Funding the future

With NRCA’s 2023-24 fiscal year underway, NRCA is asking members to contribute to ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee. ROOFPAC is the only political action committee dedicated solely to advancing the roofing industry’s interests at the federal level, and we need members’ support.

ROOFPAC complements NRCA’s efforts to work with pro-business candidates and members of Congress to proactively advance government policies that enable roofing industry entrepreneurs to successfully operate and grow their businesses. Created in 1990, ROOFPAC has supported hundreds of political candidates who support policies that benefit the roofing industry. More than 94% of candidates supported by ROOFPAC won their elections Nov. 8, 2022, increasing the roofing industry’s influence on Capitol Hill.

Continuous campaigns

Campaign season for the next election cycle already is well in progress. Political fundraising has morphed into a continuous cycle. Members of Congress begin running for reelection as soon as they are sworn in, extending the time frame during which they are keenly tuned in to constituents’ concerns and needs. This provides a tremendous opportunity for the roofing industry to reach incumbent and newly elected lawmakers so they understand important issues affecting members’ companies such as workforce shortages and tax reform.

ROOFPAC relies on personal contributions made by NRCA members, and NRCA is working to grow member participation. By supporting ROOFPAC, contributors are making essential investments in their businesses.

NRCA members can contribute to ROOFPAC up to $5,000 annually, and three club levels offer significant benefits and recognition:

• Emerging Leaders Club: $250
• Capitol Hill Club: $1,000
• Political Insiders Council: $5,000

More ways to contribute

In addition to contributing directly to ROOFPAC, NRCA members have several opportunities throughout the year to support ROOFPAC during fundraising events. Most recently, industry professionals enjoyed events held during NRCA’s 136th Annual Convention and the 2023 International Roofing Expo® in Dallas.

ROOFPAC partnered with National Women in Roofing to host “A Lone Star Evening,” a cocktail reception at Gilley’s Dallas, where more than 250 supporters participated in a lively auction. Guests enjoyed bidding on unique items, including customized blazers by b.spoke, live lobster delivery service, tickets to an Anaheim Ducks hockey game, a handmade “Old Glory” quilt commemorating the evening, a handmade “Old Glory in the Round” copper flag, a hand-painted “Lone Star” shingle, a weeklong vacation in Colorado, Broadway tickets and an elite collection of bourbons.

NRCA also held its popular online auction and displayed many items in the NRCA booth on the trade show floor. Silent auction items included Apple electronics, an EagleView Assess™ drone, designer jewelry, a Napa wine country experience, a trip to Mexico, a hunting getaway, a suite at the Four Seasons during NRCA’s 2023 Midyear Committee Meetings, tickets to IRE 2024, Michael Kors handbags, and a signed photo of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. One NRCA member won Apple AirPods Pro simply for registering to bid on items!

These events raised more than $100,000 to benefit ROOFPAC. NRCA appreciates all supporters—those who participated in events, those who donated auction items and those who were the winning bidders—and is especially grateful to the generous sponsors that helped underwrite these events. IRE 2023 was the most successful show in recent memory, but we already are working to make next year’s event in Las Vegas even better!

A record of success

NRCA appreciates however you choose to support ROOFPAC, and all contributions up to $5,000 are welcome and vital to ROOFPAC’s success. One individual from each NRCA member company giving $50 annually to ROOFPAC would raise more than $350,000 per election cycle, which would significantly advance NRCA’s advocacy efforts.

NRCA has achieved much on behalf of its members and the industry, especially during recent tumultuous years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NRCA led an industrywide effort to have roofing work deemed essential business. NRCA’s Washington, D.C., staff has worked to increase funding for career and technical education state grants; Congress recently approved an additional $50 million for fiscal year 2023, bringing total funding to nearly $1.4 billion annually.

In addition, NRCA has successfully opposed major tax increases considered by Congress, as well as the classification of PVC as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency. NRCA relentlessly works to improve immigration policy and has successfully advocated for additional H-2B visas to help members address seasonal work needs. And NRCA continually works to minimize effects of regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

To continue achieving legislative victories, NRCA needs member support so it can grow ROOFPAC to be larger and even more active. When you invest in ROOFPAC, you are making a difference in the roofing industry and helping create a bright future for your business.

TERI DORN is NRCA’s director of political affairs.

ROOFPAC is the federally registered political action committee of NRCA, and contributions will be used for political purposes. Contributions to ROOFPAC are not tax-deductible and the name, address, occupation and employer’s name of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 during a calendar year will be reported to the Federal Election Commission. Contributions are voluntary, and you have the right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal.