In December of 1985, eighteen roofing contractor representatives from each area of Ohio met in the downtown Sheraton Hotel in Columbus to sign the Inaugural documents that established the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association. Chuck Bechtel of HJ Becker Company in Dayton, Ohio, led the meeting and served as the association’s first president. Chuck would go on to lead the National Roofing Contractors Association as well. His grandson, Cameron Bechtel, currently serves on the ORCA Board of Directors. Current President, Fred Horner of Advanced Industrial Roofing in Massillon, Ohio, presided over the 40th Anniversary Dinner and Golf Outing. Horner hosted a very special dinner that included Chuck’s wife, Mimi Bechtel, and many past presidents including Jim Eckstein, Bill Kilkoyne, Jack Petche, Ed Williams (also a former MRCA Past President), and Bob Willis. The past presidents were joined by the current ORCA Board: Fred Horner, Cameron Bechtel, Bob Willis, Bryan Bossard, Mike Cappy, Sr., and John Petruzzi. Even Bryan Bossard, Jr. of Bitec and Brandon Hunter of Hunter Consulting joined the festivities. Bob Willis was given special recognition as he and his father, Dick Willis, were the only father and son presidents in the association’s history. A true testament to the family’s ongoing dedication to the roofing industry. Long-time Executive Director, Bob Pope, was also in attendance. Bob led and grew the association from its founding until 2025 and continues to be a creative force in ORCA’s evolution. Horner gave Pope special acknowledgement for keeping ORCA going through the rough times and for the creative energy he has poured into the organization. The culmination of the 40th Anniversary Celebration was the Anniversary Golf Outing. Each player received a commemorative pin and a sleeve of anniversary golf balls provided by Hunter Consulting, ORCA’s long-time partner. This event sold out weeks in advance, and everyone celebrated before and after the outing. President Horner kicked the day off with a toast and a group photo and ended the day ended with an incredible dinner and prizes that brought everyone together in classic ORCA style. So, to old friends and new friends, thanks to everyone that has made the ORCA so successful over the last forty years and here’s to many more! www.mrca.org — Midwest Roofer 38 INDUSTRY NEWS By: Valerie Pope, ORCA Executive Director 1988 ORCA PRESIDENT CHUCK BECHTEL 1988 ORCA 1ST CONVENTION OPENING CEREMONY 1988 1ST CONVENTION TRADESHOW FLOOR 2026 ORCA PRESIDENT FRED HORNER Ohio Roofing Contractors Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary!
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