Focus

NRCA's new partnership with Hanley Wood LLC, Washington, D.C., to produce NRCA's 118th Annual Convention and the International Roofing Expo 2005 undoubtedly will bring changes to the event, but many aspects will remain intact—including the awards NRCA bestows on industry professionals.

During the convention and expo, which will be held Feb. 14-18, in Orlando, Fla., NRCA once again will honor winners of its Gold Circle Awards, Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and Excellence in Design Award. Deadlines for all three awards are soon approaching, and I urge you to consider nominating yourself, a colleague or an employee for the honors.

As one of NRCA's most popular and sought-after awards, the Gold Circle Awards have come to symbolize overall excellence in the roofing industry. The awards recognize outstanding workmanship and innovative solutions in low- and steep-slope applications, service to the industry and service to the community. This year's application deadline is Sept. 10. For an application or more information contact Chrystine Hanus, NRCA's executive assistant, at (800) 323-9545, Ext. 7522, or chanus@nrca.net or Esther Woods, NRCA's operations coordinator, at (800) 323-9545, Ext. 7517, or ewoods@nrca.net.

NRCA and The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress co-sponsor the MVP Awards, which recognize outstanding roofing workers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Candidates may be nominated for excellence in any or all of the following categories: on-the-job performance; attracting and retaining roofing workers; contributing to a team effort; community service and volunteerism; and other noteworthy contributions and activities. For an entry form and more information about the MVP Awards, contact Bennett Judson, executive director of the National Roofing Foundation, at (800) 323-9545, Ext. 7513, or bjudson@nrca.net.

The Excellence in Design Award first was bestowed this year at NRCA's 117th Annual Convention and Exhibit. The award, meant to honor those who design long-lasting, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly roof systems according to accepted industry practices, proved to generate much interest. Five finalists will be chosen, and the winner will be announced during the convention. The deadline for applications is Dec. 6. For more information about the Excellence in Design Award, contact me at (800) 323-9545, Ext. 7555, or e-mail apuniani@nrca.net.

NRCA provides award winners with plaques, recognition and other benefits. But winning is not the most important thing—being nominated will re-energize and reward you, your company and your employees.

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