor-turned-consultant, Rob developed innovative solutions for attaching rooftop ancillaries, such as snow guards and HVAC equipment, which led him to found S-5! in 1992, where he serves as CEO. Under his leadership, S-5! products have been installed on more than 3 million roofs in 76 countries, supported by 217 patents and over 50 roof manufacturer endorsements. A lifetime honorary member of the Metal Construction Association since 1985, Rob has dedicated nearly four decades to advancing the industry through extensive volunteer and leadership service. Rob is the author of many articles and white papers, as well as a teacher and top-rated presenter. Rob’s years of service to the industry earned him MCA’s Larry A. Swaney Award in 2015.

The Larry A. Swaney Award is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.

This year’s honoree is Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). Under her leadership, metal roofing’s residential market share grew dramatically from 3% at the alliance’s inception to 17%. She has guided MRA’s focus on rigorous quality and uniformity standards, including wind-resistance testing for flashings and trim, helping drive broader adoption across manufacturers and installers.

Renee partners with contractors, manufacturers, roofing coalitions and industry partners to promote increased metal adoption, maintain high-quality standards and encourage ongoing knowledge-sharing. She also leads MRA’s annual residential market research, providing members with valuable insights into market trends, and is a strong advocate for sustainable, resilient building practices, highlighting metal roofing’s infinite recyclability.

Previous MCA service award recipients can be seen here: www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/other-awards

About the Metal Construction Association

Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.

By The Coffee Shops™.

At the 2026 MCA Winter Meeting, Alex Chausovsky delivered a powerful message about navigating a year of modest growth and heightened uncertainty.  

Alex Chausovsky’s insights for the Metal Construction Association (MCA) centered on adaptability, proactive planning and leveraging relationships to build resilience. Here’s what leaders should take away from his presentation. 

Data over emotion 

Alex stressed that decisions must be grounded in facts, not fear or speculation. “Don’t allow your fear, emotion, anxiety or water cooler talk drive decisions. Look at the data, understand what is reliable, what is not and then make your decisions based on that.” In a volatile environment, data-driven strategies are the foundation for success. 

Growth won’t come to you 

For companies satisfied with 1–2% volume growth, the market will likely deliver that by year-end. But for those aiming higher, Alex was clear: “You’ve got to actually get out there and take it. You gotta hustle.”  

Market share gains and new customer acquisition will be essential for outperforming in 2026. Leaders must actively pursue opportunities rather than wait for them to appear. 

Plan for multiple futures 

One of Alex’s most strategic recommendations was scenario planning. “Probably the biggest strategic thing that you can start doing long term is not just have one plan. Have multiple plans for multiple scenarios and be willing to pivot depending on what happens.” Flexibility and readiness to adapt will separate thriving businesses from those that struggle. 

Communication is your competitive edge 

In a complex market, strong relationships matter more than ever. Alex advised doubling communication with customers and supply chain partners. “If you double the rate of communication, that really elevates the relationship from a transactional one to a value-added partnership.”  

Sharing insights and asking for feedback builds trust and creates resilience when conditions turn challenging. 

Control what you can 

While external factors remain unpredictable, businesses can control their internal actions. Protect margins, pivot toward out-performing sectors and embrace nimbleness. “Doing business as you’ve always done is probably not going to get you to where you need to be,” Alex warned. Leaders must be willing to rethink traditional approaches. 

Invest in productivity 

Finally, Alex urged companies to evaluate their efficiency by asking, “Are we doing things in the smartest, most efficient, most productive way possible?” Technology investments and process improvements can deliver significant performance gains even when the market is stagnant. Research potential ROI and implement changes that drive measurable results. 

The bottom line? 2026 may not be a year of explosive growth, but it can be a year of strategic wins. By focusing on data, hustling for new opportunities, planning for multiple scenarios, strengthening relationships and investing in productivity, businesses can position themselves to thrive in uncertainty.