Focus

Gas prices continue to be relatively low, the housing market is finally recovering, and unemployment rates throughout the U.S. are falling. It's a good time to benefit from a recovering economy. But The Wall Street Journal suggests we hold our applause.

In an article published May 11, the newspaper says falling unemployment rates are not a true reflection of a recovering economy and uses the industrial city of Decatur, Ill., as an example.

Decatur's unemployment fell from 14 percent during the worst of the recession to 7 percent this past March, which many would assume means the city is beginning to get back to work. But as the paper says: "… The unemployment rate is falling fast in part because workers are disappearing: moving away, retiring or no longer looking for a job."

The paper goes on to say that in the 20 areas where unemployment fell at least 2.7 percentage points during the past year, 16 of those metropolitan areas saw their workforces decrease. Between 2010 and 2014, Decatur experienced one of the sharpest population declines by losing 3.2 percent of its residents, according to the Census Bureau.

"Decatur faces a dual challenge: getting older workers retrained so they can extend their careers and keeping younger workers from moving away," the article states.

In many ways, the plight of Decatur mirrors the roofing industry. The roofing industry has lost workers to other trades and industries. It, too, has seen an uptick in work but does not have the workforce to support it. To maintain a consistent workforce, contractors must recognize their employees—at all levels—for their contributions to their companies, invest in continuing education and show younger workers the roofing industry can lead to fulfilling careers.

One way to show employees this industry is right for them is to involve them in National Roofing Week, which takes place July 5-11. NRCA and other industry leaders will be sharing the good deeds of the industry and highlighting the important role professional roofing contractors play in their communities. This is the perfect opportunity for you to share these stories with your employees—and make sure they know about your company's contributions to your community.

NRCA is proud to celebrate National Roofing Week, and the week presents a great way for you and your employees to join the celebration.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing and NRCA's vice president of communications and production.