Educational Sessions

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21^ST

How Smart Tech is Reshaping Construction & Business & Preventing Cyber Attacks Kevin Fox – FoxWerx Group 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM                  (SCHAUMBURG GH) Wondering how AI can actually help your roofing business? This session answers that and more—covering real tools, real use cases, and a roadmap for getting started without breaking the bank. You'll also learn how to defend your business from rising cybersecurity threats like phishing and ransomware. This session is built to empower, not overwhelm.

Mitigate Risk on the Roof: Lessons from Real-World Subcontract Agreements and How They Protect Your Company (Part 1) Gary Auman – Auman, Mahan & Furry and MRCA Legal Counsel 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM                         (SCHAUMBURG GH) Gary will break down the key legal aspects of subcontracting in the roofing industry, with a focus on safety and compliance. As you are aware we are still in a not-well defined definition of a “true” independent contractor.  We’ll cover the essentials to help you better navigate subcontractor relationships and minimize risks. We will also discuss the safety obligations the contractor still has even with a well-drawn contract.  Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the legal landscape and how to keep your projects running smoothly and safely.

Mitigate Risk on the Roof: Lessons from Real-World Subcontract Agreements and How They Protect Your Company (Part 2)
An MRCA Residential & Steep Slope Committee Panel Discussion with:
Luke Haines - Roofmasters Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc. – Hays, KS
Matt Smith – Fat Matt Roofing - Abilene, TX
Brett Tesson - Tesson Roofing & Exteriors, LLC – Arnold, MO
Bill Seibert - Fisher Roofing of Kearney – Kearney, NE
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM                         (SCHAUMBURG GH)

Subcontracting can help roofing contractors grow—but it also carries risks without the right agreements in place. In this panel, seasoned roofers with real-world experience will share the must-have provisions to include in every subcontractor agreement, covering insurance, safety responsibilities, and branding protections so you can safeguard your business and reputation.

Assuring the Continuation of your Company in the New Tax Law World
Lee Resnick & Terry Resnick - Resnick Succession Group
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM               (SCHAUMBURG GH)
Assuring the Continuation of Your Company: Planning as a Process and Understanding the Options for Positioning Your Company to Meet Continuation Goals
Succession planning is not an isolated event. Your continuation goals can start now as your business evolves to meet your short term and long term plans.  But you need to know your options and understand the tax implications of your decisions for you, your employees and your business – maybe even your community! This fast paced seminar will offer practical tips to better evaluate succession options and begin now to lay the groundwork for your business evolution.

Health & Safety Frank J. Marino, CSP – Safety Check, Inc. 9:40 AM – 10:40 AM               (SCHAUMBURG EF) Developing and implementing safety programs for a Roofing Contractor can be a challenging endeavor.  Even more challenging can be creating a program that specifically addresses the Service Department.   This seminar will explore best practices for your Service Department and will focus on the following: Differences in the Fall Protection Program  OSHA enforcement for Service Dept. Effectively monitoring and enforcement for Service Dept. employees. When does a Service project turn into a Production project.

SIGNATORY CONTRACTORS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM                  (SCHAUMBURG H)
Join signatory contractors from across the region to discuss bargaining trends and key issues unique to union employers. Experienced labor relations committee members will share real-life lessons from the table and delve into what issues arose this season and forecast what you may see emerging locally. We’ll discuss ERISA fund trends, offer a labor law update and a view into how the regulatory environment is changing in the states and federally with regard to union labor.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22^nd

EDUCATIONAL SESSION
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM               (SCHAUMBURG EF)

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM   (SCHAUMBURG EF) Sheathing Under Stress: Engineering Insights into Moisture Effects Richard Koziol and Heidi Mase - Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.