Win with ROOFPAC

Capitol Hill is an ever-changing political environment. With a new Congress taking control this month, NRCA's government relations team is retooling the industry's message to effectively communicate to a different audience. With a Democrat majority in the House of Representatives and Republicans gaining seats in the Senate, it is important NRCA's government relations team continues to strategically build relationships with members of Congress to affect policy discussion.

Now more than ever, the importance of ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, continues to grow. As the only political action committee dedicated to advancing the roofing industry's interests at the federal level, ROOFPAC is the voice of NRCA members 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 start and grow businesses. These initiatives include regulatory reform, strengthening workforce development and advocating for tax policies that help meet our industry's needs.

ROOFPAC was successful in the 2018 congressional elections—it raised more than $400,000 during the 2017-18 election cycle and won 80 percent of invested races. ROOFPAC's focus now turns to the 116th Congress and playing a significant role in efforts to support pro-business candidates in Congress during the 2020 congressional elections.

ROOFPAC relies on voluntary personal contributions made by NRCA members. It has supported hundreds of candidates for Congress since its inception in 1990 and now supports nearly 100 candidates and committees per two-year election cycle. NRCA is moving forward to further expand member participation in ROOFPAC and strengthen efforts in Washington, D.C., to make a difference for the roofing industry.

ROOFPAC events at IRE

There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members to support ROOFPAC throughout the year. Most notable are the upcoming events ROOFPAC is hosting during NRCA's 132nd Annual Convention and the 2019 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 9-13.

ROOFPAC events include a Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Songwriter Extravaganza Sunday evening, Feb. 10, and a ROOFPAC Silent Auction in NRCA booth no. 2523 on the exhibit floor Feb. 11-12. Admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Songwriter Extravaganza includes a concert, a unique interactive songwriting experience, live auction, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and one museum voucher (for use Monday through Wednesday during IRE). Similar to previous years, the ROOFPAC Silent Auction will include several exciting items such as vacations, jewelry and electronics you won't want to miss. Participants can view and place bids on silent auction items in the booth or via smartphone, tablet or laptop by accessing www.roofpac19.givesmart.com. You do not need to be in attendance to place a bid, so please bid on an item or two and show your support.

We invite all NRCA members in attendance to support ROOFPAC's fun-filled opportunities in Nashville. Both events are a great way to network with industry colleagues while also investing in a cause that helps protect your business. Strong member participation in these events is critical to ROOFPAC's success in 2019 and beyond.

Support adds up fast

Every contribution matters. If just one individual from each NRCA member company gave $50 annually to ROOFPAC, this would raise more than $350,000 per election cycle. This increase would nearly double ROOFPAC's reach, allowing support for many more pro-growth candidates.

NRCA members interested in supporting ROOFPAC in a major way should consider joining NRCA's Political Insiders Council (PIC), ROOFPAC's major-donor program. The PIC is open to individuals who contribute $5,000 personally—the maximum allowed by law for a political action committee—within a given calendar year. To recognize their exceptional support, PIC members enjoy complimentary admission to all ROOFPAC events, opportunities to attend special events and meet members of Congress, and other benefits throughout the year.

Another option for members interested in supporting ROOFPAC is to join the NRCA Capitol Hill Club for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Capitol Hill Club members also enjoy unique benefits in recognition of their support.

To join ROOFPAC in winning for our industry, all NRCA members should consider investing in ROOFPAC at some level. To learn more about ROOFPAC, its contribution programs and to obtain registration forms for ROOFPAC IRE events, visit NRCA's website at 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.