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President's Message

CRA Trade Show - THIS MONTH - January 21st

CRA Government Relations Committee Update

Awards Dinner - February 18th

Items to Note: Dues Reminder, 2010 IRS Mileage Rates

CALL FOR COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS - Education, programs, golf, tradeshow, legislative, etc.

Safety Corner

NRCA Update

2010 CRA Calendar

Welcome New Members

COLORADO ROOFING ASSOCIATION

1675 Larimer St, Suite 700
P.O. Box 480084
Denver, CO 80248-0084
(303) 892-6966
Fax (303) 892-6322
E-mail: debbie@coloradoroofing.org
Website: www.coloradoroofing.org
Executive Director: Debbie Hathorne
Industrial Expositions, Inc.

Mission Statement
"To promote the ethics, education and image of the roofing industry in the State of Colorado through meetings and actions of the members."

The CRA newsletter is open for member input. We encourage you to submit items that will benefit the members, including new technical updates, community service achievements in your local communities, educational seminars/ workshops, etc. (no sales oriented pieces).

Contact the CRA office for more information at 303-892-6966 ext. 2.

2010 CALENDAR

January

Jan 7 - CRA Board Meeting

Jan 21 - CRA TRADE SHOW & Solar Seminar
Ramada Plaza Hotel & Convention Center at 120th & I-25, Northglenn. 11:00 am.

February

Feb 4 - CRA Board Meeting

Feb 18 - CRA AWARDS DINNER - Infinity Park Events Center, Glendale, CO. 5:30pm Cocktails and 7:45pm Dinner

March

Mar 11 - CRA Board Meeting

Mar 24 - TRI Installer Certification Program;
Comfort Inn at Denver
Merchandise Mart. 7:30am - 4:00pm.

March 26 - CRA Membership Luncheon;
Comfort Inn at Denver
Merchandise Mart. 11:30 am.
Topic: "TBD".

WELCOME New Member(s)

Bradco Supply
17808 E. 24th Drive
Aurora, CO 80011
Ph: 720-859-3059
www.bradcosupply.com
Material Supplier

TRADE SHOW - January 21, 2010

CRA's Annual Tradeshow is just a couple weeks away now. . .

Thursday, January 21 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Convention Center (I-25 & 120th Ave)

Each year the Colorado Roofing Association hosts this one-day, low cost opportunity to make great new contacts with over 400 contractors, estimators, project managers, foremen, architects, engineers, consultants, and building owners.

CRA expects up to 80 manufacturers, suppliers and applicators of roofing products and services to display their materials and equipment to our attendees - bringing them the newest in roofing products and installation techniques and providing solutions to any roofing questions they may have.

Vendors can display for the low cost of $200.00 per 6' tabletop -- $225 if you need electrical and $425 if you need a double space to accommodate a floor display. There are limited electrical spaces -- so those desiring electrical and/or double spaces need to apply early as space is reserved on a first come first serve basis. (Vendor - Click here to sign up today).

New this year. . . we will be showcasing products and or information that fall under the solar and photovoltaic (PV) category. Exhibitors displaying these products will receive a large yellow balloon identifying your table to attendees.

Contractors & Associates in Colorado's Roofing Industry -- this is a great chance to catch up on the latest industry trends, to make important contacts with suppliers and to compare existing products and services. The trade show offers a great networking opportunity for you to make and reaffirm business and personal contacts while educating you and your employees on the newest in Colorado's roofing industry.

Also new this year. . . "ROOFING, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT: 2010 UPDATE," a one-hour seminar will be held from 12:30-1:30pm during the tradeshow and is being presented by Craig Silvertooth and Jim Hoff of CEIR. Topics will include:

• New and emerging sustainable roofing standards
• Energy efficiency and roofing: High-R Roofs and Cool Roofs
• Clean energy and roofing: Solar, Wind & Daylighting
• Clean water and roofing: "Green" Roofs & "Blue" Roofs
• Roof recycling: New strategies & opportunities
• Building a "green" roofing business
  

The seminar is FREE, but all trade show attendees and exhibitors wishing to attend must sign up in advance! Click here for the registration form.

Along with FREE trade show & seminar admission, the CRA serves a complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments to all show attendees and exhibitors. The CRA trade show provides both contractors and suppliers an opportunity to meet one-on-one and to expand their networks and capitalize on new business opportunities.

Make it a point to send your office to the show on January 21!

Attendees may present a business card at the door for admission or click here for an informational flyer.

January 13, 2010 is the start of Colorado's new legislative session. We have no state updates to report at this time. If you missed last month's article, please take the time to review the proposed 2010 initiatives that were discussed in the CRA December newsletter.

At the federal level, NRCA has done a good job of covering these national issues for us. Please refer to the NRCA update section at the end of this newsletter for a quick recap of what's going on in D.C.

In the meantime, please contact your CRA government relations committee with questions or concerns.

CRA Government Relations Co-Chairs
Amy Hawkins, Boulder Roofing, Ph: 303.443.4646 / Email: amy@boulderroof.com
David Hite, Flood & Petersen Insurance, Ph: 720.977.6007 / Email: david.hite@fpinsurance.com

AWARDS DINNER . . .February 18, 2010

You're invited to our 9th Annual CRA Awards Dinner. Look for your invitation to arrive in the next couple of weeks.

We encourage you to send in your RSVP and join us on this night of celebrating the Best in Colorado's roofing industry. The dinner has become a premier event to recognize the talent we have and great work we do. A night of honoring and sharing the exceptional "people and projects of the CRA" will be refreshing and motiving to all!

This year's dinner is being held on February 18, 2010 at Infinity Park Event Center located at 950 S. Birch Street in Glendale, CO. Cocktails at 5:30pm and Dinner at 7:00pm.

Mark your calendar now. This is an inspiring evening where we all can take the time to congratulate each other and ourselves on the difficult, complex, dangerous and exciting work we do every day!

Please call the CRA office with any questions at 303-892-6966, ext. 2..

Volunteer for a 2010 CRA Committee TODAY!

"It's not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself." - Eleanor Roosevelt

We are looking for volunteers for the following 2010 CRA Committees. A brief description of each committee follows.

Membership
Review membership criteria. Be an ambassador for the CRA. Visit other members and spread the word about what CRA is doing for you! Do you know other companies that might benefit from what the CRA offers - Sign up here!

Community Service
Helping others is an important part of any strong association. Each year the CRA plays a huge role in the "Rebuilding Together" efforts in the Denver area. Help organize this event in April and also be a part of introducing NEW WAYS to give back to our community.

Program
With only four general luncheon meetings each year, you can help make sure that attending members have an informative and entertaining speaker. CRA's hosted a wide variety of speakers - those who have been at the top of the NRCA and the top of Mt. Everest! Use your ingenuity to keep things interesting.

Education
One of the primary goals of the CRA is to educate its members. Through a variety of seminars and programs, this committee assures that our goal is fulfilled. Help determine what information topics we will share and organize these events as necessary a few times throughout the year. Keep the Code Guidelines portion of the website updated at least once annually.

Legislative
This committee gives you true hands-on input to make changes in our industry. Primarily focused around the legislative session (Jan-May), you have a real opportunity to get involved. Attend Coalition meetings once a month; review upcoming bills, contact legislators and share pertinent info with CRA members.

Public Relations
Help promote a POSITIVE IMAGE of the roofing industry. CRA members and our local communities need to know about who we are and what we do! PR Volunteers will spread the news about CRA activities and good deeds through the media and our website. In the event of a large hail storm, this committee steer heads a Hail Advertising campaign.

Trade Show
A showcase of products and services - from the latest to the tried and true, this spring event requires organizer to solicit exhibitors and attendees alike. You'll help in organizing the timing, lunch, any special activities, etc.

To VOLUNTEER for a committee, please e-mail Debbie at the CRA office at debbie@coloradoroofing.org or call her at 303-892-6966, ext. 2. Include your name, company, phone, email and the committee you're volunteering for.

Thank you in advance for volunteering your time and commitment to the future successes of the Colorado Roofing Association!

CRA ITEMS TO NOTE

Membership Dues Reminder, 2010 IRS Mileage Rate

2010 Membership Dues Reminder

Your 2010 Membership Dues renewal invoices were mailed on December 28. Please contact the CRA office if you have not received it.

In addition to sponsorship opportunities, you'll notice that the CRA is adding a "Hail Advertising Fund" line item to your invoice this year. Please consider making a voluntary donation. The hail fund will be used for advertising to consumers as large hail storms hit our communities and include a mix of radio, print and direct mail. The advertising will provide consumers with helpful information and direct them to the CRA website for tips on what to do and a listing of current local CRA contractor members. The fund will roll over each year and allow us to react more quickly when a storm hits and the added support from members will enable us to do more - creating a much bigger advertising impact when necessary.

Lastly, for contractors, we just want to remind you that upon renewal of membership each year, and in compliance with our bylaws, all contractor members must forward a current Certificate of Insurance* showing the following:

• General liability coverage of at least $500,000.
• Workers' compensation coverage reflecting roofing or sheet metal classifications. If such coverage is not provided, you must provide a copy or fill out Form WC43: "Rejection of Coverage by Corporate Officers or Members of a Limited Liability Company" from the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment. Forms are available at: www.coworkforce.com.

*This information MUST be on file for all contractor members in order to RENEW your membership.

IRS Annouces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

Dec 3 -The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

50 cents per mile for business miles driven
16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year’s. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.
Source: www.irs.gov.

Safety Corner 2010 Safety Seminars

Pinnacol Assnuarcance has announced their 2010 safety seminar schedule. For Pinnacol policyholders, you may or may not have heard the format of the seminars are going to change for 2010. Pinnacol will be hosting the "traditional" seminars in first and second quarter of 2010 and will be hosting a large scale "symposium" in the fall - one in Denver and one in Grand Junction. The dates for the symposiums have not been confirmed yet.

Click here for January to June 2010 seminar schedule.

Source: Pinnacol Assurance.

ITEMS TO NOTE . . . FROM ACROSS THE NATION

The U.S. Senate is on the verge of passing, presumably by a 60-40 vote, a major overhaul of the health care system. The Senate's version of health care reform is substantially different from the bill passed earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives, which means the bill will be headed to a conference committee in an effort to resolve the differences. Whatever the outcome of that process ultimately is, there will be significant implications for all U.S. employers.

The Senate version requires employers with 50 or more employees to offer health insurance programs or pay a fine. There is one notable exception: Construction industry employers with five or more employees would be required to offer health insurance or pay a fine of $750 per employee per year. The House version requires businesses with more than $500,000 in annual payroll to provide coverage to employees or pay a penalty.

There are other differences, as well, most notably how the measure will be funded. The Senate version includes an excise tax on so-called "Cadillac plans," defined as those with premiums of more than $8,500 for an individual and $23,000 for a family. The Senate version also would increase the payroll tax on individuals earning more than $250,000 per year from 0.5 percent to 0.9 percent. The House plan would impose a 5.4 percent surtax on individual taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $500,000 per year or couples whose adjusted gross incomes exceed $1 million.

Although it is far from certain the conference committee will resolve these differences-and others-NRCA expects a bill will be signed into law early this year. But there is still time to voice your opinion. We will, of course, be reporting developments as they occur.

Meanwhile, a cautionary note: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced plans for an initiative to audit more than 5,000 randomly selected businesses during the next three years to address the issue of misclassified "independent contractors." NRCA's best advice: Consult an experienced labor attorney if you use independent contractors or are contemplating using them.

Congress has a full agenda of issues other than health care when it returns. Climate change will be discussed, but NRCA doesn't believe a major "cap-and-trade" bill can be passed in the current environment. The Employee Free Choice Act (or "card check") also will be brought up again with NRCA's concern being an untenable compromise.

One issue of special interest is the estate tax. Barring some last-minute action, it will have expired Dec. 31, 2009, but will revert to its 2001 levels in 2011 if nothing is done. Most likely is the restoration of a tax of perhaps 45 percent with an exemption of $3 million to $4 million. NRCA will be seeking levels of 35 percent and $5 million, respectively.

Solyndra Corp. announced recently it has received a private-letter ruling from the IRS that the Investment Tax Credit applies not only to the installation of its solar collection system but to the underlying reflective roof membrane or coating system. According to Solyndra, the ruling applies to installation labor; the reflective roofing material, fasteners or other methods of attachment; insulation and supporting materials.

The fourth-and final-volume of The NRCA Roofing Manual is now completed and will be mailed this month to all NRCA members who have paid their 2010 dues. The complete four-volume boxed set is available for sale, too; price is $425 for members and $650 for nonmembers. To order or if you have any questions, please contact NRCA’s Customer Service Department at (866) 275-6722 or info@nrca.net.

The IRE (International Roofing Exposition), of course, will be held next month and in a venue other than Las Vegas. NRCA will be meeting in New Orleans Feb. 22-24 with quite a bit to do and discuss. A few highlights:

• An Opening General Session featuring a Power Panel of noted roofing contractors who will discuss strategies they've used to deal with the recession
• A luncheon address by Steven Strong, one of the leading authorities on building-integrated photovoltaics
• The popular National Roofing Legal Resource Center's breakfast with perspectives from Rene Dupuis, Mark Graham and Stephen Phillips
• The first-ever Community Service Day where attendees will have the chance to participate with Rebuilding Together® to rehabilitate a home in one of the Hurricane Katrina-affected areas of New Orleans
• A ROOFPAC auction featuring items ranging from jewelry to electronics to trips to political memorabilia
  

And one more IRE event is the chance to learn more about NRCA's popular Future Executives Institute. NRCA will be holding a cocktail reception for members who are interested; you'll have the chance to interact with current students to better understand how the program works. The next class will begin in October 2010; it is a three-year program offered with Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. The reception will be held at the New Orleans Marriott from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22. Contact Janice Davis (jdavis@nrca.net) to register.

NRCA opposes unfair treatment of construction industry in health reform bill

NRCA has called on the U.S. Senate to drop a provision in the health care reform bill (H.R. 3950) that unfairly excludes the construction industry from a key small-business exemption. Click here for full story.

First integrated green construction code nears completion

The International Code Council's International Green Construction Code, which is the first integrated green code for traditional and high-performance commercial buildings, is set to be released in March 2010. Click here for full story.

Source: NRCA.NET