b'JAMESMcCAWLEY,EditorJ. C.GUDAS, AssociateEditorASSOCIATIONTOPICS Volume18May,1957Number5 WHATARETHEsubjectsdiscussedatindustrytradeassociationmeetings?Theansweristhattheyare almost as varied as the geographicallocations,althoughtheconventional and dangerous "hold harmless"clauseswhichgeneralconlractorsforceuponsub-contraclorshasbeendiscussedbyassociationsathousandand more miles apart.ForinstancetheMidwest Roofing Contractors\'Associationandthe SheetMetal,FurnaceandRoofing Contractors\' Association of Rochester, N. Y. recently warned their members ofthe factthat acontractor\'sentire businessfuturecouldbeimperilled byacceptingresponsibilityforpos sible mishap-such asa fire, flood or other Act ofGod. TheChicagoRoofingConlractors\' Associationaredraftingtheirown specifications in cooperation with the ConstructionSpecificationInstitute andareplanningconsumeradvertising. NERSICA is attempting to get the cooperationoftheFederalHousing Administration in a plan for a flexible all-inclusive method of financing roofing,sidingandother home improve rnents. The Alabama contractorshave em barked ona very successful member shipcampaign.Theyareattempting toupgradeworkmanshipandhave committees working on legislation, in suranceandprestigesellingtocon sumers. TheCarolinasRoofingandSheet MetalContractorsAssociationbelieves in contractor education and has sponsorededucationalsessionsfor contractorsattheNorthCarolina State University. The Roofing and Sheet Metal ContractorsAssociationofFloridahave warnedtheirmembersthattheNationalLaborRelationsAct,theFair LaborStandardsAct,TheWalshHealey Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, and theFloridaRight toWorkLaw,all apply in varying degrees to everyone engagedintheroofingandsheet metal business. 3'