www.mrca.org  —  Midwest Roofer
4
THE RICH HISTORY OF MRCA
Rachel Pinkus, MR Magazine Editor
1950 
marked the official beginning 
of an organization that would 
become known as the Midwest 
Roofing Contractors Association 
(MRCA).  Celebrating its 
milestone anniversary in 2025, 
MRCA has spent the last 75 years advocating for roofing 
contractors focusing on supporting its members through 
programs that help save money, strengthen businesses, and 
promote industry growth.
MRCA continues to build on its legacy while shaping the 
future of the roofing industry. It serves as a strong voice for 
contractors, representing their interests to manufacturers, 
consultants, and regulatory agencies. 
MRCA’s Living History
For more than three quarters of a century, MRCA has 
influenced the roofing industry on both regional and national 
levels. The association has long been an innovator, beginning 
with its Technical and Research Committee, known for 
addressing tough issues with honesty and integrity.
MRCA has also led 
advancements in safety 
through initiatives like 
the ELITE Safety Awards, 
the Safety Certification 
Program, the Certified Roofing 
Torch Applicator Program 
(CERTA) and the Hot Air 
Induction Welding Safety 
Program (HAWT). Education 
remains central to MRCA’s 
mission which is highlighted by 
educational sessions on technical, 
safety, marketing and business 
topics throughout the year. The 
association also honors industry 
leadership through awards such 
as the James Q. McCawley Award 
and the Past Presidents’ Council.
To preserve and share its legacy, MRCA created the Living 
History—an interactive, continuously updated digital archive. 
Organized by year, it allows users to explore past events, 
publications, photos, and more. Members can contribute 
content at any time, ensuring the history remains dynamic, 
accurate, and complete.
This evolving record reflects MRCA’s enduring role as a 
leading advocate for roofing contractors and a driving force 
in the industry.
As you flip through this entertaining document, you 
can see why MRCA has always been THE ROOFING 
CONTRACTORS ADVOCATE.
Also, keep your eye on future MR Magazines where snip-its of 
MRCA’s colorful history will be highlighted from time to time. 
This Living History Is Dedicated To the Entire MRCA 
Membership
To donate historical MRCA documents, please contact 
Parker Matson at 800-497-6722 or pmatson@mrca.org. 
Editors Message
Midwest Roofing Contractors' Association 
Put On Membership Campaign 
doubling the membership of the asso­
ciation. 
Andy Spear, because of another busi­
ness affiliation. resigned as Secretary­
Treasurer in April and was, replaced 
by E. V. Mehl, of the American Cor­
nice ·works, \\"ichita, Kans. 
The Midwest Roofing Contractors 
A ociation, organized on January 12th 
is conducing a membership campaign 
in the states it covers: Kansas, Nebras-
ka, Oklahoma, and 'Western Missouri. 
The campaign, instituted by Carl 
Forbes, recently elected President of 
the 
organization, 
has 
resulted 
in 
Directors of the Midwest Association 
includ€ Tom Egan, Salina, Kans.; Ed. 
Sturdevant, Enid, Oklahoma; 
Steve 
Reed, Norfolk, Nebraska; Orville Duff, 
Grand Island, Nebras,ka; Jim Adams, 
Lincoln, Nebr.; and R. B. Stevenson, 
Topeka, Kans. 
,\bovc: )[idwest Association Officers. 
Pictm·rd at left are the officers elected at the last 
gencr·al meeting in March; Vice-President Sam Allen, 
Board Chairman Tom Egan, Andy Spear and Presi­
deitt Carl Forbes. Carl For·bes is shown stand,ing 
outside of his landscaped office and warehouse. The 
name orf J1i!': finn can be seen in the photogra1>h. 

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