Briefings

Manufacturer news

CertainTeed provides human-resources services

CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., has collaborated with Phoenix-based Amcheck,® a national provider of payroll services and professional employer organization services, to offer CertainTeed roofing distributors and roofing con­tractors discounts on human-resources functions, such as payroll, time and attendance, employee benefits and workers' compensation.

CertainTeed SELECT Shingle Roofer™ companies will receive either a 15 percent discount on payroll processing or 10 percent off their current payroll provider fees, up to a $500 discount on conversion fees and free Web-based payroll. Contractors and distributors participating in CertainTeed's other roofing credential programs will receive either a 10 percent discount on payroll processing fees or 5 percent off their current payroll provider fees, up to a $150 discount on conversion fees and free Web-based payroll.

Dow Chemical announces expansion

The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., has announced it plans to expand production at its Freeport, Texas-based methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) facility by 50 percent during the next 36 months. When completed, the expansion will allow for an additional 250 million pounds of MDI manufactured per year.

"Demand for MDI has been growing steadily, and expanding our production capability will allow us more effectively to address the changing market needs," says Pat Dawson, business vice president of Dow Polyurethanes.

Up the ladder

USG Corp. has named Dave Bailie marketing manager—roofing products.

ABC Supply Co. Inc. has promoted Kim Hendricks to vice president and Kathy Murray to vice president and chief information officer.

Reichel & Drews Inc. has named Fred Kestler vice president of sales and marketing.

Contractor news

Shiner Roofing awards free roof

Shiner Roofing Inc., Fairfax, Va., has awarded $5,783 to the McGunagle family of Arlington, Va., who won Shiner Roofing's Free Roof Sweepstakes. The amount is the full purchase price the McGunagles paid for their Shiner Roofing roof.

Virginia and Maryland homeowners who purchased a Shiner Roofing roof between March 15, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2006, were invited to enter the sweepstakes to become eligible to win a maximum $6,000 reimbursement for their new roofs.

Affiliate news

NERCA foundation offers scholarships

The North/East Roofing Educational Foundation (NEREF), a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA), has made available its scholarship application for 2007. The application can be downloaded at www.nerca.org.

The deadline for applications is May 1. Nine $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.

NEREF established its scholarship program to assist employees, immediate family of employees or immediate family of NERCA members who plan to pursue postsecondary education in college, technical or vocational programs.

Industry online

National Coatings has launched its new Web site, www.nationalcoatings.com. The site provides information by user type; roof consultants can access specifications, product data sheets, cool roof resources, credentials and ratings in one area, and roofing contractors can access product information, specifications and warranties in another area.

Additionally, users of the site can sign up for National Coatings' monthly news­letter, submit questions in the Ask the Expert section and purchase materials online.

Other news

RCMA presents awards

During its 2007 Annual Conference & Expo Jan. 13-17, the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) presented its Martin A. Davis RCMA Industry Leadership Award for 2006 to Joseph W. Hobson, director of communications and member services for RCMA. This award, the highest tribute given by RCMA, annually is presented to an individual—selected by his peers—who exemplifies outstanding service and has made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.

Additionally, RCMA presented its Industry Statesman Award to Joseph W. Mellott, director of technology for Cleveland-based The Garland Co. Inc. This award, designated when deemed appropriate through peer recognition, recognizes special efforts on behalf of RCMA to advance roof coatings industry technology.

Also during its conference, RCMA announced its 2007 leadership. Chris Salazar, vice president of sales and marketing for Karnak Corp., Clark, N.J., will continue as president. Brian Anthony, vice president of industrial products for The Brewer Co., Milford, Ohio, will continue as vice president, long-range planning. W.J. "Skip" Leonard, director of technical services for Henry Co., El Segundo, Calif., will continue as secretary-treasurer. RCMA officers are elected for two-year terms. The current officers initially were elected in 2006.

ASTM International presents award

ASTM International Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing has presented its 2006 William C. Cullen Award to Richard Fricklas for his contributions and commitment to the committee and the roofing and waterproofing industry.

Fricklas has been involved with Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing activities since 1969 and serves on a number of its subcommittees. He is an honorary member of RCI Inc.—The Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing & Building Envelope Professionals.