On March 6-7, NRCA joined with partner organizations from across the roofing industry for Roofing Day in D.C. 2018. With more than 400 roofing professionals participating in this inaugural event, the industry's voice was heard like never before by lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Roofing Day in D.C. 2018 was the first annual industrywide advocacy event designed to fulfill NRCA CEO Reid Ribble's vision of how NRCA can enhance the industry's image and expand its influence on policymaking in Washington, D.C. In the past, NRCA has provided its contractor leaders with the opportunity to meet with senators and representatives on Capitol Hill to build relationships and communicate the views of our members regarding key legislative issues. But Roofing Day in D.C. is a much larger venture that brings together roofing professionals such as contractors, manufacturers, distributors and others to deliver the industry's message to lawmakers in Washington, D.C. By hearing directly from their constituents during Roofing Day in D.C., lawmakers gain a better understanding of how legislation and regulations affect roofing industry employers and become more energized to address our concerns and priorities.
On March 6, Roofing Day in D.C. participants gathered at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Washington, D.C. The event began with a reception that featured special guest Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mulvaney provided an update regarding administration policies of interest to the roofing industry, including implementation of the recently passed tax reform law and regulatory issues.
On March 7, participants gathered for a breakfast program that featured Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. Johnson has worked closely with NRCA regarding several business-related issues, including tax, regulatory and immigration reform legislation, and provided an overview of the upcoming congressional agenda and insights regarding recent political developments.
Following the breakfast, participants heard a presentation from Mike Gula, president of Prime Advocacy, a consulting company retained by NRCA to help manage the logistics of Roofing Day in D.C. Gula provided a training session regarding how to conduct advocacy meetings with members of Congress, including a mock meeting with Ribble to demonstrate. Along with an issue briefing from NRCA staff, the session prepared Roofing Day in D.C. participants with the information needed for meetings with lawmakers.
After the training session, the 400-plus participants were bused to Capitol Hill to carry the industry message to Congress. Participants had 300 meetings with 87 percent of congressional offices and focused on three top roofing industry policy issues: regulatory reform legislation designed to reduce burdensome regulations on employers; legislation to improve career and technical education and help address the labor shortage; and immigration reform that meets the industry's workforce needs. To review the policy papers outlining the roofing industry's position regarding these issues, click here.
To view a photo gallery from Roofing Day in D.C. 2018, click here.
NRCA and partner organizations already are planning for the second Roofing Day in D.C., which will be held in spring 2019. The goal is to continue to grow and strengthen our influence with Congress. A save-the-date announcement for Roofing Day in D.C. 2019 will be coming soon.
