As I was saying …

We at NRCA hear criticism, from time to time, that NRCA cannot properly represent roofing contractors' best interests because it allows suppliers to participate as associate members.

Put politely, this is an idea whose time has long since passed.

Consider the issues roofing contractors tell NRCA are most important to them: finding, training and keeping qualified workers; staying informed about changes in materials, codes and standards; getting current information about energy and environmental issues; knowing about best practices in safety and risk management; and having a strong voice in Washington, D.C.

Are these issues somehow unique to roofing contractors and not to their suppliers? Hardly.

NRCA already works with manufacturers on safety and environmental issues, such as asphalt fume exposure; on standards and codes, most recently including the development of performance criteria for roof systems; on such governmental issues as immigration reform; and on emerging technologies for energy-friendly products. Good suppliers understand if they help their customers succeed, they, too, succeed in the long run.

Consider also that suppliers have their own set of issues that directly and dramat­ically affect roofing contractors. These include, for instance, availability of raw mate­rials and transportation. Clearly, it's helpful to roofing contractors to know about issues up and down the distribution chain; that's so painfully obvious it doesn't need explanation.

Consider, finally, the opportunities available when issues are addressed by a united industry. The industry has, collectively, wasted so much time and energy worrying about placing blame that it often has lost sight of the much bigger picture. And that picture includes figuring out how the roofing industry can best serve homeowners and building owners—an idea shared by every segment.

Now, all of this is not to suggest NRCA doesn't have disagreements with suppliers or that all suppliers treat NRCA wonderfully all the time. But it is incredibly important to have them at the table as active participants as the industry's issues grow in complexity and importance. They're welcome to be there, and NRCA is proud to have them.

Bill Good is NRCA's executive vice president.