Former CRCA president passes away
Joseph L. "Joe" Adler, former president of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) and past president of J.L. Adler Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Joliet, Ill., passed away June 9. He was 87.
 Adler |
A second-generation roofing contractor for the company his father founded in 1926, Adler spent his career continuing the family tradition of professional roofing and sheet metal work in northern Illinois. He served on CRCA's board of directors for 17 years, including as president from 1995-96, and was awarded the association's Clyde Scott Award in 1998. Adler also was a founding member of the Will County Habitat for Humanity, a former board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet and a former board member of the Vilaseca Day Care Center in Joliet. He enjoyed spending time with family and was an avid fan of University of Notre Dame sports teams and the Chicago Cubs.
Adler is survived by his children, Chris, Dan, Jackie, Jay and Teddy; foster children, Joy and Mardo; sister, Mary Beth; brother-in-law, Ward; sisters-in-law, Jackie and Mimi; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jodie; infant daughter, Margaret Mary; son, Michael; and brother, Jack. Donations in Adler's name may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet at www.bgcjoliet.com/donate; Sacred Heart Parish at 337 S. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60436; or Will County Habitat for Humanity at www.chicagolandhabitat.org.
Late payments cost commercial construction industry billions annually
Construction loan software provider Contract Simply's Construction Payment Report 2018 has revealed late payments from customers cost the commercial construction industry $40 billion annually, according to www.constructiondive.com. The amount represents an add-on to total project costs of 3.3 percent.
Conducted in partnership with bid procurement platform Building Connected, the report found 88 percent of the 1,300 contractors surveyed wait longer than 30 days for payment, and 46 percent cover the gap with business or personal savings and credit lines, resulting in extra financing fees. Seventy percent of contractors reported they would be willing to discount invoices in exchange for payment within 30 days.
Late payments can affect subcontractors' ability to meet their payrolls and invoice payment obligations. The Construction Payment Report 2018 suggests methods contractors can employ to speed up the payment process, including using digital invoicing and payment solutions and modifying contract language to clarify when payment is due. In cases where payment is not made due to reasons other than not being able to navigate the payment process, contractors can take legal action to recover money owed. Filing a mechanic's lien against a private project ensures payment, but it's not a quick solution and can create tension between the involved parties. Nevertheless, more than 80 percent of contractors reported they have filed mechanic's liens against projects to ensure they receive their money.
Beacon Roofing Supply joins NRCA's One Voice initiative
Beacon Roofing Supply Inc., Herndon, Va., has joined NRCA's One Voice initiative and upgraded its associate membership to "partner member."
Launched in 2017, the One Voice initiative aims to unite the roofing industry and speak with one voice regarding matters of industry importance, as well as collectively recognize threats to the industry and the opportunities they may present. The One Voice initiative currently is focused on developing a national worker training and certification program, legislative efforts to effect meaningful change in Washington, D.C., and advocacy.
Additional information about NRCA's One Voice initiative, including a list of the 23 current One Voice partner members, is available at www.nrca.net/onevoice.
Minimum wages increase in several states and cities
Minimum wages increased in two states and 14 cities July 1. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009, but state and local governments can choose to enact higher minimum wage requirements.
In July, Maryland's minimum wage increased to $10.10 per hour, and Oregon's minimum wage increased to $10.50 per hour. The minimum wage in Washington, D.C., increased to $13.25 per hour, and San Francisco's minimum wage increased to $15 per hour. Chicago; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; and Portland, Maine, also raised their minimum wages.
In some cities, the minimum wage has surpassed $15 per hour. Emeryville, Calif., raised its minimum wage to $15.20 per hour for companies that have 56 or more employees. Hoteliers in Santa Monica, Calif., must pay their employees a minimum of $15.37 per hour. Seattle requires a minimum rate of $15.45 per hour if an employer doesn't offer medical benefits.
Businesses also can establish minimum wages higher than what the law requires, known as starting wages. Paying higher wages may be a company policy or part of a collective bargaining agreement with a union. Recently, Costco, JPMorgan Chase and Target have increased minimum wages for their employees.
National Roofing Partners names new president
 Shrader |
National Roofing Partners, Dallas, has named Rodney Shrader president.
Shrader most recently served as executive vice president of sales and marketing for Acton Mobile, Baltimore. He has 20 years' experience in modular space rentals, services and sales within the construction industry. Shrader will lead National Roofing Partners in the use of technology as the company expands its markets.
"Shrader is a natural leader from his U.S. Marine service to multiple private equity transactions over the past 20 years," says Steve Little, CEO of National Roofing Partners. "We are truly fortunate to have him join the National Roofing Partners family as we expand our national footprint and enter into the telecommunications service sector."
USG Corp. to be acquired by Knauf Group
United States Gypsum (USG) Corp., Chicago, is to be acquired by Knauf Group, Iphofen, Germany, for $7 billion.
The deal requires shareholder and regulatory approval. Knauf Group will pay USG shareholders $43.50 a share in cash and receive a 50-cent-a-share special dividend after approval. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019.
"Our board has worked diligently to evaluate all strategic options to maximize value for our shareholders, and we are pleased to have reached this agreement, which provides our shareholders with significant and certain cash value," says Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of USG.
USG will continue to be managed in the U.S. and headquartered in Chicago, giving Knauf Group access to the U.S. construction market.
"We believe this transaction will create new opportunities for both companies' customers and will benefit USG's employees, who will be part of a truly global building products company," Scanlon says.
USG has manufactured wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products for more than 115 years.
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