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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-day-se-trata-de-representar-a-la-comunidad-y-a-la-industria</link>
<description>roofing-day-se-trata-de-representar-a-la-comunidad-y-a-la-industria</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/rcs-en-espanol-roofing-day-se-trata-de-representar-a-la-comunidad-y-a-la-industria-canva.png'
            alt='Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria'
            title='Roofing Day se trata de representar a la comunidad y a la industria'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>Por Jessica Bravo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Involucr&aacute;ndose, participando y alzando la voz marca la diferencia en la industria y m&aacute;s all&aacute;.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/monica-vornbrock-techado-representacion-y-resultados">En este episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos</a>, Jessica Bravo conversa con <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/monica-vornbrock-rcs-en-espanol-influencer">Monica Vornbrock</a> de <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/the-glo-group">The GLO Group</a> y <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/lorna-rojas-rcs-en-espanol-influencer">Lorna Rojas</a> de <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/tremco">Tremco</a>, ambas miembros activas de <a href="https://youtu.be/og3pqN_9IqQ?si=u3me4BZI3Mf62hJq">National Women in Roofing y su iniciativa Conexi&oacute;n Hispana</a>, sobre su experiencia participando en Roofing Day en Washington, D.C.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cada a&ntilde;o,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca-en-espanol">National Roofing Contractors Association</a> organiza <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rumbo-a-dc-para-roofing-day-2026">Roofing Day</a> con el objetivo de reunir a profesionales de la industria con miembros del Congreso para dialogar sobre los desaf&iacute;os que enfrentan. Este a&ntilde;o, los temas principales incluyen la escasez de mano de obra y la vivienda asequible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>La conversaci&oacute;n destaca la importancia de la representaci&oacute;n, la comunidad y el impulso para que m&aacute;s profesionales hispanohablantes y mujeres participen activamente en la construcci&oacute;n del futuro de la industria del techado.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ambas dicen que participar en eventos como Roofing Day es clave para generar un impacto real en la industria. Como explica Lorna, &ldquo;para que la industria avance, tiene que haber comunicaci&oacute;n en ambas direcciones. Tenemos que participar, dar nuestra opini&oacute;n y ser parte del proceso para que realmente nos puedan apoyar&rdquo; y Monica agrega que &ldquo;cuando te mantienes informada y participas, tu voz importa. Las organizaciones est&aacute;n escuchando pero tienes que presentarte y compartir lo que est&aacute; afectando a tu mercado.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Durante el mes de marzo, como preparaci&oacute;n para Roofing Day, escuchamos a nuestros <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-influencers-en-espanol">Influencers En Espa&ntilde;ol</a> reflexionar sobre la importancia de este evento. Como explica Carlos Rodr&iacute;guez, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/nuestra-voz-tiene-un-impacto-que-va-mucho-ms-all-de-los-techos-que-construimos-o-reparamos">Nuestra voz tiene un impacto que va mucho m&aacute;s all&aacute; de los techos que construimos o reparamos</a>,&rdquo; mientras que otros tambi&eacute;n destacan que &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/en-donde-no-estamos-no-somos-vistos">en donde no estamos, no somos vistos</a>&rdquo; y que &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/las-voces-siempre-hacen-falta">las voces siempre hacen falta</a>,&rdquo; reforzando la idea de que no podemos generar un cambio si no participamos ni usamos nuestra voz.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/monica-vornbrock-techado-representacion-y-resultados"><strong>Escucha este episodio para entender la importancia de presentarte, porque cada voz cuenta y ahora es el momento de alzarla.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/workforce-pell-program-could-strengthen-roofings-workforce-pipeline</link>
<description>workforce-pell-program-could-strengthen-roofings-workforce-pipeline</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/hje-article-workforce-pell-program-could-strengthen-roofings-workforce-pipeline-canva.png'
            alt='Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline'
            title='Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing’s workforce pipeline'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>New Workforce Pell Grants could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>This development is especially important to the roofing industry. The <a href="/directory/nrca" target="_blank">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) </a>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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The timeline</h3>

<p>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:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Be between eight and 15 weeks in length</li>
	<li>Prepare students for employment in high-skill, high-wage or in-demand careers</li>
	<li>Lead to portable, industry-recognized credentials</li>
</ul>

<p>Credentials also must count toward an associate or bachelor&rsquo;s degree pathway while meeting performance standards.</p>

<h3>The big picture</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;s talent pipeline and create more opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>For more information on workforce development, advocacy initiatives and how the roofing industry is supporting future workforce solutions, visit <a href="/directory/nrca" target="_blank">NRCA</a> and the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofpac-2" target="_blank">NRCA ROOFPAC</a> directory on RoofersCoffeeShop.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Heidi J. Ellsworth named one of Oregon’s Top Women Leaders for 2026</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/heidi-j-ellsworth-named-one-of-oregons-top-women-leaders-for-2026</link>
<description>heidi-j-ellsworth-named-one-of-oregons-top-women-leaders-for-2026</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/rcs-heidi-j-ellsworth-named-one-of-oregons-top-women-leaders-for-2026.png'
            alt='Heidi J. Ellsworth named one of Oregon’s Top Women Leaders for 2026'
            title='Heidi J. Ellsworth named one of Oregon’s Top Women Leaders for 2026'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The honor highlights Heidi&#39;s leadership in advancing the roofing and outdoor industries.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Coffee Shops&trade; are proud to share that our President, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/heidi-j-ellsworth">Heidi J. Ellsworth</a>, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the <a href="https://thewomenweadmire.com/2026/05/the-top-women-leaders-of-oregon-for-2026/">Top Women Leaders of Oregon for 2026</a>. 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&#39;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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Heidi&rsquo;s leadership, The Coffee Shops have continued to expand their reach and influence. Over the past year, they&#39;ve launched <a href="https://www.outdoorcoffeeshop.com/">OutdoorCoffeeShop&trade;</a>, a digital community dedicated to the outdoor living and exterior construction markets. The new platform extends The Coffee Shops&rsquo; mission of connecting contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals through education, networking and business resources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also expanded internationally with the launch of <a href="https://RoofersCoffeeShop.uk">RoofersCoffeeShop.uk</a>, 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nwir">National Women in Roofing</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association</a> and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a> has helped strengthen opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>To learn more about the women recognized on this year&rsquo;s list, <a href="https://thewomenweadmire.com/2026/05/the-top-women-leaders-of-oregon-for-2026/">visit Women We Admire&rsquo;s Top Women Leaders of Oregon for the 2026 feature</a>. You can also learn more about Heidi&rsquo;s ongoing impact on the industry at her <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/heidi-j-ellsworth">RoofersCoffeeShop directory</a>!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Build momentum at the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/build-momentum-at-the-2026-mca-summer-meeting</link>
<description>build-momentum-at-the-2026-mca-summer-meeting</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/mca-build-momentum-at-the-2026-mca-summer-meeting.png'
            alt='Build momentum at the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting'
            title='Build momentum at the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Get industry insights, education opportunities and more this June in Rosemont, Illinois.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/metal-construction-association-mca-2">Metal Construction Association (MCA)</a>&rsquo;s annual <a href="https://3.basecamp.com/3810611/buckets/21495091/todolists/9370110226/edit?replace=true">summer meeting</a> is returning to Rosemont, Illinois this June! <strong>Taking place June 23-24, 2026</strong>, this meeting is meant to help your team stay ahead with industry insights, practical education and high-value networking opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, the keynote speaker will be Johnny Quinn, sharing a talk all about Unstoppable Momentum. There will also be a new dual-track education system that allows your team to &ldquo;<a href="https://www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/summer-meeting/schedule">choose their own education adventure.</a>&quot; One track focuses on the business and technical side of roofing with information about codes, standards and a report from the <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/mra-metal-roofing-alliance">Metal Roofing Alliance</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other track is perfect for your marketing and sales specialists and features to sessions hosted by The Coffee Shops&trade; own <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/karen-edwards-rcs-editor">Karen Edwards</a>! In one, Karen will moderate a panel all about hiring and retaining talent featuring Amy Staska from <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association</a> alongside Mandy McIntyre and Maureen Greeves from <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/tremco">Tremco WTI</a>. The other session, a panel titled &ldquo;Modern Marketing That Moves Metal,&rdquo; will see Karen discussing how marketing has shifted from relationship-driven to relationship plus digital visibility with Sean McFarland and Mark Carlisle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These sessions are great examples of the type of expert insights you will have access to by attending the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting. And you will also have the opportunity to go beyond just listening to these experts speak, as MCA has organized powerful networking opportunities that allow attendees to &ldquo;<a href="https://www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/summer-meeting/summer-meeting-2026">build relationships across the metal construction supply chain in a relaxed setting</a>.&rdquo; An example of these networking opportunities is the Chicago Dogs vs. Cleburne Railroaders baseball game outing on Tuesday, June 23 (additional $25 fee at registration).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ready to boost your professional development and set your team up for success in the second half of the year? <a href="https://access.metalconstruction.org/events/event-details/?id=dc8b43a9-ed08-f111-83db-0022484dbfe9">Get registered to attend the 2026 MCS Summer Meeting (and take advantage of discounts when multiple attendees register from the same company).</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/why-government-affairsmattersto-every-roofing-professional</link>
<description>why-government-affairsmattersto-every-roofing-professional</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/hje-article-why-government-affairsmattersto-every-roofing-professional-canva.png'
            alt='Why government affairs matters to every roofing professional'
            title='Why government affairs matters to every roofing professional'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>The policies&nbsp;shaping&nbsp;the future of roofing.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As I begin my service on the board of directors for the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca" target="_blank">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a>, one of the most valuable parts of the onboarding process has been gaining a deeper understanding of the association&rsquo;s government affairs efforts. While many roofing professionals&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;think of technical education, workforce&nbsp;development&nbsp;or industry networking when they think of NRCA, the reality is that advocacy plays an equally&nbsp;important role&nbsp;in protecting and advancing the roofing industry.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;impact&nbsp;roofing contractors, manufacturers,&nbsp;distributors&nbsp;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,&nbsp;jobs&nbsp;and long-term industry growth.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;incentives&nbsp;and training opportunities. NRCA continues to advocate for tax policies that support roofing businesses, including&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;the Section 199A deduction for pass-through businesses, preserving the 21% corporate tax rate,&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;estate tax&nbsp;exemptions&nbsp;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.</p>

<p>These tax policies matter because they influence investment decisions, business&nbsp;growth&nbsp;and succession planning for roofing companies of every size. For many contractors, these policies can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;whether they&nbsp;purchase&nbsp;new equipment, expand&nbsp;operations&nbsp;or invest in&nbsp;additional&nbsp;employees. Tax issues have also been a major focus of Roofing Day in Washington, D.C. for several years,&nbsp;demonstrating&nbsp;how important these policies are to the future success of roofing businesses.</p>

<p>At the same time, NRCA is closely&nbsp;monitoring&nbsp;changes to federal energy efficiency incentives. Several energy-related tax credits and deductions are being&nbsp;phased out&nbsp;over the next one to two years, including incentives tied to commercial building energy efficiency, residential energy-efficient&nbsp;construction&nbsp;and renewable energy investments. While future opportunities may&nbsp;emerge, the current landscape highlights the need for roofing professionals to stay informed as energy policy continues to evolve and&nbsp;impact&nbsp;project opportunities.</p>

<p>Workforce development&nbsp;remains&nbsp;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&nbsp;programs&nbsp;and increase employer representation on workforce development boards. These efforts align directly with the roofing industry&#39;s ongoing need to recruit,&nbsp;train&nbsp;and&nbsp;retain&nbsp;skilled workers.</p>

<p>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&#39;s future workforce.</p>

<p>As someone who has spent decades advocating for workforce development through industry media,&nbsp;associations&nbsp;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&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most important challenges and opportunities facing our industry.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;additional&nbsp;workforce opportunities through expanded visa programs designed to address labor shortages in critical industries.</p>

<p>Regardless of individual political viewpoints, one fact&nbsp;remains&nbsp;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&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the ability of contractors to meet customer demand, complete&nbsp;projects&nbsp;and grow their businesses.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;every legislative proposal, regulatory change or policy debate occurring at the federal level. NRCA&#39;s government affairs team provides tremendous value by staying engaged in these discussions and ensuring the roofing industry&#39;s perspective is represented.</p>

<p>The issues discussed during this onboarding session are not future concerns.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are current issues affecting contractors today. Tax policy influences business investments, workforce legislation impacts hiring, career and technical education affect the future labor&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;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.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;the PAC Advisory Committee, which helps raise funds to support ROOFPAC, NRCA&rsquo;s political action committee, which helps ensure that bipartisan lawmakers understand the issues affecting roofing contractors, manufacturers,&nbsp;distributors&nbsp;and workers across the country. Supporting advocacy through NRCA and ROOFPAC helps strengthen our industry&#39;s voice and protect the future of roofing for generations to come.</p>

<p>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&nbsp;remains&nbsp;represented on critical issues including workforce development, tax policy, career and technical education, energy&nbsp;incentives&nbsp;and regulatory reform. To learn more, visit NRCA&#39;s ROOFPAC program and consider becoming an active participant in shaping the future of our industry.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Redefining what sustainability really means</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/redefining-what-sustainability-really-means</link>
<description>redefining-what-sustainability-really-means</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-redefining-what-sustainability-really-means-canva.png'
            alt='Redefining what sustainability really means'
            title='Redefining what sustainability really means'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Dani Sheehan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What if your strongest sustainability program isn&rsquo;t in recycling end-of-life materials, but in your company&rsquo;s safety culture?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The word &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo; 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 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a>, the <a href="https://nrca.net/roofingguidelines/pdf?id=233113&amp;k=2890815">built environment is responsible for roughly one-third of global energy use and carbon emissions</a>, making every construction trade part of the larger sustainability equation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But NRCA&rsquo;s latest white paper, <a href="https://nrca.net/roofingguidelines/Library/Detail?id=yg2JPwNmkyI%3D&amp;">Roofing Contractors&rsquo; Role in Sustainability</a>, 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Bigger than environmental impact&nbsp;</h3>

<p>The <a href="https://nrca.net/roofingguidelines/pdf?id=233113&amp;k=2890815">National Environmental Policy Act defines sustainability</a> as something that can &ldquo;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.&rdquo; This asks business owners a much bigger question: what are you doing today to ensure your company, and your people, can thrive tomorrow?&nbsp;</p>

<p>NRCA frames sustainability through three pillars: environmental, social and governance (ESG):&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1 &ndash; Environmental. How your company manages:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>Material waste&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Recycling&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Energy consumption&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Vehicle efficiency&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Product selection&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>2 &ndash; Social. How your company invests in:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>Workforce health and safety&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Employee development&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Diversity and inclusion&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Community impact&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>3 &ndash; Governance. How your company demonstrates:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>Transparency&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Supply chain accountability&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ethical pricing&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Risk management&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Innovation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/plan-for-safety-week/safety-week-2026/">Construction Safety Week 2026</a> theme clearly illustrates social sustainability: &ldquo;All in Together: Recognize, Respond, Respect.&rdquo; Although recordable incidents across construction have declined, <a href="https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/plan-for-safety-week/safety-week-2026/">fatality rates have remained stubbornly high for more than a decade</a>, which is why this year&rsquo;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.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Workforce development as a sustainable advantage&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As NRCA makes clear, sustainability doesn&rsquo;t require a formal ESG department or a polished carbon disclosure. You may already be doing meaningful sustainability work if your company is:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Investing in safety training&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hosting toolbox talks and stand-downs&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Developing future leaders by supporting continuing education&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Recruiting new workers into the trade&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Giving back to your community&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Creating a culture where worker feel respected enough to speak up&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h3>Tell your sustainability story&nbsp;</h3>

<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://nrca.net/roofingguidelines/Library/Detail?id=yg2JPwNmkyI%3D&amp;">Read the full white paper</a>, explore <a href="https://nrca.net/safety">safety and workforce resources</a> and discover how membership with NRCA can help your company stay ahead of the industry&rsquo;s evolving priorities.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>2026 UK Roofing Awards celebrate excellence across the roofing industry</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/2026-uk-roofing-awards-celebrate-excellence-across-the-roofing-industry</link>
<description>2026-uk-roofing-awards-celebrate-excellence-across-the-roofing-industry</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/hje-nfrc-2026-uk-roofing-awards-celebrate-excellence-across-the-roofing-industry-customer.png'
            alt='2026 UK Roofing Awards celebrate excellence across the roofing industry'
            title='2026 UK Roofing Awards celebrate excellence across the roofing industry'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>RoofersCoffeeShop.uk joined roofing professionals from across the U.K. to celebrate award-winning&nbsp;craftsmanship,&nbsp;innovation&nbsp;and community.</h2>

<p>The U.K. roofing industry came together in spectacular fashion at the 2026 U.K. Roofing Awards, recognizing the projects, companies and individuals who continue to raise the bar for excellence across roofing and cladding.&nbsp;Hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.uk/directory/national-federation-of-roofing-contractors-nfrc" target="_blank">National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC),</a> the annual event welcomed more than 900 industry professionals to celebrate outstanding workmanship,&nbsp;safety&nbsp;and innovation from across the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&rsquo;s celebration also highlighted the strong international relationships within roofing, as representatives from the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.uk/directory/nrca" target="_blank">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.uk/directory/national-slate-association-nsa" target="_blank">National Slate Association (NSA) </a>and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.uk/directory/slate-roofing-contractors-association-srca" target="_blank">Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA)&nbsp;</a>travelled&nbsp;from the United States to attend the event and celebrate alongside U.K. roofing professionals.&nbsp;Their presence underscored the global respect for the&nbsp;craftsmanship, technical&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;and industry leadership recognized through the U.K. Roofing Awards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From historic restoration projects and complex waterproofing systems to&nbsp;cutting-edge&nbsp;solar installations and community leadership, this year&rsquo;s awards&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;the incredible breadth of talent across the roofing sector.&nbsp;RoofersCoffeeShop.uk was proud to be in the audience celebrating all the competitors, finalists and winners who&nbsp;demonstrate&nbsp;the professionalism and&nbsp;craftsmanship&nbsp;that define the U.K. roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most celebrated recognitions of the evening was Project of the Year, awarded to&nbsp;Staick&nbsp;House by Rowlands Roofing, a project that also earned top&nbsp;honours&nbsp;in the Heritage Roofing category.&nbsp;The Industry Choice Award, voted on by the sector, went to Little Eversden, Cambridgeshire, completed by Roof Brothers Ltd working with CUPA PIZARRAS S.A., reflecting strong industry support for exceptional&nbsp;craftsmanship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Winners represented excellence across every roofing discipline.&nbsp;Major category winners included One Leadenhall by Lindner Prater Ltd for Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing, The Library, Murray Edwards College by Millane Contract Services Ltd for Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Chester Zoo by&nbsp;Safeseal&nbsp;Roofing Ltd for Green Roofing.&nbsp;In metal roofing, Rockmount by Install Zinc Ltd took top&nbsp;honours&nbsp;in Fully Supported Metal while Robin House by Aim Developments Ltd working with <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/sika-corporation" target="_blank">Sika Ltd</a> won the Single Ply Roofing category.&nbsp;Solar innovation was also recognized with St Nicholas Leisure Centre by Stace Roofing Ltd receiving the Solar award.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The evening also&nbsp;celebrated&nbsp;the people who make roofing stronger.&nbsp;Sean Lynden of Blackpool Industrial Roofing was recognized with the Local Hero Award for going&nbsp;above and beyond&nbsp;in his community.&nbsp;Edward Radley of Marksman Roofing &amp; Cladding earned the Individual Health &amp; Safety Award and Corey Dowell of Progressive Systems Ltd was named Young Roofer of the Year, highlighting the next generation of roofing talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At&nbsp;RoofersCoffeeShop.uk,&nbsp;we are proud to share the stories behind these award-winning projects and celebrate the contractors, manufacturers and teams that continue to elevate roofing excellence.&nbsp;The U.K. Roofing Awards are a powerful reminder that roofing is built on&nbsp;craftsmanship, innovation and people who care deeply about the work they do every day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>To see the full list of 2026 U.K. Roofing Award winners and learn more about the incredible projects recognized this year, visit NFRC U.K. Roofing Awards Winners 2026 page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfrc.co.uk/events/uk-roofing-awards/winners-2026.html" target="_blank">www.nfrc.co.uk/events/uk-roofing-awards/winners-2026.html</a>. Interviews are also available from award winners on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RoofersCoffeeShop" target="_blank">RoofersCoffeeShop&nbsp;YouTube channel.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond</link>
<description>championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond.png'
            alt='Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond'
            title='Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/duane-musser-brad-stine-driving-the-industry-forward-roofing-day-2026">In this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a> to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing engagement with lawmakers is shaping the future of the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duane underscored the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Capitol Hill. &ldquo;We are the advocate for the roofing industry in Washington, D.C., working with members of Congress, staff and regulators on everything that&rsquo;s important to the industry,&rdquo; he said. From workforce challenges to regulatory concerns, NRCA&rsquo;s efforts extend year-round to ensure contractors&rsquo; voices are heard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Immigration reform remained a central focus during Roofing Day discussions. Duane noted the urgency of advancing legislative solutions that support a stable workforce. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been working on this for 20 years, and Congress hasn&rsquo;t addressed it in a comprehensive way,&rdquo; he said, referencing proposals like the Dignity Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act as potential pathways forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another key focus of NRCA&rsquo;s advocacy is workforce development. Brad highlighted progress in career and technical education funding, noting, &ldquo;Increasing CTE funding at a federal level is one of the ways we can help retain and find new labor.&rdquo; He added that recent gains in Perkins Grant funding reflect bipartisan support for skilled trades, a promising sign for the industry&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the industry looks ahead, NRCA&rsquo;s continued advocacy signals a unified commitment to addressing challenges and driving progress long after Roofing Day concludes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/hit-the-road-for-dc-and-roofing-day-2026">Read the first article in this series</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/duane-musser-brad-stine-driving-the-industry-forward-roofing-day-2026">Listen to the whole conversation</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFjFzfSTqxs&amp;feature=youtu.be">Watch the recording</a> to learn more about how NRCA is advocating for the roofing industry and how to get involved!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>The power of a global community</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-power-of-a-global-community</link>
<description>the-power-of-a-global-community</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/ifd-the-power-of-a-global-community.png'
            alt='The power of a global community'
            title='The power of a global community'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Dirk Bollwerk talks about connecting roofers around the world and advancing the global industry.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/dirk-bollwerk-who-is-ifd">In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, host Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Dirk Bollwerk to learn about the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/international-federation-of-the-roofing-trade">International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)</a> and the vital work it does for the global roofing industry and trade. Dirk is both the president of IFD and the German Roofing Association. He spoke a bit about what he does in these roles, sharing, &ldquo;A lot of our work is political, to act as a representative for roofers in spaces like government. We also take care about education and technical guidelines.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main difference between Dirk&rsquo;s work with the two associations is scale. Where the German Roofing Association acts as an umbrella for 16 different, smaller German organizations, the IFD is an umbrella for the global roofing community. Dirk shared some history of the IFD&rsquo;s origins:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>The IFD was founded in the early 1950s. The founding members were Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. Today, we have three different types of members. The first is full members. Full member you can become when you are a roofing association. For example, the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association</a> of the United States. The second is manufacturers, for whom IFD makes guidelines for. And the last is science or supporting members.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>At its core, IFD&rsquo;s mission is all about building and nurturing connections, both on the job and off. Dirk explained, &ldquo;We want to build a global community of roofers. Why? First, we want to bond roofers all over the world through friendship. Second, we want best practices and techniques to be shared.&rdquo; By building these bonds and creating this shared knowledge of best techniques, IFD is not only helping their members succeed but also uplifting the international roofing industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/dirk-bollwerk-who-is-ifd">Listen to the podcast</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzv7D0NEFos">Watch the recording</a> to learn more about Dirk and the International Federation of the Roofing Trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Celebra la industria del roofing este junio</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/celebra-la-industria-del-roofing-este-junio</link>
<description>celebra-la-industria-del-roofing-este-junio</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-celebrate-the-roofing-industry-this-june.png'
            alt='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            title='Celebrate the roofing industry this June'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>&iexcl;La Semana Nacional del Roofing 2026 se llevar&aacute; a cabo del 7 al 13 de junio y es el momento perfecto para mostrar tu orgullo por la industria del roofing!&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Cada a&ntilde;o, la <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a>&nbsp;organiza un evento llamado National Roofing Week. El objetivo de esta iniciativa es crear conciencia sobre el &ldquo;<a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">papel esencial que desempe&ntilde;an los techos y los contratistas profesionales de roofing en cada comunidad</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&iquest;C&oacute;mo puedes participar? &iexcl;Es muy sencillo: comparte tu historia! NRCA invita a los profesionales de toda la industria a compartir fotos y videos utilizando el hashtag #NationalRoofingWeek2026. Adem&aacute;s, han creado una gu&iacute;a tem&aacute;tica para cada d&iacute;a de la semana:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Domingo:</strong> Inicio de la National Roofing Week&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Lunes:</strong> Proyectos destacados &mdash; comparte fotos mostrando los proyectos residenciales y comerciales m&aacute;s representativos de tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Martes:</strong> Proyectos comunitarios &mdash; comparte im&aacute;genes que muestren las iniciativas ben&eacute;ficas o de apoyo a la comunidad realizadas por tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Mi&eacute;rcoles:</strong> Reconocimiento al equipo &mdash; comparte fotos de los colaboradores de tu empresa.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Jueves:</strong> Capacitaci&oacute;n del equipo &mdash; comparte im&aacute;genes que demuestren c&oacute;mo capacitan a sus trabajadores.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Viernes:</strong> Celebraci&oacute;n &mdash; comparte fotos mostrando c&oacute;mo tu empresa celebr&oacute; la National Roofing Week.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>S&aacute;bado:</strong> Cierre y resumen de la semana.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Participar en redes sociales no solo ayuda a fortalecer la comunidad y brinda la oportunidad de destacar el incre&iacute;ble trabajo de tu equipo, tambi&eacute;n contribuye a dar mayor visibilidad a la industria y al papel fundamental que desempe&ntilde;an los profesionales del roofing en la protecci&oacute;n de personas y propiedades. &iquest;Quieres ir un paso m&aacute;s all&aacute;? &iexcl;<a href="https://industry.nrca.net/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=NRCAStoreList&amp;site=nrca&amp;es3_key=c6a0779d-7cb9-4f69-a677-c11783f891a5">Consigue camisetas de <em>National Roofing Week</em></a> para tu equipo! Las existencias son limitadas, as&iacute; que ord&eacute;nalas cuanto antes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>La edici&oacute;n de este a&ntilde;o de National Roofing Week es posible gracias al apoyo de varios patrocinadores de la industria: <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/georgia-pacific">Georgia-Pacific Building Products</a>, Hanover Architectural Products, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS Distribution</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roofing-alliance">Roofing Alliance</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/soprema-2">SOPREMA</a>, OMG Roofing Products y TuffWrap.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>M&aacute;s informaci&oacute;n en</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week">www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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