The MRCA, A Family Affair

Mary McNamara, Owner and President of Cornell, was recently appointed to the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Board. McNamara continues a tradition of service to the roofing industry from the McNamara family at the regional and national levels.

Humble Beginnings

The MRCA  traces its beginnings to early 1950. For several years discussion of the benefits of a regional organization to represent roofing contractors had been going on. It was after a roofing clinic in Topeka, Kansas on January 12, 1950 that the organization was created.

Then Everything Changed

While conventions have always been a part of the MRCA, they began as a forum for contractors to gather and exchange ideas. In 1965, the first technical research project titled “Don’t Panic – Here’s How to Make a Roof Drain”, was published. Despite how it sounds today, it revolutionized the roofing industry. Overnight architects uniformly adopted the projects recommendations and the industry began changing.

Continuing a Tradition of Service

“ I am Honored to be appointed to the MRCA Board and look forward to collaborating with the many talented members of this

The MRCA, Organization, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
Rob McNamara

organization,” McNamara stated. Her father, Jim McNamara was President of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. McNamara’s Uncle Don, served as president of the organization in 1981 and was awarded its highest honor, the James Q. McCawley Award in 1982. Don’s son Rob also served as its president. Its safe the say this has become a family affair.

MRCA Drives Positive Change

From the first industry altering publication, the MRCA Technical and Research (T&R) Committee was formed and has presented studies that have dramatically impacted the industry. As a result, the industry has seen an improvement of products and architects and specifiers have been influenced and guided to follow sound roofing practices. The MRCA has continually worked to improve the conditions for the roofing contractors and ultimately their customers. For more information visit: www.MRCA.org

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Celebrates 50 Years as Member of MRCA

MRCA logo

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Celebrates 50 Years as Member of MRCA

Mary McNamara and Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal are well known for being a leader in the Commercial Roofing industry, keeping up-to-date on the latest products and technology and maintaining a long-standing relationship with area industry organizations. One of which is the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA).

Started in 1950 the MRCA was founded as an independent regional roofing contractors’ association with a mission to:

  • Assist member roofing contracting companies prosper by being a contractor advocate,
  • Acting as an industry spokesperson, circulating trade information via a bi-monthly newsletter,
  • Providing education through an annual conference, and
  • Being an active resource for members seeking advice in matters of business management, safety, technical and legal.

The MRCA seeks to develop and administer programs and services through its membership to help member companies build and thrive while continually working to progress the roofing industry as a whole.

This year Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal is proudly celebrating its own participation as member of 50 years! An impressive merit! Throughout this steady relationship with the MRCA, Cornell has gained much through its membership including training seminars and educational conferences, strong networking opportunities and helping to continue to stimulate growth in its own business.

Along with celebrating 50 years of membership with the MRCA, Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal also commemorates 90 years in business! Be sure to look for this article celebrating Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s 50 year anniversary with the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association in the upcoming issue of Midwest Roofer!