As I was saying ...

Too often, the roofing industry gets caught up trying to assign blame for poor design, poor workmanship and/or low-quality materials. All those things happen, but when we focus on the problems, we lose sight of the advances we've made. And from time to time, it's valuable to pause and thank those who help. So here are a few long-overdue "thank yous":

To the shingle manufacturing community for responding to contractor requests for more friendly nail placement zones. Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio, has taken the leadership position here, but others have followed, and we're seeing new, innovative products in the marketplace.

To manufacturers of torch-applied products who mostly have incorporated the application requirements contained in the NRCA/MRCA CERTA training program mandated by CNA Insurance, Chicago. Siplast®/Icopal, Irving, Texas, in particular, has insisted its applicators follow the new rules.

To roofing equipment manufacturers for working to find innovative ways to address issues such as asphalt fume emissions, silica exposure and fall protection. Not only have they been working in their own companies, but many, such as Reeves Roofing Equipment Co. Inc., Helotes, Texas, have been involved in public policy dialogues.

To roofing material manufacturers who find creative ways to help contractors be more successful. Companies such as GAF Materials Corp., Wayne, N.J.; Firestone Building Products Co., Indianapolis; Johns Manville, Denver; Elk Premium Building Products Inc., Dallas; and CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., have extensive affinity programs that can save their applicators real money and provide them with real customers.

To all in the supply community who understand the value of roofing contractor associations at the local, state, regional and national levels.

The aggregate amount of support we receive is astonishing—and we couldn't survive without it. That support, by the way, is much more than financial support. It's having people serve on task forces, committees and boards of directors. It's attending monthly meetings—often in the evening. It's making telephone calls to get new members. And it's encouraging customers to get active. Not all association work is glamorous, but it's all necessary.

My list is not intended to be comprehensive—just to single out some companies that have done some really good work. As I said, long overdue.

Bill Good is NRCA's executive vice president.