Message from The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress President Geoff Craft
Continuing the momentum from 2009-10 when we unveiled a new logo to build the Alliance brand, we launched a new Alliance website this year. Now separate from NRCA's website, the Alliance is a growing presence as a stand-alone organization in the roofing industry.Having accomplished these two substantial tasks, the energy within the Alliance is an enthusiastic force gathering strength and speed. Our newly created Communications/Marketing and Project Committee has been concentrating on the challenge of attracting new members. As a result, three new supporting membership categories, in addition to the existing levels of contractor and supplier membership, have unfolded:
- Platinum Supporting Member for $25,000 (five annual installments of $5,000)
- Gold Supporting Member for $15,000 (five annual installments of $3,000)
- Silver Supporting Member for $10,000 (four annual installments of $2,500)
On the project front, a final report now is available for Business and Contract Strategies for Solar PV Systems in Roofing Applications. The purpose of the research was to explore the opportunities that exist in the solar energy market for the roofing industry and identify strategies and tactics for roofing contractors to enter the solar market. This final report summarizes the nature of the data collection and interactions used to formulate a set of observations and strategic recommendations in the fields of rooftop solar industry advancement, research and training programs. The results of these efforts directly influence industry educational materials, such as the requirements set by the new Roof Integrated Solar Energy™ (RISE™) Certified Solar Roofing Professional™ (CSRP™) certification and the creation of a roof-integrated solar training center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Newly approved in 2010 is the Alliance-awarded grant to the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing to co-sponsor the development of RoofPoint,™ a new guideline and rating system for the selection of roof systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The grant will provide critical resources to expand RoofPoint's development and public launch. An initial pilot program began in 2010 and continued through the first quarter of 2011. Based on the experience gained during the pilot program, a final RoofPoint program for public use then will be developed. A copy of the pilot program can be downloaded at www.roofpoint.wikispaces.com.
I'm proud to be part of an innovative organization that follows the path untraveled and explores the unknown frontiers for all of us, then reports back to the industry with a map telling us where to go. Funding by the Alliance makes the future of the roofing industry a reality by providing the means necessary to conduct research and forecast trends. Wherever your career in the roofing industry takes you, the Alliance is ahead of you and waving you forward with the gear you need to succeed. It's an exciting time to be part of the Alliance, and thanks for being with us.
Sincerely,
Geoff Craft
President
The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress