b'Presidents Message OIRCABoard of DirectorsPresident Doug MaikawaTrio Roofing Systems Inc.Past President Tony Pocobene Atlantic Roofers Ontario Ltd.First Vice-President Mark AgiusFlynn Canada Second Vice-President Darcy Beites Douro Roofing & Sheet MetalContractors Ltd.Why Would a Treasurer Peter Serino Soprema Inc.Director Mike Godfrey Godfrey Roofing Inc.Director Marinos Barlas Roofing Contractor Schreiber Brothers Ltd.Director Zach Petrachek Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc.Director Jay Campbell Dean Chandler Roofing Ltd.Want to Join theDirector Mark Mollison Conestoga Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd.Director Jeff Roy French Brothers Roofing (Belleville) Inc.Director OIRCA? By Doug Maikawa, President, OIRCA ONTARIOJoel Dandele Dantech Building Technologies Inc.Director Ian Moriarty EnercorpDirector David Rauth Rauth Roofing LimitedROOFING NEWS is a market-ing and information periodical published for the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association by MediaEdge Publishing. L oyal readers of ORN will know that in past issues of the publica- to say that. But when we tell them about our thorough applicationAdvertising in ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSis restricted to the member companies of OIRCA.tion we have written about the process involved when a roofingprocess, the fact that we audit our members annually and that we arePublished for:contractor wishes to join as an active member of the OIRCA. Weself-policingwell, they realize that we are offering them a unique op-promote ourselves as not your typical trade association because ofportunity to assist with prequalifying ICI roofing contractors for their our complex and rigorous application procedure. Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors AssociationWe dont typically receive a large number of applications in a givennew construction, re-roofing or maintenance project. 940 The East Mall, Suite 301This spring I have been noticing that several non-members haveEtobicoke, ON l M9B 6J7year, and quite frankly our batting average hasnt been all that greatTel: (416) 695-4114 l Toll Free: 1 (888) 33-OIRCAover the years. Most who apply do not make the grade. There are sev- ramped up their opposition to specifications that state, Must be a mem- oirca@ontarioroofing.comeral reasons for this, but in most cases I suspect that these companiesber in good standing of the OIRCA to qualify to bid on this project. We seewww.ontarioroofing.comare just not ready to bear our scrutiny. this when addendums are issued with non-members challenging thisPublished by:We have often been accused of not wanting new members or thatrequirement to bid. I know of at least half a dozen tenders this spring we are just an old boys club, but nothing could be farther from thethat issued addendums stating the following or something similar: 33 South Station St. l North York, ON l M9N 2B2truth. Our organization needs new members not just for financial rea- Proof of membership in good standing with the OIRCA is a requirementTel: (866) 480-4717 l Email: robertt@mediaedge.casons, but because they will contribute to the overall health of our as- of this tender. In the opinion of the City of ________, membership in such an531 Marion St. l Winnipeg, MB l R2J 0J9sociation. All we ask is that applicants deliver good workmanship andorganization provides the City with third-party verification that the contractorTel: (866) 201-3096 l Fax: (204) 480-4420provide a safe working environment for their employees. Is that reallymeets an acceptable standard of competence and professionalism, which helpswww.mediaedgepublishing.comtoo much to expect? mitigate risk and ensure best overall value for the city. The requirement does notPresident Kevin BrownAs I write this column, my first as the new President of the OIRCA,Senior Vice President l Publisher we are currently processing five applications, which is actually quiterestrict competitive bidding among qualified bidders. Robert Thompsonunusual. Four of these applicants are reapplying, their first attemptsWell, I could not have said it any better myself. End of discussion! Director, Business Development I think that I can speak for most of our members when I state thatMichael Bellhaving been unsuccessful. It occurs to me that this is a significant de- Branch Manager velopment. When we reject a company for not making the grade, theyOIRCA being specified isnt the only reason we are associated with thisNancie PrivEditor must wait two years before reapplying. I can tell you that when ap- organization. Many of us believe that OIRCA provides us with an op- Justyne Esseryplicants are rejected they are typically upset, so it sometimes surprisesportunity to give back to this industry where we make our livelihood.Design Specialist me that they come back for a second or, in some cases, third kick at it. We want to make our industry better on several fronts. Yes, occupa- Marisa GiesbrechtSales Executive Our Executive Director Don Marks has often told me that othertional health and safety is still number one, but technology, education,Pat Johnstontrade associations marvel at our approach to the industry. Why estab- risk management and professional development are important as well.All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may lish such strict qualifications and employ a review process that includesnot be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, When we enter the OIRCA boardroom or log on to a Zoom call wewithout the prior consent of the publisher. a total of 17 job site inspections? Why not just open the doors and letleave our competitive differences at the door, so to speak, and show upPublished April 2021anyone in who wants to join? Publication Agreement #40787580Well, quite simply, when Don, I or anyone else representing thebecause we want to work together and live up to our mission of beingOntario Roofing News is printed on 10%accountable and providing excellence in roofing construction. We stillpost-consumer FSC certified paper using soyaOIRCA sits down with someone who procures or specifies roofing ser- based inks. When necessary to mail an issuevices, we want to tell then that we have the best roofing contractors inhope to one day reach our vision of being the only source for profes- in an enclosure, we use an environmentally-friendly,100% oxo-degradable poly-wrap.the province. They of course smile and say, Yeah, I would expect yousional ICI roofing contractors in Ontario.8ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 1 2021 THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN'