By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Earth Day Celebrating 50 Years Today!

Earth Day 2020 is a milestone moment and, also about the enormous challenge we face. There are incredible and vast opportunities to have an impact on our planet and on climate change. EarthDay.Org, has distinguished climate change as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.
Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Earth Day’s Beginning

The first Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire, smog deforestation. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans, or roughly 10% of the entire U.S. population at the time, took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance. But they wanted more, demanding a new way forward for our planet.

Social Impact Into Laws

The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Also it was the planet’s largest civic event! The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws.

While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it should not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. While Earth Day may be going digital due to the CoronaVirus, EarthDay.Org’s goal remains the same: To mobilize the world to take the necessary actions to make a difference. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.

Learn What You Can Do

Today, go to: EarthDay.Org, where you’ll find hours of action in global digital content that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.
From the Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal family to yours, be safe and stay healthy.

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Covid – 19 Update From Department of Labor

From our Friends at Law Firm Seigfreid Bingham. Thank you!

#covid-19, #coronavirus, #ConstructionKCBy John Vering & Mark Opara

On March 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published on its website a Model Poster for covered employers to post, email to their employees or put on an internal or external website to meet the posting requirements under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (herein Act). The DOL website has a link to Frequently asked Questions about how and where to post the Notice and other options on providing it to employees of covered employers.

In addition, DOL has published Fact sheets on Employee Paid Leave Rights under the Act and Employer Paid Leave Requirements under the Act. Further guidance is contained in three Questions and Answers documents published by DOL on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standard Act and COVID-19 and the FMLA. These Fact Sheets and Guidance do not have the effect of regulations and leave a number of important questions unanswered as the April 1, 2020 effect of the Act rapidly approaches. We are advised that DOL does not plan enforcement actions against employers during the first 30 days the Act is in force as long as covered employers are making good faith efforts to comply with the Act.

Where else can I get more information and updated information?
We encourage you to keep updated on the latest developments and guidance being provided by DOL and other federal, state and local authorities including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas City Missouri Department of Health. Regularly review the websites noted above, our firm COVID-19 Resources page and cdc.gov, coronavirus.gov and the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. Another valuable resource is the National Governors Association website nga.org which provides valuable resources from every state on COVID-19 and steps employers can and should take to deal with this pandemic.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please note that the Families First Coronavirus Act presents many novel legal questions, and we encourage you to seek legal advice for the application of this and related laws to your specific situation and please note that legal requirements are changing on a daily basis. Readers with legal questions should consult the authors, ([email protected]), Mark Opara ([email protected]) or any other shareholders in Seigfreid Bingham’s Employment Law Group, including:, John Neyens, Brenda Hamilton, Shannon Johnson, or your regular contact at Seigfreid Bingham at 816-421-4460.

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s First $25K Sponsorship Goes to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation

At the recent 2019 Kansas City Builders’ Association Annual Dinner, Cornell’s President, Mary McNamara, continued Cornell’s tradition of community and construction #KCBuildersAssociation, #2019KCBuildersAssociationDinner, featuring, #CommercialRoofingCompaniesKC, #CornellRoofingandSheetMetal, as Top Sponsor, #NRCA, #NAWIC #RoofingMagazine, #SnipsMag, #Nice-KC #KCindustry support. “I am proud Cornell is able to give back by contributing our first ever $25,000 donation to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation,”

Mary added, “Our recipient is a very deserving young man, Ethan Wegner.” Missouri Governor Mike Parson was on hand to meet and congratulate the recipients, including Ethan.

A Gold Sponsor, Cornell supports The Builders’ Association as well as many other trade and civic causes. The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation, established in 1994, was first discussed in 1990. The Foundation is designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3).

This year, there were many deserving recipients who, with their sponsors, were recognized at a special pre-dinner photo shoot.

The fund now exceeds $1,000.000 through the member’s generous donations. Mary added, “This is one of many very important construction trade efforts to introduce, inform and engage the future leaders of our industry.”

One of the biggest challenges facing many industries but especially the Construction Trades, is the lack of an available work force. The nationwide network of trade groups and organizations is doing more than ever to address this pressing issue. Many young people just don’t realize the many benefits available by joining a trade. From a good starting wage to healthcare and insurance support, today the trades look little like the days of old. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was only signed into law in 1970. Since then, the impact on the safety, training and certification of workers has been critical in changing the whole complexion of the trades. For more on OSHA, go to: https://www.osha.gov/

If you would like to contribute to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation, please contact Tony Drees for more information.

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

A Good Year for Cornell

As reported in an earlier post, 2019 was a good year. The Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal team put a heavy focus on job-site safety, which resulted in ultimate success. This was a year of one of our lowest percentages and a reduction in the rate by which companies’ premiums are based.

With the start of a new year and decade, Cornell is proud to announce ZERO incidents in 2019! President Mary McNamara commented, “Safety is more than a word at Cornell. Keeping our people safe is a mindset.” McNamara added, “ I am very proud of the continued focus on safety and the fact that we attained this great result.”a good year

With Fall Protection the #1 OSHA Standard violated, Cornell’s mantra is: “No one gets hurt today.” Mary added, “At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we will continue to invest in the time, training, certification support and latest safety equipment needed to help keep our people safe.”

To all the Customers, Trades and Suppliers, Cornell wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2020!

 

By cornellroofing Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Cornell Supports The Children’s Museum

In 1988, the Johnson County (Kan.) Commissioners formed a study and concluded there was a lack of hands-on, interactive programs for children; The solution was to create a Children’s Museum. A year after the study, Wonderscope, the Children’s Museum of Kansas City, opened and is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Originally, Wonderscope was a traveling exhibit in the Kansas City area but in 2008, it officially merged with the Kansas Children’s Museum.

Hands-on learning starts at a young age and continues into adulthood; at Cornell, hands-on learning is vital to performance. For this, we are grateful for the Children’s Museum of Kansas City and their support for enjoyable learning. Wonderscope provides fun for children ten years of age and younger, their parents and educators. With the use of dynamic exhibits and programs through integrating the arts, sciences, and literature, they pave the way of learning for children.

The Children's Museum, the museum, children's museum, hands-on

Learn – Play – Grow

At Wonderscope, the team believes children learn best through play. Through fun, imaginative hands-on learning, children can grow to their full potential and thrive. With the involvement of family and friends, interactive learning engages children’s natural desire to learn more about the world around them.

The informal learning environment is filled with engaging play experiences that inspire growth and love for learning in young children. Of course, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the experience!

Cornell is proud to support a positive learning environment at the children’s museum and the encouragement of hands-on learning. After all, without hands-on interaction, no roof would be complete. Despite the growth in technology, hands-on learning is still needed in everyday life. There will always be something that technology can’t do, and that is part of what makes us human.

Don’t forget to learn, play and grow, no matter what your age is.

 

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

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

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Renovating the First Baptist Church

Renovate, commercial, historic, renovation, Kansas City, First Baptist ChurchLocated on West Truman Road, the First Baptist Church of Independence, which has undergone renovating, traces its roots back over 120 years to 1896. As such, the church has been a part of American history and is listed on the Historic Registry.

Queen City of the Trails

Independence Missouri was the declared the starting point for the Oregon Trail by no less than an act of Congress! The City of Independence is still considered the “Queen City of the Trails” as it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Decades later, it was into this bustling city that The First Baptist Church of Independence was established.

The Trumans

President Harry S. Truman and his wife, First Lady Bess Truman grew up and are buried in their beloved city, Independence. Their home and The Truman Library are both popular tourist attractions.

A Rebirth

Built well after the Civil War, the church has endured over 120 years of Missouri weather.

Renovating

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal was hired for renovation of the church roofs and steeple, bringing them back into shape after many years of wear and tear.

As the images show, the finished look of the renovated roofing system and steeple give the church a fresh new look.

The attached short video shows a Cornell team member putting the finishing touches to the steeple and gives a birds-eye view of the beautiful new roofs.

The renovating of the church also includes the restoration from inside and out. These efforts culminated in the recent 1896 Building Restoration Benefit Concert to restore the worship sanctuary.

Cornell Roofing is proud to have played a part to help bring back the First Baptist Church of Independence to its original glory. For more information on the church, you can visit their site at: www.fbcindep.org

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • General • Products & Information • Projects • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Re-roofing City Hall – Cornell Roofing

Commercial roofing, commercial roofers, KCC roofing, Kansas City Roofers, KCChambersThe challenge:

Facing the re-roofing of City Hall in Kansas City. The building opened at a cost of around six-million dollars. This was 30% over budget, but hey, these were the Pendergast years. Such spending was not uncommon given the 30 million-dollar bond package that was pushed through with many cries of tampering and fraud. This funded City Hall, Municipal Auditorium and numerous additional projects at the time.

At 30 stories and 443 feet, KC’s City Hall is the third largest building in the city. It is also still one of the tallest city halls in the nation. When it was completed in 1937, it was the tallest building in the state. The sheer height created some special challenges Commercial roofing, commercial roofers, KCC roofing, Kansas City Roofers, KCChambersfor Cornell Roofing. From both safety and equipment standpoints, our team was up to the challenge!

Iconic Architecture:

Neoclassic architecture with incredible interior and exterior art deco details and imported stone from around the world, made the building one of the most beautiful to this day. The story of the development of the city’s third city hall (the first two were in what is now the River Market), is still impressive to this day, leaving many first-time visitors in awe.

In order to accomplish the task of re-roofing City Hall, Cornell brought in one of the largest cranes in the Midwest. And, we’re not talking about any regular crane. Weighing in at 550 tons, The Blue Hat Crane’s impressive reach allowed the Cornell team to reach the 443 foot roof with height to spare. This allowed our team to safely bring materials up and debris down in order for safety during the process of re-roofing City Hall.

When not in operation, it covered almost the entire South side of the building, along with one lane of Locust street.

The Nitty Gritty:

The assembly of the crane was captured in the video below. Taken from the roof and set to fast motion, it is hard to tell what you are looking at. From this vantage point, men appear to scurry back and forth.  In a little over one minute, you can see the day passing while the re-roofing of City Hall was underway. Look close and you can also see a crane we needed just to assemble this beast! A day-long effort just to prepare for the job ahead.

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal is proud to play a part in maintaining one of Kansas City’s true architectural masterpieces.

 

 

 

By cornellroofing Charity and Community Involvement • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cornell Roofing Continues Its Support

Today marks the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, breast cancer does not stop on the 31st. It is unrelenting. In 2019, an estimated 268,00 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States. In addition, an estimated 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed. Men get breast cancer as well, adding another 10%¹.Breast Cancer Awareness in Commercial roofing and commercial Sheet Metalkansas city

Incredibly, one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and it’s estimated 41,760 women will die, THIS YEAR ALONE¹.

With over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., there is hope. 62% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%¹.

Cornell Roofing Continues Its Support

At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we have long been active supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA). For the month of October, the staff and crews have been wearing our custom BCA shirts out on the job sites to show support, build awareness and help keep breast cancer top of mind in the Greater Metropolitan Kansas City area.

Breast cancer is one of the top types of cancer for women in the United States, all the more reason to get involved and help spread awareness of this terrible cancer. Many of us know or have a loved one who has or had breast cancer, both women and men. We also know early detection is one of the keys to fighting breast cancer, so please be proactive.

Cornell’s Mission

Part of the Mission of Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is to continue being an active participant in local, regional and national support groups and charities. We urge everyone to consider what they might do to also get involved.

As you can see, the Cornell Roofing team was again, as we are every year, all-in on this important mission.

 

¹National Breast Cancer Foundation:

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • General • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

EXPO EXTRA! Take Home This 55″ 4K Smart TV TOMORROW!

Kansas City Commercial Roofing

 

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal wants to give YOU a brand-new TV at The Builders’ EXPO.  Just stop by booth #70, drop in a card and you could walk out with the perfect addition to the favorite place in your home. Remodel not included!