Roofing Day 2023 at our Nation’s Capital

Johns Manville is not only a trusted roofing manufacturer, but actively participates in advocacy for the industry, to ensure a growing and prosperous future for all of commercial roofing. Recently, we were part of the nearly 250 attendees for Roofing Day in Washington on April 18-19th, 2023. The five JM representatives included Jennifer Stone (Preferred Accounts), Kim Tokarski (EPDM Technical Manager), Justin Maitland (Sales Representative), Arline Fernandez (HR Manager), and Melissa Walker (Owner Services Marketing Manager).

The group focused on three main talking points for 2023. First, to help our industry address workforce shortages through immigration reform, the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and funding for Perkins CTE State Grants. The team also encouraged support for the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act. Lastly, to support funding for the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. All three efforts leave a direct and lasting impact on the commercial roofing industry, and Johns Manville was there to do our part in voicing the industry’s position.

National Women in Roofing (NWiR) started off on the events on the 18th with a session on “Using Your Voice to Create Change in Your Community and Career” focused on getting involved at all levels with political advocacy utilizing our unique perspectives. The evening comprised of various educational presentations including a “mock meeting” to assist the group with any potential push back or questions. The next day, speakers such as Rep. David Kustoff and Bruce Mehlman discussed policy and political trends, then were followed by best practices from senior congressional staff. Our JMers were prepared to meet with our Nation’s congressmen and women to advocate for the industry.

The group transferred to Capitol Hill where everyone dispersed to assigned meetings based on the registered state and city. JM met with several leaders, including Representatives Ken Buck and Diana DeGette of Colorado, and Rep. Bryan Steil, and Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. The trip was a success, allowing for fruitful conversations with decision makers in Congress. Johns Manville will continue to passionately participate in the topics that affect the commercial roofing and will work to protect the future of the industry.