Earth Day Celebrating 50 Years Today!

Earth Day 2020 is a milestone moment and, also about the enormous challenge we face. There are incredible and vast opportunities to have an impact on our planet and on climate change. EarthDay.Org, has distinguished climate change as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.
Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Earth Day’s Beginning

The first Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire, smog deforestation. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans, or roughly 10% of the entire U.S. population at the time, took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance. But they wanted more, demanding a new way forward for our planet.

Social Impact Into Laws

The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Also it was the planet’s largest civic event! The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws.

While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it should not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. While Earth Day may be going digital due to the CoronaVirus, EarthDay.Org’s goal remains the same: To mobilize the world to take the necessary actions to make a difference. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.

Learn What You Can Do

Today, go to: EarthDay.Org, where you’ll find hours of action in global digital content that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.
From the Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal family to yours, be safe and stay healthy.

Covid – 19 Update From Department of Labor

From our Friends at Law Firm Seigfreid Bingham. Thank you!

#covid-19, #coronavirus, #ConstructionKCBy John Vering & Mark Opara

On March 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published on its website a Model Poster for covered employers to post, email to their employees or put on an internal or external website to meet the posting requirements under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (herein Act). The DOL website has a link to Frequently asked Questions about how and where to post the Notice and other options on providing it to employees of covered employers.

In addition, DOL has published Fact sheets on Employee Paid Leave Rights under the Act and Employer Paid Leave Requirements under the Act. Further guidance is contained in three Questions and Answers documents published by DOL on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standard Act and COVID-19 and the FMLA. These Fact Sheets and Guidance do not have the effect of regulations and leave a number of important questions unanswered as the April 1, 2020 effect of the Act rapidly approaches. We are advised that DOL does not plan enforcement actions against employers during the first 30 days the Act is in force as long as covered employers are making good faith efforts to comply with the Act.

Where else can I get more information and updated information?
We encourage you to keep updated on the latest developments and guidance being provided by DOL and other federal, state and local authorities including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas City Missouri Department of Health. Regularly review the websites noted above, our firm COVID-19 Resources page and cdc.gov, coronavirus.gov and the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. Another valuable resource is the National Governors Association website nga.org which provides valuable resources from every state on COVID-19 and steps employers can and should take to deal with this pandemic.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please note that the Families First Coronavirus Act presents many novel legal questions, and we encourage you to seek legal advice for the application of this and related laws to your specific situation and please note that legal requirements are changing on a daily basis. Readers with legal questions should consult the authors, ([email protected]), Mark Opara ([email protected]) or any other shareholders in Seigfreid Bingham’s Employment Law Group, including:, John Neyens, Brenda Hamilton, Shannon Johnson, or your regular contact at Seigfreid Bingham at 816-421-4460.

 

A Good Year for Cornell

As reported in an earlier post, 2019 was a good year. The Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal team put a heavy focus on job-site safety, which resulted in ultimate success. This was a year of one of our lowest percentages and a reduction in the rate by which companies’ premiums are based.

With the start of a new year and decade, Cornell is proud to announce ZERO incidents in 2019! President Mary McNamara commented, “Safety is more than a word at Cornell. Keeping our people safe is a mindset.” McNamara added, “ I am very proud of the continued focus on safety and the fact that we attained this great result.”a good year

With Fall Protection the #1 OSHA Standard violated, Cornell’s mantra is: “No one gets hurt today.” Mary added, “At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we will continue to invest in the time, training, certification support and latest safety equipment needed to help keep our people safe.”

To all the Customers, Trades and Suppliers, Cornell wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2020!

 

The MRCA, A Family Affair

Mary McNamara, Owner and President of Cornell, was recently appointed to the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Board. McNamara continues a tradition of service to the roofing industry from the McNamara family at the regional and national levels.

Humble Beginnings

The MRCA  traces its beginnings to early 1950. For several years discussion of the benefits of a regional organization to represent roofing contractors had been going on. It was after a roofing clinic in Topeka, Kansas on January 12, 1950 that the organization was created.

Then Everything Changed

While conventions have always been a part of the MRCA, they began as a forum for contractors to gather and exchange ideas. In 1965, the first technical research project titled “Don’t Panic – Here’s How to Make a Roof Drain”, was published. Despite how it sounds today, it revolutionized the roofing industry. Overnight architects uniformly adopted the projects recommendations and the industry began changing.

Continuing a Tradition of Service

“ I am Honored to be appointed to the MRCA Board and look forward to collaborating with the many talented members of this

The MRCA, Organization, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
Rob McNamara

organization,” McNamara stated. Her father, Jim McNamara was President of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. McNamara’s Uncle Don, served as president of the organization in 1981 and was awarded its highest honor, the James Q. McCawley Award in 1982. Don’s son Rob also served as its president. Its safe the say this has become a family affair.

MRCA Drives Positive Change

From the first industry altering publication, the MRCA Technical and Research (T&R) Committee was formed and has presented studies that have dramatically impacted the industry. As a result, the industry has seen an improvement of products and architects and specifiers have been influenced and guided to follow sound roofing practices. The MRCA has continually worked to improve the conditions for the roofing contractors and ultimately their customers. For more information visit: www.MRCA.org

Renovating the First Baptist Church

Renovate, commercial, historic, renovation, Kansas City, First Baptist ChurchLocated on West Truman Road, the First Baptist Church of Independence, which has undergone renovating, traces its roots back over 120 years to 1896. As such, the church has been a part of American history and is listed on the Historic Registry.

Queen City of the Trails

Independence Missouri was the declared the starting point for the Oregon Trail by no less than an act of Congress! The City of Independence is still considered the “Queen City of the Trails” as it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Decades later, it was into this bustling city that The First Baptist Church of Independence was established.

The Trumans

President Harry S. Truman and his wife, First Lady Bess Truman grew up and are buried in their beloved city, Independence. Their home and The Truman Library are both popular tourist attractions.

A Rebirth

Built well after the Civil War, the church has endured over 120 years of Missouri weather.

Renovating

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal was hired for renovation of the church roofs and steeple, bringing them back into shape after many years of wear and tear.

As the images show, the finished look of the renovated roofing system and steeple give the church a fresh new look.

The attached short video shows a Cornell team member putting the finishing touches to the steeple and gives a birds-eye view of the beautiful new roofs.

The renovating of the church also includes the restoration from inside and out. These efforts culminated in the recent 1896 Building Restoration Benefit Concert to restore the worship sanctuary.

Cornell Roofing is proud to have played a part to help bring back the First Baptist Church of Independence to its original glory. For more information on the church, you can visit their site at: www.fbcindep.org

 

Safety on the Job At Cornell

 

Safety on the job site is a must when you are hundreds of feet in the air. Roofers and team members, each with his or her own job to do to, move past one another. Roofing equipment and supplies are also in the mix on the job site. Today, job site safety is a team effort and it all starts with a mindset: No one gets hurt today.

Different job sites present different challenges. At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, safety planning is part of every job’s roofing process.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), sets Standards, Guidelines and Regulations all employers and employees must follow to help keep their employees safe.

At Cornell, our team members and roofers take classes and maintain study habits to stay informed and up to date on their certifications. OHSA has 10 and 30-Hour Certification programs. Annually, OSHA also ranks it’s most violated OSHA Standards. Year after year, Fall Protection is the number #1 OSHA Standard cited.Roofers, roofing material, metal roof, Kansas City roofing, roofing safety, safety regulations, commercial roofing, roofing system, fabrication, Cornell safety, osha, osha roofers, roof systems

Mary McNamara, President of Cornell commented, “At Cornell we continue to invest the time, training, certification support, and equipment needed to keep our people safe.” Cornell just added the “All-In-One Rail System” from Leading Edge Safety. This job site addition adds to our employees safety on the job site.

Mary added, “We are proud of our team. Working together, we’ve had one of our safest years on record.” Some construction fencing was added to help keep debris from blowing off the roof.

For the FULL LIST of Construction Industry Regulations(Standards) visit the OSHA laws and regulations page.

 

One look through the OSHA Standard Number 1926 and you’ll see just how important and serious staying on top of the regulations are for the safety and comfort of roofers and other employees in the construction industry.

To the entire Cornell Family, other trades and suppliers, keep up the great work and stay safe on your job sites!

Cornell’s Andrew Christ Joins ASA Board on DC Fly-In

Commercial Roofing Kansas City, Commercial Sheet Metal FabricatorsCornell’s Andrew Christ, joined the rest of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), Board as part of a “DC Fly-In” to meet with House and Senate Congressional Members. Eight upcoming legislative issues concerning America’s subcontractors are on the agenda including; Retainage, Bid Listing, and Change Orders.  According to Andrew, “During our fly- in, we met with nine Congressional Members, or their staffs, to inform them we support these issues as an organization.” Andrew added, “Members included; U.S. House Small Business Committee, three U.S. Senators, and four Members of the House of Representatives.”

Mary McNamara, Cornell President, added, “Supporting the industry has always been a part of Cornell’s Mission and Vision. We are proud of the work Andrew and the rest of the ASA Board are doing at the local and national level.” Andrew currently serves as Vice President for the ASA of Greater Kansas City.

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is the national trade association promoting the rights and interests of contractors and suppliers. It is dedicated to quality construction, ethical and equitable business practices, safety in the workplace, and industry best-practices. The ASA represents more 2,400 construction subcontractors who employ over 18,000 employees annually impacting buildings and communities across the nation.

For more information on the ASA National click home below:

Home

For more information on the ASA of Greater Kansas City: https://www.subcontractorskansas.com/

Builders’ Association EXPO Winner!

The 2019 KC Builders’ Association EXPO was another winner as was John Florez of Hodnett Photographers. John took home a new, 4K, 55″ Smart TV! According to John, it will be a timely addition for his home on game day, GO CHIEFS!

In addition to the opportunity to mix and mingle with other trades, suppliers and contractors, Cornell continued its long tradition of support as a Sponsor of The Builders’ Association EXPO 2019.

The Builders’ Association EXPO had some great training and continuing education opportunities as well. Cornell’s Assistant Project Manager, Victor Speers, took full advantage, attending; Construction Technology: What’s Next? Led by McCownGordon’s It Director, Justin Burns and The Softer Side of Cybersecurity, led by Robert Hunter, President of The Hunter Group.

Victor added, “The classes I took were informative, timely and dealt with real-life issues we are facing more and more everyday.”

 

 

EXPO EXTRA! Take Home This 55″ 4K Smart TV TOMORROW!

Kansas City Commercial Roofing

 

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal wants to give YOU a brand-new TV at The Builders’ EXPO.  Just stop by booth #70, drop in a card and you could walk out with the perfect addition to the favorite place in your home. Remodel not included!