On March 23-24, the roofing industry will gather virtually for Roofing Day in D.C. 2021, the premier industry advocacy event of the year. This annual event provides an opportunity for lawmakers to hear the industry speak with one voice regarding key government policy issues. With a new Congress and administration expected to address important legislative issues this year, it is critical the industry be heard now. All roofing industry professionals are invited and urged to participate to demonstrate the breadth and diversity of the industry to Congress.
With more than 400 participants attending the first two fly-ins in 2018 and 2019, Roofing Day in D.C. has become one of the largest advocacy events in Washington, D.C. Roofing Day in D.C. is the fulfillment of NRCA CEO Reid Ribble’s vision of how the industry can expand its influence and enhance its image with federal policymakers. Roofing Day in D.C. brings together all segments of the industry to advocate collectively regarding matters that are unifying and critical to its continued success. The event is a collaboration among NRCA members, industry stakeholders and numerous regional, state and local associations and is designed to expand the professionalization and prosperity of the roofing industry.
Going virtual
With Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Capitol complex still under restrictions for large, in-person gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events of this nature have become normal for advocating with Congress. NRCA has retained Advocacy Associates, a leading Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm that specializes in managing large virtual advocacy events, to ensure the transition from an in-person to virtual event is seamless and successful.
Many aspects of the in-person event, usually held during two days every spring, will be similar in the virtual format. A virtual opening program will be held the afternoon of March 23 to kick off the event. On March 24, participants will have three or four virtual meetings with senators, representatives and congressional staff to convey the roofing industry’s message. To make participation as easy as possible, all virtual meetings will be scheduled by Advocacy Associates and NRCA.
A brief webinar with advocacy training and other information will be presented one week before Roofing Day in D.C. and posted online for participants unable to attend the webinar live. Participants will have access to an online platform hosting schedules of congressional meetings, position papers, talking points, links to video meetings, automated thank-you note templates and other features.
Key issues
All participants will be given position papers and talking points for the key policy issues that will be the focus of the meetings with members of Congress. Selected with input from members of the Roofing Day Advisory Task Force, the issues unify all segments of the industry.
For Roofing Day in D.C. 2021, participants will focus on the following issues:
The primary goal is to establish long-term relationships with lawmakers in Congress that ultimately will help achieve important policy goals for the roofing industry’s future.
Strength in numbers
NRCA strongly encourages all industry professionals to participate in Roofing Day in D.C. 2021. All participating companies also are encouraged to include one or more field workers; elected officials would benefit greatly from hearing from the roofing industry’s dedicated workforce. Registration fees are $59 per person for company representatives and $25 for field workers. Additional information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2021 and registration information are available at nrca.net/advocacy/roofingday.
As a roofing industry professional, you need to be a part of this transformational event. Your participation is vital to helping make your business and the industry more successful and prosperous. Lawmakers need to hear directly from constituents regarding issues of importance, and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
On behalf of the leadership and staff at NRCA, we look forward to “seeing” you March 23-24 for the premier advocacy event of the year!
Duane L. Musser is NRCA’s vice president of government relations in Washington, D.C.
This column is part of Rules + Regs. Click here to read additional stories from this section.
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