There are lots of tools to help market your organization – for example, direct mail. Although the term, “direct mail,” frequently has a negative impression in people’s minds, it refers to a lot more than junk mail. Direct mail is anything sent using the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express, or other courier. And today it also refers to e-mail. Direct mail is a way to let customers know that you’re thinking about them even when there’s not a project on the table. Direct mail is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of maintaining a long-term relationship with customers.

Some organizations use public-relations strategies to get a third-party endorsement about the caliber of your people, the products that you use, or your organization. Public relations is basically getting somebody to say something nice about you. When people outside your company say you’re a high-quality organization, it’s a lot more believable to customers than if you tell them yourself.

Promotions are another marketing tool. A promotion is anything with your logo on it – whether it’s a coffee cup, t-shirt, hat, pen knife, calculator, or checkbook cover. In many cases, people don’t believe they need to promote their services because they have a big, growing business with all the customers they can handle. But promotions are for existing customers as well as prospective customers. At least half of your marketing expense and effort should be addressed toward existing customers. Getting a consistent message out in the marketplace, including logos, is an easy way to let your customers know that you’re still there, that you’re a viable business, and that you’re a long-term partner for them that they can rely on.

But marketing and sales have something in common. Customer service is critical to both. Think about your business and think about the people who are fundamental to the process of customer service. Customer service throughout that group of people needs to be focused on the same basic things that your marketing and sales efforts are being focused on. When you ask a customer why they would use a contractor the second time, they will usually tell you it’s directly tied to their relationship with the operations team. It’s their experience on the job. So your operational team has a huge impact on your ability to get and keep key customers. But so does accounting. Typically, the last touch your organization has with a customer is the invoice. You should make sure the accounting and administrative staff of your organization is as focused on customer service as the operational team.

Remember, there are lots of different kinds of customers out there. Some can say “yes,” but a whole lot more can say “no.” They can create doubt in the mind of the person who actually signs the check.

Selling reinforces marketing efforts and secures work opportunities. And customer service ensures they keep coming back for years and years to come.

The Loss of an Industry Leader

On Monday, February 12, 2001 we experienced the loss of one of our roofing industry leaders – Robert Michael Crane.

Known as “Mike” to his dear family and friends, he was an active member of the SMRCA Board of Directors and RIPF Trustees. He is survived by his wife Patricia, sons John and Andy and predeceased by daughter Christine.

Mike was the owner of Newton & Crane Roofing located in Pontiac, MI for over 25 years. Mike was a long time member of the Church of the Holy Spirit and active in the Knights of Columbus and Men’s Club at the Church.

On a personal note, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know Mike. He touched so many peoples lives with his caring and thoughtful ways. Mike always welcomed me with a “big hug” and a “God Bless”. I realize that he is now at peace and “sleeping with the angels”.

On behalf of Mike’s family, I would like to thank you for all your support. The out-pouring of memento’s and cards were just overwhelming.

Mike will be greatly missed.

SMRCA to Exhibit at the Michigan Plant Engineering & Maintenance Show

The SMRCA staff, along with volunteers from our SMRCA Member Contractors will be exhibiting for the first time at the Michigan Plant Engineering and Maintenance Show. The show will be held at the Novi Expo Center. The show dates are Wednesday, March 21st and Thursday, March 22nd. Show times for both days are 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. The SMRCA’s booth number is #447.

Hope to see you there!

In an effort to promote excellence in the roofing industry, Roofers Union Local #149 and the R.I.P.F. are working together to offer college scholarship grants to worthy individuals.

The program offers six scholarship grants in the amount of $600 each, to those eligible individuals who are attending or planning to enroll at an accepted College or University.

A. Four (4) scholarships offered to those persons who are dependents of Active Local #149 Members, and

B. Two (2) scholarships offered to those persons who are dependents of RIPF Member Contractor office employees. Dependents of company owners or principals are not eligible.

Scholarship Grants are possible through contributions by Roofers Union Local #149, the Roofing Industry Promotion Fund, and the participating roofing contractor employer of the recipients parent or guardian.

All essays MUST BE RECEIVED at the RIPF office no later than Friday, March 30, 2001.

The 2001 SMRCA Annual Meeting & Reception

The SMRCA Annual Meeting and Reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2001 at the Atheneum Hotel in Detroit, MI.

The RIPF/SMRCA Contractors meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Euripides Conference Room. This meeting is open exclusively to RIPF/SMRCA Member Contractors. It is very important to have a representative from your company present. The election of an RIPF Trustee and appointment of an SMRCA Board member will take place at this meeting.

The cocktail reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Aphrodite Conference Room, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Then we are on our way to the Greektown Casino, to “win some big bucks!”

An information package regarding the SMRCA Annual Meeting should be arriving in the mail in the very near future.

2001 SMRCA Annual Golf Outing

Another SMRCA function is right around the corner. The SMRCA Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22nd at Twin Lakes Golf Club and Black Heath Golf Club.

This is a new location for us. We will be following the same format as we did last year, breakfast, followed by a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m. Prize distribution, cocktails and hors d’oeuvrs followed by dinner at Twin Lakes Golf Club.

Please mark your calendars! Watch your mail for more information on this event.

Great Lakes Regional Roofing Trade Show 2002

The Great Lakes Regional Roofing (GLRR) Trade Show has been scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2002. The GLRR Trade Show will be held at Burton Manor in Livonia, MI. The GLRR Trade Show hours will be 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The GLRR Trade Show Committee members are Sue Baumberger – Johns Manville, Mike Mass – Koppers Industries, Inc., Jason Emery – LaDuke Roofing & S/M, Steve Yontz – Lumbermen’s, Inc., Larry Rowe – National Ladder & Scaffold Co., Mike Grewette – Schreiber Corporation, Karen Colver – SMRCA, and Heather Hentges – SMRCA.

Newton & Crane, Inc. is a well established Pontiac roofing company that has been at its present location for over 83 years. Due to the recent death of its present owner, R. Michael Crane, the company is now for sale. The company pledges to continue its superior quality and efficient service during this transition period with its current backlog of work and professional employees.

Serious purchase inquiries may be addressed to:

J. Michael Woodgate
248-666-4085
248-666-4016 (Fax)

Omaha, Nebraska, February 27, 2001 – Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B) announced today the completion of the acquisition of Johns Manville Corporation by the merger of a Berkshire Hathaway wholly owned subsidiary with and into Johns Manville. As a result of the merger, Johns Manville is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The merger follows a cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Johns Manville at $13.00 per share, which was completed on February 23, 2001. As a result of the merger, each outstanding share of Johns Manville not owned by Berkshire Hathaway has been automatically converted into the right to receive $13 per share in cash. Johns Manville shareholders who did not tender their shares in the tender offer will receive a Notice of Merger and a Letter of Transmittal that will instruct them as to how to receive the $13 per share or, in the alternative, exercise appraisal rights under Delaware law.

Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building products. The 142-year-old Denver-based company had sales of $2.2 billion in 1999. Johns Manville employs approximately 9,700 people and operates 55 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China.

NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) is pleased to announce the opening of their Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office, located at Two Penn Center across from City Hall. NTH has been providing professional engineering services in the Delaware Valley since 1985 from their Exton, Pennsylvania office. Under the direction of Philip E. Gauffreau, P.E., these services currently include geotechnical engineering; construction quality assurance; environmental services; roofing engineering; and facilities rehabilitation (building envelope, pavements, etc). NTH Philadelphia will enhance their ability to service their Philadelphia-based clients and local projects. Clients and teaming partners include A/E firms, school districts, construction manager/general contractors, local, state and federal government agencies, and retail/commercial developers.

For more information contact their East Coast Business Manager, Dave McNerney, at 215-854-6359 or 610-524-6771, or email dmcnerney@nthconsultants.com.

Only about four percent of Michigan’s workforce is employed in construction. Construction fatalities, however, accounted for more than 40 percent of all MIOSHA program-related fatal workplace accidents over the last three years.

Electrocution 7
Fall 8
Caught Between 6
(Cave-in 2)
Struck By 1
(Struck by Traffic 0)
Other 1
(Explosion 1)
Total 23
*(As of 12/21/00)

The single most important thing construction employers can do to protect their employees is to have a comprehensive and implemented accident prevention program.

Designate Qualified Person to Administer Program

Train Employees in Assigned Tools & Equipment

Inspect Site for Unsafe Condition and Correct Hazards

Instruction in Recognition and Avoidance of Hazards (Tool Box Talks)

Haz-Com, Confined Space Training

Emergency Procedures

The above components can be found in construction, Part 1, General Rules Standards.

Mr. Robert Drogosch, the JAC full-time instructor, has been keeping himself quite busy. Along with all his other responsibilities, Mr. Drogosch has also been taking Spanish lessons to better his communication skills with some of his students.

Mr. Drogosch’s hard work and dedication is a proven factor in the success of the Joint Apprenticeship School.

Donations for the JAC Training Center are still being accepted. Donations received thus far total $22,850. The JAC Committee would like to thank all contributors that have donated money, materials or who have volunteered their valuable time to this worthwhile project.

Thank you for supporting the SMRCA at the CAM Expo this year. Your help at the SMRCA booth was greatly appreciated. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thanks to:

Sue Baumberger – Johns Manville
Jason Emery – LaDuke Roofing & S/M
Mike Grewette – Schreiber Corporation
Rich Gagnon – Schreiber Corporation
Marty Drury – Siplast Roof Systems
Mike Casey – T. F. Beck Company
Terry Kiciak – Tri-R Products Inc.

Belated birthday wishes to:
Michelle Barch (Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc.), February 13th.
Mike Grewette (Schreiber Corporation), March 19th.
Marty Drury (Siplast Roof Systems), April 26th.
Jim Markiewicz (GAF Materials Corporation), April 29th.

Quinn Thomas Brick was born on September 12, 2000.
He weighed 9lbs. 16oz.
The proud parents are Pat and Clare Brick.

Rick and Lori Aranguren celebrated New Year’s Day at the
University of Michigan Medical Center.
They celebrated the birth of their daughter Hannah Rose,
who weighed 6lbs. 14oz.

Brock Maclean Stephenson was born on January 20, 2001.
He weighed 7lbs. 12oz.
The proud parents are Scott and Sherri Stephenson.

Jason and Corey Emery are expecting their first baby.
The due date is May 11, 2001.
We’ll be sure to keep you posted!

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Virginia Peterson who passed away in February. Mrs. Peterson was the mother of Local 149 Business Agent Robert Peterson, and roofers Donald and Mark Peterson.

Below is a list of items that are currently available through the SMRCA office.

Please feel free to contact the SMRCA office if you are in need of any of these items.

March 21-22
Michigan Plant Engineering & Maintenance Show
Novi Expo Center, Novi, MI
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

April 20-24
The Roof Consultants Institute’s 16th International Convention & Trade Show
Hilton Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

April 26
2001 SMRCA Annual Meeting & Reception
Atheneum Hotel, Detroit, MI

May 22
2001 SMRCA Annual Golf Outing
Twin Lakes Golf Club & Black Heath Golf Club
Oakland, MI

June 6-8
Western States RCA’s 27th Annual Convention & Tradeshow
Las Vegas, NV

June 13
MiRCA Board of Director’s Meeting
Frankenmuth, MI

August 2-4
MiRCA 36th Annual Convention
Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, MI

October 11-12
MRCA 52nd Annual Convention & Trade Show
Nashville, TN

In Limbo – Despite their best efforts, the House and Senate were unable to find agreement on the appropriations bills with the Clinton Administration, requiring a lame-duck session. Congress is expected to return the week of November 13th for what should hopefully be a short session. Without the politics of the elections in the way, many pundits think solutions will become easier. Once their work is completed Congress will adjourn for the year.

Unfortunately and unexpectedly, this 10@10 is also being penned before the final outcome of the Presidential race. Since this determination will necessarily impact the legislative issues, I am providing a summary of what is occurring in Congress.

Final Tax Relief Bill – Prior to recessing for the election, the House passed a significant tax package. The bill included several bipartisan measures such as the Community Renewal bill to help distressed communities and the Small Business Administration re-authorization, as well as a $1 increase in the minimum wage. The vehicle for the tax package was a small business loan bill and it included several pro-small business provisions. Some of the important small business tax reforms included in the bill are an increase in the business meal deduction and a repeal of the provision prohibiting the installment method of taxation. The Senate is expected to pass the bill next week and send it to the President’s desk despite a looming veto threat.

Pension Reform – A bill to create additional pension savings and reform, H.R. 1102, the “Pension Reform Act” was also folded into the tax bill. Some initiatives included in the final measure were:

Increased portability of retirement plan assets making it easier for employees to roll over assets when they change jobs,

A simplified pension system to encourage small businesses to offer pension plans and,

An increase in the limit on 401(k) plans to $15,000 and IRA expansion from $2,000 to $5,000.

OSHA’s Ergonomics Regulation – The ergonomics issue will prove to be one of the very last issues negotiated by the 106th Congress. In fact some surmise that ergonomics actually caused the lame duck session. Currently the Labor, HHS Appropriations bill contains a rider prohibiting the introduction and implementation of the ergonomics rule until October 1 of next year. The Administration would like to introduce the rule in the Federal Register thereby putting the onus on the business community to stop its final implementation. Some middle ground solutions have been discussed but no concrete solutions have been forthcoming. Unfortunately, the National Coalition on Ergonomics expects the Administration to introduce the final rule very soon.

Immigration Proposals – Next to ergonomics, immigration looms as the second largest stumbling block to recess. Currently the Democrats and Republicans are sparring over immigration language on the FY01 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations Bill. The Democrats would like to include the Latino American Fairness Act (LIFA), which would provide blanket amnesty for illegal aliens who have been in the U.S. since 1986. However, Republicans claim that this would unfairly benefit those immigrants that break the rules and instead seek to include provisions that help these immigrants work through the system to attain residency.

School Construction Funding – One of the more contentious issues throughout the 106th has been education. Most of the debate lately has centered on the issue of funding school construction. The federal government has traditionally stayed away from ‘bricks and mortar’ funding, preferring to leave this decision to localities since federal spending represents only 8% of total education spending. In the FY01 Labor, HHS Appropriations bill however, billions were included to help schools fund renovations and repair. Bonds are to be issued as well to help communities build new schools. This will obviously create an infusion of work for the roofing industry.

Asbestos Legislation – During the development of the tax bill, there were dozens of provisions considered for inclusion. One of these was H.R. 4543, a bill introduced by Representative Hyde (R-IL) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide relief for payment of asbestos-related claims retroactive to the 1940’s. As supporters of the Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act, NRCA did not believe it prudent to pass a short-term measure which would only provide additional resources to fund trial lawyers while further hampering efforts at true reform. The House-passed version of the tax bill did not include H.R. 4543.

If you could invest tax-free money now, let it compound for 40 or 50 years, and then take the proceeds out tax-free, you don’t need to be knocked over the head to realize that’s a great deal.

However, it’s one only your child can take advantage of if he or she has a Roth IRA and makes less than $4,400 annually from a part-time or summer job.

That’s because teen-agers who earn less than $4,400 this year will not be required to pay income tax unless they have a significant amount of unearned income from dividends and interest. If they invest part of their earnings – or if you, in a tax-free gift to them, invest the equivalent of part of their earnings – in a Roth, it will grow tax-free.

Even if your child makes more than $4,400, chances are his or her income tax bracket will still be at the lowest level in his or her working life. That’s why contributing to a Roth at an early age is a great deal for anyone, financial experts say, since they will get the most value from the after-tax earnings they invest.

They are not losing anything in the way of deductions and their money is locked up for a long time. For instance, $2,000 invested today and left to compound for 50 years grows to $235,000 tax-free, assuming a historic average annual return of 10 percent.

If $2,000 was invested every year for three years and left untouched for 50 years, your teenaged son-turned-retiree gets to draw on $642,000 tax-free.

Of course, 50 years is a long way off and retirement is inconceivable to most teen-agers, who are more likely to view age 25 as the great divide between young and old.

When your children hit their late 20’s or 30’s, they may be very happy for those early Roth investments.

Say your child wants to buy a first home. He or she may withdraw any contributions made to the Roth free of tax and early withdrawal penalties. Earnings in the account up to a maximum of $10,000 are fair game, too, presuming the Roth account has been open for five years and presuming all contributions have been withdrawn already.

College or graduate school expenses, whether your child’s or even your grandchild’s, are another legitimate justification for early Roth withdrawals. You and your child should know, however, that money taken out for qualified higher educational costs, while free of early withdrawal penalties, will be subject to income tax.

Since minors are not allowed to set up their own investment accounts, parents must act as custodian. The account will fall under the child’s control when he or she reaches the age of majority.

In order to open a Roth IRA on your child’s behalf, there are a few simple ground rules. First and foremost, a child needs to have earned income and you should have proof of that income. That won’t be a problem if your teenager works for a company that deducts FICA taxes from paychecks, but if he or she works for cash, it is recommended that you file an income tax return on his or her behalf, even if the earned income falls below the $4,400 cap.

Second, there is nothing barring you from making contributions on your child’s behalf, if you wish your child to keep his earnings. Since the annual limit on contributions to a Roth is $2,000 per year, any amount you put in your child’s account will be treated as a tax-free gift, since the limit on tax-free gifts is $10,000.

Lastly, contributions to a child’s Roth may not exceed the amount of income earned, although they may be made in advance of when that income is paid. So if you want to invest $2,000 at the beginning of the year and your child will only work during the summer, that’s fine, so long as he or she earns at least $2,000.

If you mistakenly contribute more to the account than your son or daughter ends up earning for the year, you can take out the excess contribution without penalty before you file your tax return for the year. However, any earnings on that excess contribution must be taken out as well and you will be charged a 10 percent withdrawal penalty on that money as well as income tax. The law is less clear on what you need to do if the excess contribution lost value, so you should check with your accountant.

Not every brokerage house or fund company will set up a Roth for a minor.

Janus, for instance, requires a minimum initial investment of $500 and subsequent purchases of no less than $50. If you go to Schwab, the initial minimum is also $500, but there is no minimum for additional purchases. At T. Rowe Price, parents may open a Roth for their teen-agers with a $1,000 minimum or $50 automatic monthly contribution. And at Vanguard, new accounts require a $1,000 minimum investment, with no less than $50 subsequent contributions.

The RIEI provides educational seminars that include cities from coast to coast. RIEI addresses a wide variety of seminar topics which are of interest to roofing contractors, consultants, specifiers, plant engineers, and anyone else with a professional interest in roofing design, construction and maintenance.

March 27 Washington, DC
April 24 Houston, TX

This class is designed to help you choose and install a performing single ply system. You will learn about the chemistry, manufacturing, application, maintenance and repair procedures; as well as look at specifications and participate in a discussion of warranties. This course is not for those new to roofing, as basic roofing concepts are not covered.

March 28 Washington, DC
April 25 Houston, TX

March 29-30 Washington, DC

April 17-20 Minneapolis, MN

April 23 Houston, TX

Learn the proper specifications, application and maintenance of SPF systems in re-roofing, retrofitting and new applications. This course covers SPFD, NRCA and ASTM Guide Specifications as well as full maintenance and repair of SPF systems.

April 26-27 Houston, TX

Microsoft Word March 23
(Module II)
Microsoft Excel March 30
(Module III)

April 25

Contact CAMTEC to Register:
(248) 972-1133 Fax: (248) 972-1135

April 2 & 3 East Lansing, MI
April 4 & 5 Grand Rapids, MI
April 9 & 10 Flint, MI
April 11 & 12 Troy, MI
April 23 & 24 Midland, MI
April 25 & 26 Dearborn, MI