As I was saying ...

Ours is an industry of long-term optimists who fight the tendency to be short-term pessimists. We understand there always will be a need for quality roof systems, but we worry about backlogs heading into the next quarter.

And so the outlook for 2006 is optimistic with a dash of pessimism. The nation's building inventory is larger than ever; our economy is stable if not robust; owners are more interested in our industry as a source for energy conservation; and the cost of capital, in historic terms, is still low.

And yet, we worry. We worry about where the next generation of roofing workers will come from. We worry about unprofessional, unlicensed competition. We worry about the possibility of a new wave of regulation. We worry about price increases that are not always easy to absorb. And we worry that all the work created by hurricanes and floods will disrupt the natural business cycles that are so important to our industry.

Through it all, we are encouraged by new and improved technologies, more understanding of why good roofing specifications matter and the ever-improving relationships within our industry.

We're also encouraged by how well NRCA has become established as the industry's leader. We're adding members at an unprecedented pace, and we're becoming more involved in the national debate about crucial matters of public policy. All of this bodes well for 2006 and beyond.

And so, allow me to propose a toast to the new year.

In 2006, may we have plenty of work without the help of Mother Nature.

May we find plenty of willing workers with the assistance of our government.

May we find plenty of knowledgeable customers who understand the value we bring them.

May we continue to operate in an environment that allows us to be innovative and, yes, competitive and rewards our hard work.

May we find relief for those in our industry who suffered from the ravages of hurricanes and other natural disasters.

And may the Chicago Cubs be allowed to win the World Series just one time to end the insufferable gloating of White Sox fans.

Cheers!