On Tuesday, JANUARY 16, 2001, members of the Roofing Contractors Association of Nevada (RCAN) gathered at the Macayo Restaurant to hear

Directors Mark Paxson, Metric Roofing, and Curtis Cummings, Red Rock Roofing, explain job cost estimations, indirect costs and ways to determine net profits. It was a very enlightening presentation that helped attendees to get a better handle on how to run their businesses.

Also in JANUARY, the RCAN Board of Directors named C. Frederick Charles as the organization’s executive director. Charles, who is a staff writer for the Construction Zone newspaper and PlumbLine, a publication of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Nevada, has served as executive director for both the California Employment Association and the California Federated Institute, a liquor lobby. He took over RCAN reins starting on February 9^th.

Also, in FEBRUARY, members heard Rick Bertuzzi, director of investigations, Nevada State Contractors Board, describe the agency’s overall operations, question relating to bid limit requirements and associated regulations.

According to Bertuzzi, contractors must have their contract limit and license number on all contracts and proposals. "The board makes no distinction between a contract and proposal. When it comes to letterhead, ads, and truck signs, only a license number is required. On vehicles, the license number must be 1.5 inches in height."

In FEBRUARY, the RCAN Board of Directors hired John M. Vergiels to represent the association during the 2001 Nevada Legislative session. Vergiels was a former member of the state legislature.

MARCH 20^th brought a host of RCAN roofing supplier and manufacturer members to the Macayo restaurant to display their wares, as well as mix and mingle with contractor customers. It was an excellent opportunity to become familiar with new roofing products and the latest installation techniques.

In APRIL, RCAN member Doreen Coddington, Cedar Roofing, testified before the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee regarding the effect that construction defect lawsuits have had on her business and the entire roofing industry. She also brought her message to RCAN members during a luncheon meeting (see June).

On APRIL 17^th, RCAN hosted an open forum at the Macayo Vegas restaurant to allow members the opportunity to discuss ways to improve meeting attendance, benefit enhancements, and recruiting new members. Another get-together on Monday, APRIL 23^rd, at the Country Inn restaurant brought members and suppliers together for a discussion relating to such benefits as credit union participation; a yellow-page ad advising readers to use only RCAN members; the creation of an association decal, and related concepts.

In MAY, RCAN members heard Dan Cohen, executive director, Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA), describe his association’s terrific growth, benefits and activities. He noted that ARCA has about 20 committees. "One of these oversees our Youth At Risk Bowling Tournament. Last year, we gave $13,000 to this charitable group. Other member benefits and activities include ARCA decals/bumper stickers, a newsletter, two annual golf tournaments, two monthly dinner meetings (Phoenix and Tucson) and regular educational seminars."

JUNE 19^th brought out no less than 50 RCAN members to hear Lobbyist John Vergiels describe the construction defect battle in Carson City. Doreen Coddington, Cedar Roofing suggested that members take a "hard look" at the people who come up for election in 2003. "You must write your Senators and Assemblymen. Construction defect litigation impacts all of us. During the past legislative session, we had Senate support, but failed in the Assembly. Now, we can expect higher insurance premiums."

During this luncheon meeting, RCAN Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Rick Riegert, Davey Roofing; Jim Schroeder, Stout Roofing; Dave Morgan, Red Rose Roofing; Tom Romney, Prestige Roofing; Mike Tocco, Mike Tocco Roofing; Curtis Cummings, Red Rock Roofing; Mark Paxson, Metric Roofing; and Sharon Warren, Mission Roofing for their ongoing contributions to the association.

At the JULY 24^th meeting at the Country Inn restaurant, members heard Attorney Renny Ashelman explain SB 274, the recently passed Prompt Pay bill.

President Mark Paxson formed the following committees: Golf, Charity, Codes/Compliance and Membership. Executive Director C. Frederick Charles was assigned to develop an RCAN newsletter.

Nevada OSHA was the subject on AUGUST 22 when RCAN’s guest speaker was Tom Czehowski, chief administrative officer, Nevada Department of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Section, discussed his background, departmental staffing and authority, plus offering an explanation of the safety enforcement process, along with certain facets of rules and regulations pertaining to roofing contractors.

There was no SEPTEMBER luncheon meeting due to the tragic events of the 11^th of that month. However, the RCAN Board of Directors met to discuss legislative tactics to be utilized in 2002 to address the construction defect issue. Also, plans were put in place for the association’s First Annual Golf Tournament that will be held at Rhodes Ranch golf course on Thursday, January 17, 2002.

On Wednesday, OCTOBER 24, approximately 40 RCAN members met at the Country Inn Restaurant to hear committee reports along with an analysis of the Concrete and Clay Tile Roof Design Criteria as outlined in the Installation Manual For Moderate Climate Regions, as published by the Roof Tile Institute.

During the meeting, Kathy Paxson, Pacific Supply, was awarded a "Certificate of Appreciation" for her years of dedication to RCAN and monthly coordination of luncheon meetings.

RCAN President Mark Paxson and Executive Director C. Frederick Charles met with members of the association’s northern chapter on NOVEMBER 1^st. During the meeting, Paxson brought attendees up to date regarding RCAN’s communications with the Roof Tile Institute (see October). Charles described the successes achieved in recent years by the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (see May).

On Wednesday, NOVEMBER 14, RCAN members gathered at the Country Inn Restaurant to hear Senator Mike Schneider discuss the construction defect battle that took place during the last legislative session. "The bottom line is the Trail Lawyers Association was highly effective in defeating industry efforts to mitigate the impact of construction defect lawsuits."

Schneider told attendees that Del Webb Corp. is being sued in Phoenix, Arizona for construction defects in the Anthem project. "The major attorney is Tom Miller, who created construction defect litigation in San Diego. He wrote a book on the subject. Now, Miller is back in Las Vegas. The $50 million Anthem case involves 2,500 homes and is the largest construction defect case in Arizona’s history. Miller is also suing Del Webb here in Nevada for $65 million (Sun City), which is the biggest law suit in Nevada’s history. Over the years, Miller has generated over $400 million in income for himself, plus expenses. I believe your industry must join together for the 2003 legislative session or it will suffer some dire consequences."

There was no RCAN luncheon meeting in December, but members got together at Big Dog’s restaurant on Thursday, December 6^th for an evening of relaxation. Here’s a few photos:

l to r) Mark Paxson, Metric Roofing; Jeff Willis, Las Vegas Roofing Supply; and Sharon Warren, Mission Roofing enjoy taking it easy.