Election day, Nov. 3, 2020, is less than 12 months away. U.S. voters will go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. The presidency, House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be chosen by voters. You not only have an opportunity to make your voice known at the polls but also to invest in candidates who support policies that help the roofing industry thrive.
What happens in Washington, D.C., including tax reforms that are enacted and regulations promulgated from federal agencies, affects the roofing industry and how you conduct business. Who governs, votes on policies and enacts policies matters.
When a new Congress took office in January 2019, NRCA’s government relations team had to retool, build new allies and effectively communicate the industry’s priorities to a different audience. Part of what allows the NRCA team in Washington, D.C., to support like-minded, pro-roofing industry candidates is a strong ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee. The importance of ROOFPAC continues to grow, amplifying our industry’s message and opening doors on Capitol Hill.
As the only political action committee dedicated to advancing the roofing industry’s interests at the federal level, ROOFPAC is the voice of the industry in Washington, D.C.
ROOFPAC at work
ROOFPAC’s activities greatly strengthen NRCA’s efforts to proactively advance government policies that enable roofing industry entrepreneurs to successfully operate and grow businesses. These initiatives include fighting burdensome regulations, supporting tax policies that are beneficial to the industry and addressing the ongoing workforce shortage.
ROOFPAC relies on voluntary personal contributions made by NRCA members. It has supported hundreds of candidates for Congress since its inception in 1990 and currently supports nearly 100 candidates per two-year election cycle. NRCA is expanding member participation in ROOFPAC to strengthen its efforts in Washington, D.C.
During the 2017-18 election cycle, ROOFPAC raised more than $400,000 and won about 80% of the congressional races in which funds were invested. ROOFPAC’s focus now turns to the 2020 elections and playing a significant role in efforts to once again support pro-business candidates in Congress.
Dallas events
There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members to support ROOFPAC throughout the year. Most notable are the events ROOFPAC will host during NRCA’s 133rd Annual Convention and the 2020 International Roofing Expo® in Dallas Feb. 2-6. ROOFPAC’s “An Evening in the Lone Star State” event will take place the evening of Monday, Feb. 3. Admission includes entertainment, a live auction and a reception with an open bar. As in years past, the ROOFPAC Silent Auction will be held at the NRCA booth Feb. 4-5 with exciting items such as jewelry, electronics and vacations available for bidding.
All NRCA members are invited to support ROOFPAC by attending these fun-filled opportunities in Dallas. Both events are a great way to network with industry colleagues while investing in a cause that helps protect your business. Strong member participation is critical to ROOFPAC’s success in 2020 and beyond.
Support adds up quickly
Every contribution to ROOFPAC matters. A modest contribution can go a long way: One individual from each NRCA member company giving $50 annually to ROOFPAC would raise more than $350,000 per election cycle. This increase would nearly double ROOFPAC’s current reach, allowing support for many more pro-business candidates.
NRCA members interested in supporting ROOFPAC in a major way should consider joining NRCA’s Political Insiders Council, ROOFPAC’s major-donor program. PIC is open to any individual who contributes $5,000 personally—the maximum allowed by law for a political action committee—within a given calendar year. PIC members enjoy complimentary admission to all ROOFPAC events, opportunities to attend special events and meet members of Congress, an annual gift, and other benefits throughout the year.
Another option for members interested in becoming more involved in ROOFPAC is to join the NRCA Capitol Hill Club, which consists of members who each contribute $1,000 or more annually to ROOFPAC. Capitol Hill Club members also enjoy unique benefits in recognition of their support including having their names listed on NRCA’s website, www.nrca.net, and complimentary attendance at two events per year.
To join ROOFPAC in winning for our industry, all NRCA members should consider investing in ROOFPAC at some level. To learn more about ROOFPAC and its contribution programs or to obtain registration forms for ROOFPAC IRE events, go to www.nrca.net or contact NRCA’s Washington, D.C., staff at (800) 338-5765.
Nathan Pick is NRCA's director of advocacy and political affairs in Washington, D.C.
This column is part of Rules + Regs. Click here to read additional stories from this section.
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