Rick Damato

This issue of Roofing Contractor officially marks our 25th anniversary. While we are thrilled to reach this new height, we recognize that we have a job to do. No matter our age or past accomplishments, we are only as good as our most recent publication, Web posting, webinar or conference.

We can still say with some pride that ours was the first publication in the roofing industry to develop a presence on the Internet back in the middle 1990s. Both of you who visited our site at that time will probably remember that it was a very basic site, but loaded with potential.

As you thumb through this month's issue of Roofing Contractor, you will notice the recurring theme of roofing products and systems. Not just in the advertisements, but in the columns and feature articles.

Roofing Contractor, along with a host of other nameless and faceless individuals (presumably persons representing all segments of the roofing industry), was invited to an online teleconference put on by some folks with FM Global and FM Approvals.

Elsewhere in this issue of Roofing Contractor (pages 44-49, to be exact) you will find an invitation to attend our third annual Best of Success conference, which will be held in Phoenix Sept. 21-22, 2006.

Roofing Contractor, along with a host of other nameless and faceless individuals (presumably persons representing all segments of the roofing industry), was invited to an online teleconference put on by some folks with FM Global and FM Approvals.

I thought aftershocks came after earthquakes. The roofing industry seems to be feeling aftershocks from hurricanes.

President John F. Kennedy was quoted as stating what should seem quite obvious to those of us who make a living in the roofing industry:

"The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining."

As this is being written, there is no consensus in Washington on the several proposals for immigration reform. It is, however, fairly certain that change is on the horizon relating to our immigrant workforce - a workforce estimated to include upwards of 30 percent to 40 percent of the people employed as roofers in this country.

Manufacturers often take advantage of the spotlight at the major trade shows during the winter to launch their new products, so our editors are always on the lookout for groundbreaking products at industry events, including the International Builders' Show and the International Roofing Expo. The unique, innovative, better, stronger and faster products on display receive notice in our annual Editor's Choice coverage. The following products and services were judged as this year's standouts by our editorial staff.