As I was saying …

My first month at the helm of NRCA flew by. But I am happily settling into a new routine here while learning the ins and outs of the association from a management perspective.

As a member, I always knew NRCA had a long and storied history. But what many members don't realize is part of NRCA's history is rooted in the men and women who work on your behalf every day. I have spent the past few weeks getting to know them better, and I like what I see. I recently was asked: "What do all those people do?" Well, the answer encompasses many things and varies depending on the time of year and who they are.

Five people work on technical issues facing the industry. They answer inquiries from members, write technical manuals and create CAD documents that help your work go more smoothly. They test and monitor roof components and systems. And, quite frankly, they do more with less than you can imagine.

Our NRCA University team authors curricula, prepares online learning modules, delivers educational programs throughout the world and drives forward programs like the Future Executives Institute. They are busy, energized and engaged in helping advance the professionalism of the roofing industry.

Still others work in enterprise risk management. They are experts on safety, public policy related to regulations and training, and they manage our relationship with our insurance partner, CNA. They also instruct members how to manage risk in their own companies.

And the fact you are reading this column means you are aware of our communications team, which produces Professional Roofing and all our other print and electronic publications. Publications are produced in-house by graphic designers, copy writers, editors and web managers. These folks work hard to make sure you are aware of all that is going on at NRCA and within the broader roofing industry.

And like all other organizations, we have staff who manages finances, pays the bills, completes payroll and produces financial statements. But that's not all. We serve our membership and seek to grow it. Our in-house membership and marketing teams are composed of creative and talented people who know how to connect NRCA to its members.

On top of all this, we also oversee The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress, National Roofing Legal Resource Center and Roof Integrated Solar Energy,^® manage and make arrangements for all NRCA meetings and events, and manage public relations and international relations on behalf of NRCA members and the industry.

And the work is not limited to Rosemont, Ill. NRCA stands in the gap for you in Washington, D.C., and I know firsthand how competent the staff is in D.C. After all, I have worked with them for the past six years while serving in Congress.

I invite you to get to know the staff during any of our numerous events held throughout the year. They, and I, are honored to be a part of your professional journey.

Reid Ribble is NRCA's CEO.