March - April 2024 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 

Greetings to you all!

If you are anything like me, there seem to never be enough hours in the day(s) lately, and now that the weather is getting a little nicer, it all seems to be rocking and rolling. With any luck, the good weather is allowing you to make some headway on your workload, and with most of the snowy weather behind us, we can focus fully on this year's production. 

I wanted to give you a few updates on what the associations Board and Committee members have been working on for you all this spring. 

On the education front, we have already had our first round of training classes at the CRA Training Center in Aurora, and another 57 students are better equipped. We have our second round of classes coming up here towards the end of April and in May. If you have any new employees or seasoned employees wanting to get some additional training, you should look into it now, as these classes are filling up and we take the summer off. 

Speaking of the training center, I'd like to announce an exciting new opportunity. The Board has approved the Education Committee's plans to expand the training center at its current location, doubling our square footage and allowing us to increase class sizes and training mock-ups while also holding in-house seminars in a larger meeting room for functions, rentals, and so on. 

We have finalized our calendar for this year's educational speakers and topics for our pinpoint seminars and lunch program topics. Hopefully you were able to make last week’s safety webinar on being prepared for OSHA. Debbie tells me we had over 90 people registered to participate and that attendees were pleased with the informative session and helpful information provided. Thank you to Anfeald Safety for helping our members on the call.

As we move into May, we have a membership lunch on May 9 featuring Duane Musser from NRCA who has been keeping roofing issues heard at our nation's capitol. Every time I've heard any of NRCA's staff speak, I realize how much I can learn from their shared knowledge and resources. We are even luckier to have the opportunity to see them here in Colorado.  So, I really encourage you to join me at this lunch. Whether we like it or not, legislative policies have an impact on our businesses and bottom line.  We are grateful that Duane is standing up for our industry's interests in front of lawmakers and the administration at the national level, and I am looking forward to hearing the latest  updates and keeping informed on the current issues. 

Later in May, we bring those legislative issues down to the state level and what is going on in Colorado. On May 22nd, we have arranged a more in-depth legal pinpoint with the help of Galvanize Law on Colorado legislative updates that will impact our businesses on May 22. Check out the details in the event section below.

You’ll notice a regulatory theme to our topics this spring. With that in mind, I wanted to share some updates from our government advocacy committee. We are coming to the end of this year's legislative session, and we have been watching some things closely that could potentially impact the roofing industry here in Colorado and wanted to let you know a little more about them. The top two deal with construction defect reform, and the other is construction wage theft.  

• SB24-106, the "Right to Remedy Construction Defects" bill, aims to clarify procedures and rights related to construction defect claims. It could impact how roofing contractors, property owners, and unit owners' associations navigate disputes and legal actions. Although several amendments have been made, the current Senate version is still impactful. The bill expands negligence per se to contract claims and warranty issues and should help brings insurance costs down. The bill has a consumer protection piece that requires written acknowledgement of statutory disclosures to help homeowners understand the litigation implications for their homes.

• The Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors Bill, HB24-1008, aims to regulate wage claims in the construction industry by establishing responsibilities for subcontractors and general contractors, potentially impacting payment processes and liability arrangements. Down and dirty, if this bill passes, then subcontractor wage liabilities will be shared upstream with general contractors on a project. CRA does not condone or support any wage theft (improper amount of wages, not sending in withholdings for benefits or taxes, not paying overtime, cash pay, or improper classification as an independent contractor), but this bill is just bad and is overkill when laws already exist to protect workers and a much better solution exists (mimicking Denver and allowing the state CO Dept of Labor & Employment (CDLE) to investigate and collect valid wage claims over $7,500). CRA is opposing this bill, and we'll be reaching out and asking you to contact your legislators. Look for an e-mail coming soon

For more details and links on these two bills and others we are watching, please see the Government Relations section below.

Speaking of government advocacy, CRA's committee works hard here in Colorado to keep our voices heard.  One way to support them is by attending or sponsoring their corn hole fundraising tournament on May 8th.  Have a little after work fun while helping us as we work to protect and advocate for roofers and other subcontractors in 2024. BBQ, beer, networking, and a little friendly corn hole competition—what more could you ask for? Check out the details/registration link below.

Next, the community service committee has been working hard to assign Habitat for Humanity roofs and identify projects for this year's community outreach. The committee is currently reviewing one more major collaborative effort among our members to give another worthy non-profit program in our community a new roof. While we wait for more information on that large-scale project, please contact Debbie if you are interested in assisting with a habitat roof.

Our Young & Emerging Professionals group has been working hard to schedule some great events for this year as well as meet their workforce outreach goals. They are planning a Rockies Game Night meet-up for May 7, and more information will be shared soon!  Please keep an eye out and encourage your young professionals and people who are new to the industry to participate in this group's great, fun networking events this year.

The above are just a few of the projects we've been working on in our association, and please keep in mind that we have a variety of committees that are always looking for volunteers. Everyone has a committee that caters to their specific interests.

I look forward to seeing you all again soon at one of our events in May and please go out and make this year great. As always, be safe and have fun! 

Thanks.

Guy Mumford

Kudu Roofing
CRA President

Email Guy

A BIG THANK YOU to our 2024 sponsors!

Legislative Update

We are less than three weeks left in the 2024 legislative session. The long awaited construction defect reform bill (SB24-106) as well as the wage theft bill (HB24-1008) are the big ones we are watching most closely. Now that we are down to the end, I invite you to stay informed, get involved in the legislative process and each out to your legislators!

Here is a recap of the bills we are watching and their potential impact on the roofing industry.

Here are the bills that we were watching and that have already been passed and signed by the Governor.

• HB24-1041 | Streamline Filing Sales & Use Tax Returns:  The bill modifies tax filing thresholds for any sales and use taxes collected by jurisdictions that do not use the state sales and use tax simplification system (SUTS). It also requires that all home rule jurisdictions use the SUTS system beginning July 1, 2025.
• HB24-1091 | Fire-Hardened Building Materials in Real Property. This bill now permits residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials. The specified materials outlined in the legislation echoes the criteria set by the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

Here is the list of the other bills still making their way through the legislature:

•  HB24-1008: Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors

  Bill Number: HB24-1008

  Title: Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors

  Sponsors: M. Duran (D) | M. Froelich (D) / J. Danielson (D)

  Status: NOT ON CALENDAR; Referred Amended to Appropriations

  CRA Position: OPPOSE (Even with the suggested amendments to the bill sponsor last month, this legislation continues to get watered down with poor amendments.  It is at a point that it will add more cost to doing business and do more harm than good.  With that in mind, we have changed our position from amend to oppose.  We will be sending out a request to members soon to reach out to your legislators to vote no. So, please look for those emails.)

  Summary:
  The bill addresses wage claims within the construction industry, introducing several provisions:

  This bill's goal is to regulate wage claims in the construction industry by establishing responsibilities for subcontractors and general contractors, potentially impacting payment processes and liability arrangements. Down and dirty, if this bill passes, then subcontractor wage liabilities will be shared upstream with general contractors on a project. The bill is currently stalled due to budget constraints in the appropriations committee.

If you have comments or concerns about any of the above legislation, please reach out to me.  If you are aware of any specific legislation not listed and would like us to make sure we follow it, please contact me so that we can start tracking and sharing with the membership. With your help, we can continue to work together for positive changes in the roofing industry.

Jamie Williams
Next Wave Roofing
Government Relations Committee Chair

TRAINING, SEMINARS & WEBINARS

May 7 | CRA YEP Night at the Rockies

Hosted by: CRA Young and Emerging Professionals (YEPs)

Join us for a Night at the Rockies!

• Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants

• $1 Hot Dog Night (first 10,000 through gates)

• Attendees will receive a $25 food and beverage credit with an electronic ticket to use at Coors Field concessions.

• Proceeds from this event go to youth education at NoCo Construction Con 2024 and other outreach events we are participating in this year to introduce high school students to the roofing industry as a career opportunity.

• So, join us and meet up for networking, cheap hot dogs and baseball fun! 

Event Sponsors: 

Tickets: TAMKO

Food & Beverage: 4 available at $500, please call Debbie

Register Now

Corn Hole Tournament | May 8 | 4:00 p.m.

Please join us on May 8th for our second annual "EPIC Corn Hole Tournament," a joint fundraising event by the Colorado Contractors Coalition (ASAC, CRA, and RMSCA).  Have a little fun while helping us as we work to protect and advocate for roofers and other subcontractors in 2024.

Recent victories include the passage of 5% retainage on Private Construction Contract Payments (C.R.S. 38-46-101 to 38-46-103) - Passed May 17, 2021, and effective September 6, 2021.

Your participation will help us raise money for our legislative efforts in 2024 – funding a lobbyist, legislator and industry communication and participation in industry coalitions and organizations.

Register Now!

Membership Lunch: May 9

Conversation with Duane Musser of NRCA

Thursday, May 9, 2024 

We welcome Duane to Denver to speak to our association on current issues in Washington and their impact on our industry.  Since 2009, Duane has been keeping roofing issues heard at our nation's capitol.

Discussion topics will include:

• The federal policy issues NRCA is working on.

• The presidential election outlook and the impact it will have on the roofing industry.

• Update on new regulations and critical issues facing our businesses, and how to be properly prepared.

• Recap of Roofing Day in DC held April 16-17

• Opportunity for Q&A.

Remember, this is business, not politics! While you may want to avoid politics, legislative policies do effect your business, and government regulations have a significant impact on your bottom line. It is not only prudent to stay informed, but it also pays to know what is going on, to be seen and heard, and, when necessary, to share your knowledge and expertise. 

You WILL NOT want to miss this low-cost opportunity to gain valuable knowledge for you and your business at our May lunch.

Register Now!

Legal Updates for Your Business

Commercial and residential roofing contractors alike don't want to miss this valuable presentation!!!

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Galvanize Law Group specializes in construction law and founding partner Kate Strauss and attorney Lindsay Rose will present on the most recent Colorado legislative updates impacting employers. You'll also learn about the latest in subcontractor classifications, how it impacts worker compensation, who is and who is not considered an employer, what roofers need to know about the new Corporate Transparency Act, and more! This will be an interactive presentation, so please bring your questions for discussion.

Be sure to join us IN-PERSON on May 22 and learn new ways to mitigate your contractor liability and gain valuable legal knowledge for you and your business!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

MCA - The CUBE

8371 Northfield Blvd.

Denver, CO 80238

(Overflow parking available on side streets and across street at Macy's)

1:00 PM  to 3:30 PM

Cost:  $40/per member and $70/non-member.

(Light snacks & Beverages Included)

Register Now!

2024 CALENDAR

We are busy working on adding to the 2024 Calendar, check your inbox for upcoming trainings, lunches, and events.

Or, click here to view the full 2024 Event Calendar .

CRA TRAINING CENTER

The CRA Training Center is located at 1660 Jasper Street, Units I & J in Aurora, CO, and is designed specifically for roofers and roofing applications. The space can be used for all types of steep and low slope materials and roofing systems. We are "application friendly." 

The center is being used for CRA training programs and is available to rent for members and non-members, contractors, manufacturers, and others who need space to conduct their own training.

Upcoming Classes:

Metal | 2-Day Advanced* 
May 1-2

EPDM/TPO | 2-Day Advanced*
May 7-8

Roof Coatings | 1-Day Advanced*
May 22

Click here to get more info/register. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CRA Project Highlight:  Mile High opens ‘free, positive’ space for kids and teens living on East Colfax - Sentinel Colorado

A new positive space for kids and teens is now open on East Colfax, offering a safe and nurturing environment for growth and learning.

CRA is grateful to have played a part in this project by providing a full roof for the building, alongside door and drywall contributions from the Denver Metro BOMA and the Denver chapter of IFMA .

Together, we're making a difference in the lives of our youth in the Denver communities!

Read more

If you didn't catch the last issue, here is a video link of highlights from CRA's 2023 project.

Habitat/CRA Roof Over Your Head Program: Can you help?

The Roofing Association (CRA) has partnered with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) to provide donated roofing materials and labor through the Roof Over Your Head Program. CRA members connect with HFH affiliates in their communities, promoting 'A Hand Up – Not a Hand Out'. Habitat houses are new construction projects with simple roof lines, requiring no tear-offs or permits. GAF and Certainteed have partnerships with HFH, facilitating easy material access.

We are looking for roofing contractors to donate their time and labor for the following projects:

Blue Spruce HFH (Clear Creek County)
•    Mar: 1620/1622 Virginia St., Idaho Springs, 3/29/2024, 10:12 & 4:12, 3-story, 30, sq, duplex
•    Jul: 1610/1612 Virginia St., Idaho Springs, 7/01/2024, 10:12 & 4:12, 3-story, 40, sq, duplex 
•    Jul: 1600/1602 Virginia St., Idaho Springs, 10/01/2024, 10:12 & 4:12, 3-story, 30, sq, duplex

Hot Sulphur Springs HFH (Grand County)
•    Aug: 210 Nevava Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451, 8/15/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 17sq
•    Aug: 220 Nevava Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451, 8/15/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 17sq

Greeley-Weld Habitat (Weld County)
•    Jul: 2905/2909 27th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631, 7/30/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 24 sq, duplex
•    Jul: 2913/2917 27th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631, 7/30/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 24 sq, duplex
•    Aug: 2921/2925 27th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631, 8/27/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 24 sq, duplex    
•    Aug: 2929/2933 27th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631, 8/27/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 15.5 sq, duplex
 
Loveland HFH (Larimer County)
•    Jul: 156 Primrose Loveland, CO 80537, 07/21/2024, 5:12, 1-story, 23 sq    
•    Aug: 151 Primrose Loveland, CO 80537, 08/21/2024, 5:12, 1-story, 23 sq, garden level 
•    Sep: 1834 Hammond Pl. Loveland, CO 80537, 09/21/2024, 5:12, 1-story, 23 sq, walkout basement
 
HFH Metro Denver (Denver County)
•    Sep: 139 E 47th, Denver, 24-Sep, 6:12,  1-story, 11 sq<
•    Sep: 4744 Leaf, Denver,  9/24/2024 , 6:12,  1-story, 11 sq
 
HFH Metro Denver (Arapahoe County)
•    Sep: 2143 S Jamaica Ct., 24-Sep, 4:12, 2-story, 33 sq duplex
 
Pikes Peak HFH (El Paso County)
•    Jun: 820 Bidwell, Colo Springs, 6/3/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 20 sq    
•    Oct: 813 Bidwell, Colo Springs, 10/7/2024, 4:12, 1-story, 20 sq

Note: We also want to remind you that this is a good way to earn your Continuing Involvement Units for 2024 before the end of the year. Community service projects are worth 8 CIUs. 

Let's do this together!
The benefits that a safe, DRY and affordable shelter can have on families and communities who partner with Habitat for Humanity can be long-lasting and life-changing. Together, we can help a family!

I/We want to volunteer! 

Interested parties should contact Debbie at the CRA office by email or by phone at 303-484-0549.

More Roof Over Your Head Information 

Thank you to these companies who have helped this year and past years!! 

ITEMS OF NOTE

WELCOME to 3 New Members(s)…

Meet our newest member(s) who joined this past month.

			Blue Peaks Roofing  7345 S Pierce St Ste 205, Littleton, CO 80128 | 303.808.0687   Contractor - Comm/Res
			Continental Materials, Inc.  1203 Shadetree, Lane Allen, TX 75013 | 210.238.6466  Manufacturer: Roof Accessories
			Robinson & Henry PC   900 Castleton Rd., Suite 200, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109 | 303.688.0944  Trade Service: Legal

Gulfeagle Supply to Acquire Elite Roofing Supply

Elite Roofing Supply (26 branches) is set to be acquired by Gulfeagle Supply, establishing the fourth largest distributor in the US. The merger, which will see both companies operate independently until the transaction is completed, will focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The merger will strengthen the company's national presence and customer footprint, allowing it to serve a wider market while retaining local expertise. The combined entity will also offer Gulfeagle's long-term investment perspective and Elite's expertise in greenfield expansion and talent acquisition. Sarah Weiss, CEO of Elite Roofing Supply, emphasized the partnership's significance, stating that it aligns with their vision for sustainable growth and providing opportunities for employees and customers. The transaction is expected to close in June 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Read More

Free Event: Tamko | Experience Different 2024 

Thursday, May 16 | 11am - 1pm MDT | 5300 East 43rd Avenue Denver, CO 80216.  Attend the Experience Different event to experience TAMKO's innovative shingle line, receive a 5 SSQ coupon, participate in a grand prize drawing, demo new StormFighter FLEX shingles, and experience Titan XT premium architectural shingles. Food will be provided.

Read More

Free Legal Webinar: Battle-Tested Roofing Contracts & More Tips 

Friday, May 17, 2024 | 12 - 1 p.m. on Zoom.  Join Robinson & Henry, P.C. real estate litigation attorneys for an exclusive webinar! They'll share proven strategies and actionable tips to help you safeguard your roofing business. 

Read More

SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers

While this may seem like older news, it worthy of including in this issue of the newsletter.

SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced March 88 that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.250 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, SRS Distribution will operate as an independent business unit within The Home Depot, focused on accelerating growth in the Pro market. This proposed transaction will bring together the impressive talent, technology, and capabilities of SRS with The Home Depot’s trusted name and robust platform, expanding SRS’ reach into numerous new product categories and customers.

This acquisition will clear a pathway for accelerated growth with the residential and commercial professional customer by expanding The Home Depot’s Pro capabilities, combining online, retail, and wholesale. The combined platform will open new opportunities for existing suppliers and partners by providing access to SRS’ expert workforce focused on specialty verticals, as well as The Home Depot’s cross-project expertise, product mix, network, and digital assets.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 

Read more

This month's Building Code updates/notices:

We have a couple update for you this month:

• Arapahoe, County of: Due to a substantial decrease in the quality and completeness of submittal documents pertaining to permit applications, and a substantial increase in plan resubmittals or revisions, the initial review of permit applications is now taking 12 to 16 weeks. Read more.

•  Denver, City & County: Denver's roofing guide has been updated as of 4/11/2024.  Make sure you have the current version.

• Englewood, City of: Beginning July 1, 2024, a Mid-roof Compliance Form will be required for all one and two-family residential re-roof.  Read more.

• Westminster, City of: As of June 1st, 2024, the 2021 Building Code will be in effect,  Read more.

Have you heard of any upcoming building code changes with any of the municipalities you work with? Please share them with us by emailing the BC&S Committee via Debbie at debbie@coloradoroofing.org.

The CRA Marketing Committee is here for you!

Are You Maximizing Your CRA Membership Benefits?

Have you been leveraging all the opportunities your Colorado Roofing Association membership offers? Our recent analytics show that our blog garners over 500 views monthly (and growing!), showing significant growth from previous years. This means our target audience is finding us and our blog a substantial platform for industry insights and news. But there's more in store for you!

We're excited to announce our new member spotlight feature! This is your chance to shine and share your own research and blog posts with us for a chance to be featured in our blog and on our social media channels with our expansive community. Being featured on our blog and on our social platforms not only highlights your business but also significantly expands your reach within the industry.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to amplify your presence and connect with potential clients. If you're interested in being featured or want to learn more about maximizing your membership benefits, please contact Debbie for inclusion in our upcoming newsletter editions.

Plan to participate!

May 6-10: National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

In advance of the 11th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction (May 6-10, 2024), we wanted to alert you to the following webinars:

• Take A Break and Stand Down to Prevent Falls – Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 12pm CST. This webinar is hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and will guide participants through ideas for a Stand-Down event, offer planning tips and help participants integrate valuable resources to ensure the event's effectiveness and success. Stand-Down event participants will earn recognition from NRCA and OSHA. To attend this event, please register here.
• Beyond Fall Prevention Planning: Being Prepared for Fall Rescue - Tuesday, May 7^th, at 2pm ET. This webinar is hosted by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), NIOSH, and OSHA and will provide participants with information about rescue planning, including sharing resources and templates for tailoring plans to each jobsite. To attend this event, please register here.
• 2024 National Fall Prevention Campaign webinar being held in Spanish - Wednesday, May 8^th at 2pm ET. This webinar is hosted by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), NIOSH, and OSHA. To attend this event, please register here.

As a reminder, anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Please visit this website for more information and resources.  

Source: Denver Area OSHA Office (osha.gov)

Helpful Member Benefits & Tools

Delivery of the E-Newsletter to Your Inbox

To guarantee delivery of the newsletter to your e-mail inbox each month, we ask that you add Debbie Hathorne to your address book using the following email: debbie@coloradoroofing.org. By adding this address to your contact list, we hope to avoid spam blockers/junk mail folders and ensure your receipt of the CRA newsletter in your inbox each month. Thank you.

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