b'Presidents MessageMRCA 2016 Navigating the FutureBob Schenkel, MRCA PresidentW e recently completed our Board and Committee meetings in Columbus, Ohio in preparation for our upcoming Conference and Expo being held October 31st to November 2nd at the Columbus Convention Center and Hyatt Regency.I could not be more excited for the industry to get to know the amazing Midwestern city that Columbus has become! Both the Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency are newly renovated and truly capture the cultural spirit of the city.Located right between Columbuss two premier entertainment districts, the Arena District surrounding the hockey stadium and the baseball field and the Short North Arts District, the Conference will be just steps away from the very best that Columbus has to offer. There are dozens of great restaurants, bars, live music, and unique shops and galleries all within a quick walk from the Hyatt.The Conference will be just north of downtown Columbus so its also a quick cab ride to the Ohio Statehouse and a beautiful riverfront park that weaves through the city.This newly completed parkway renovation links even more great restaurants, theaters, and parks with the renowned Center of Science and Industry (COSI).There are miles of beautiful walking or running paths that lead back to the Arena District making the entire area completely walkable and easily accessible for a beautiful fall experience.Many of the Board Members who attended were blown away at how much the city had to offer and how easy it was to get there.The airport is an easy ten-minute drive from the Convention Center.Theres also great access to I-70 and I-71 that converge right downtown.All in all it was a very impressive trip and Im anxious to share it with all of you this fall. In addition to a GREAT venue we are also developing a stellar lineup of speakers, exhibitors, and entertainment for you to enjoy. Our theme, Navigating the Future, is sure to inspire you towards how to plan for and implement the wave of technology washing over our industry.From workforce development in the digital age and retaining young talent, to the latest in jobsite materials and safety tech, were going to cover a lot of territory as we explore this new world together!So please mark your calendars and plan to join us as we Discover Columbus AND Navigate the Future together!Be safe, stay safe,Bob SchenkelCL Schust Company, Fort Wayne, IN rschenkel@clschust.com4 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'