Focus

As NRCA begins its 2009-10 fiscal year this month, the association is operating with a smaller budget and leaner staff but still is focused on providing important programs, services and information to the roofing industry.

NRCA remains committed to education and continues to offer its popular conference Vegetative Roof Systems for Roofing Contractors: Your Rewards, Responsibilities and Risks. In addition, NRCA is planning to offer conferences addressing photovoltaic roof systems during the year. Both conferences also will be available on a contract basis.

Additionally, the association offers a host of new online programs. The entire Roofing, Energy and the Environment Series is now complete. Participants who complete all seven modules and successfully pass an examination will receive a Roofing, Energy and the Environment Series Certificate. NRCA's introductory online educational series, Roofing 101, remains a popular offering, especially for employees new to the roofing industry, building owners and facility managers.

The fourth volume of NRCA's roofing manual, The NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Sheet Metal, Reroofing and Moisture Control—2010, will be available January 2010. This volume will complete NRCA's Roofing Manual Series, and the set will be available to the industry. As in the past, all NRCA members in good standing will receive a complimentary copy of the new manual.

NRCA also will release an updated edition of its Insurance Guide for the Professional Roofing Contractor, which will help contractors evaluate their insurance needs, establish programs and monitor their effectiveness.

And this month, Professional Roofing debuts Professional Roofing ECO, a supplement focusing on environmental challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry. I encourage you to spend some time with our new publication and let us know what you think—we continue to look for ways to serve our readers' needs.

The 2008-09 fiscal year was difficult for NRCA as the plummeting economy took its toll on the roofing industry. Nevertheless, the association is poised to continue offering high-quality information and programs. NRCA is optimistic for its 2009-10 fiscal year and is looking forward to helping the roofing industry thrive.

For more information about the programs and products mentioned, log on to www.www.nrca.net.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's senior director of communications.