Beacon Building Products Creates Series of Videos featuring NRCA Leadership on COVID-19

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

The videos feature Beacon’s Greg Bloom and NRCA CEO Reid Ribble discussing resources that NRCA has available for roofing contractors.

Reid shares important information on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Payroll Protection Program – a loan that will be forgiven when used for qualifying purposes and contractors document that they kept workers on the payroll for an eight-week period.

Reid said that the process is a bit painful right now because they are having trouble keeping up with the volume of applications. “When I was in Congress, the SBA was managing about $30 - $35 billion in grants and they were right-sized to do that level of grant authorization. This [CARES Act] was funded by $349 million, a multiple of ten. We are hearing from contractors ‘man oh man it’s a mess trying to make this application, the banks aren’t fully aware of the rules, the SBA website crashed.’ The whole system was overwhelmed.”

Reid recommends that contractors should also stay in close contact with their tax accountant and attorney because, “there are a lot of provisions in there on taxation as well. You may be able to refile your 2015 tax return and get money back today.”

The two continue the conversation to address jobsite safety and Reid recommends all contractors visit nrca.net and use the COVID-19 link to access free resources. NRCA has made it open to anyone whether they are a member or not. Resources include everything contractors need to operate safely during this pandemic and keep their workers safe.

The conversation turned to product supply with Reid asking Greg about the situation. Greg shared that “96 percent of our products are sourced domestically.” Beacon is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and feel that they are in good shape and have open lines of communications with their suppliers. Greg also noted that some manufacturers saw this coming and ramped up production of materials leaving many with enough to get through the end of summer.

The videos wrap up with discussions centering around safe and remote supply pickup and delivery as well as what digital tools are available for contractors to continue to work safely and remotely.  The videos take just a few minutes to watch and contain valuable information for roofing contractors.

Access the videos in Beacon’s RCS Directory.