By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president. 

Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger awarded Larry A. Swaney Award  

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) is proud to be a partner with the Metal Construction Association (MCA). During their 2022 winter meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, I was able to attend the meetings and learn more about the important initiatives of this association. 

The mission of the Metal Construction Association is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope through marketing, education and action on public policies that affect metal's use. Under the leadership of current Chair James Bush of ATAS International, the association continues to work to not only promote the use of metal in building architecture but also strive to generate important technical information for the ongoing improvement of installation practices. 

A highlight of the meeting was the awards program where several distinguished metal construction professionals were recognized. For the Larry A. Swaney Award it was incredibly exciting to see Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger receive this distinction. The award is entrusted to an individual who has worked unselfishly for the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry as a whole. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of Larry A. Swaney, the founding president of the association and an individual committed to promoting communication, cooperation, sharing and unity, as well as fostering growth and enhancing the betterment of metal construction. 

Also recognized was Miguel Pena of GSSI for the Patrick R. Bush Service Award.  This award recognizes one individual from an MCA member company who has recently made significant volunteer contributions to the Metal Construction Association. Pena is the chair of the METALCON Liaison Committee, and worked endlessly with PSMJ, MCA’s partner for METALCON, to host a successful METALCON event last October. He was instrumental in executing the new METALCON Live monthly webinars. These webinars give people in the construction industry an opportunity to stay current with metal initiatives and to learn new techniques to ensure proper installation, and so much more. 

With several councils and committees reporting during the meetings, it was obvious that there is an emphasis on sharing the benefits of sustainability, durability, performance and safety. There were reports from the Codes and Standards committee chaired by Andy Williams of Panel Cladding Solutions and Bob Zabcik of Z-tech Consulting, the Technical Committee chaired by David Stermer of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, the Market Development committee chaired by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS and many more. All the committees are focused on providing information for the metal construction community around changing standards and ongoing metal success stories. 

The MCA also hosts several councils and alliances during their meetings. Renee Ramsey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance presented the market growth of residential metal roofing and the growth of roofing contractors. The current chair of the MRA is Dick Bus of ATAS and according to him, “The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is the leading voice for companies and professionals involved in the residential metal roofing industry. Since its inception in 1998, we have shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and economical metal roofing can be.” With yearly studies and market analysis the MRA is showing that the growth of metal continues in double digits yearly. 

Additional councils including the Accessories Council, Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) and Metal Composite Materials (MCM), Retrofit, Roofing Council and Single Skin Metal Wall Panel Councils and Alliances reported to the membership. Reports included technical updates, market development initiatives along with a variety of new projects underway that will continue to provide great value to those in the metal construction industry. 

The MCA Winter and Summer Meetings are open to members and non-members. Attendance offers tremendous insights into everything about metal in construction. Save the date for the 2022 Summer Meeting is June 13-15, at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago, 10 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. RoofersCoffeeShop will be there. 

Learn more about the Metal Construction Association by visiting their RoofersCoffeeShop directory or visit www.metalconstruction.org.

Applications are due on February 18.

METALCON, the only global event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction, announces its 2022 Call for Presentations. The program committee is seeking dynamic presenters who can educate, engage and inspire attendees with presentations on real-world topics, challenges and opportunities in the industry.

The committee encourages presentations that employ a variety of delivery formats such as case studies, panel discussions, product compare & contrast, point-counterpoint, small group discussions/roundtables, hands-on learning and tips, tricks and hacks. Courses eligible for AIA LU or HSW credits and/or ICC CEU credits are preferable.

Educational sessions are 60 minutes in length (including Q&A) and will take place in the METALCON Learning Centers and Main Stage Theater located inside the exhibit hall. Sessions must be targeted to specific audience segments, including general and sub-contractors in commercial, residential and institutional construction, architects, designers, specifiers, engineers, installers, crews and more. METALCON also has limited opportunities for extended in-depth workshops. These courses should be certifications, extensive trainings or specialty courses.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to: 

• All aspects of building and construction related to metal from basic to advanced concepts 

• Designing with and specifying metal for roofing, walls, cladding 

• Trends in materials, tools, techniques, building codes 

• Metal in architecture/design 

• Topics related to the building envelope including roofing, walls, cladding, air barriers and rain screening 

• Construction technologies, benefits/challenges/implementation/resources 

• Metal construction safety 

• Business strategies including project management, sales, marketing, legal 

• Labor, workforce development, diversity, recruiting/encouraging/supporting the next generation 

• Sustainability, resiliency, solar, off-site/modular

METALCON 2022 takes place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 with pre-show workshops beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 11. To submit a call for presentations by Feb. 18, complete this online form.

About METALCON  

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Each year, contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’S success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this is the event’s first time in Indianapolis.  For more information, visit www.metalcon.com or call 800-537-7765. 

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter.

In this special edition episode of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi talks with Renee Ramey on the METALCON floor! 

In Season 3, Episode 63 of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi takes the opportunity to chat in-person with Renee Ramey at METALCON 2021. In this episode, the two discuss the hottest products in metal and what has been made an impression on them at the show. They also talk about a recent study conducted by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), their market share report and MRA’s 2022 initiatives.  

Renee has been in the industry for over 25 years, starting out in steel and paint conversion, before moving into her position today as the executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting and educating homeowners about metal roofing.  

“There's a lot of myths out there, misconceptions, false information or just unawareness of metal roofing as an alternative for your roof on a home,” said Renee. “We exist to make sure that homeowners get accurate information in an easy to read, easy to understand format in one spot, and that we really dispel those myths, open their eyes to all the different options that are available with metal roofing.” 

Renee and the team at MRA want to make sure that metal roofing becomes part of a homeowner’s consideration when they need to reroof their house. Since MRA was founded, they have conducted annual market research studies and found that metal roofing continues to rise in popularity among residential markets. 

"We went from 12% in 2019 to 15% of the reroof market in 2020. So, we continue to make great strides in market share against asphalt and against some of the other products that are out there,” said Renee. 

More and more homeowners are looking for roofs that offer sustainability, longevity and beauty, which they can get from choosing metal. Not only is most metal made from recycled product, it’s also recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Metal also provides energy savings, as well as being the best platform to hold solar roof systems. 

“It's really a good alternative if you're interested in the solar side [and] it's durable,” said Renee. “In fact, I'll bring it to a current example. One of our members worked with us to install [a metal roof] on a residential home in Alabama. As it turned out, the roof was done just a few weeks before Hurricane Ida came through. And they were directly in the path of the hurricane and the homes around them, and we have video footage of it, are just decimated. Their roof was 100 percent, just looks great, performed exactly as it should have [and] the home was kept safe.” 

Listen to the entire podcast to hear more from MRA’s executive director and the innovative products that hit the floor at METALCON 2021.

Vertical zinc panels were used for wall cladding on this 10-story building.

The David Rubenstein Forum project at the University of Chicago utilized 60,000 square feet of custom Versa-Lok and custom fabricated wall panels that were manufactured by ATAS in 1.0 mm grey zinc. The panels were used as exterior wall cladding on this 166-foot-tall building consisting of 10 stories (a two-story base, and an eight-story tower).  They were installed by Tuschall Engineering of Burr Ridge, Illinois, and the architects for the project included Diller Scofidio + Renfro of New York City and Brininstool + Lynch of Chicago. This project was the first-place winner in ATAS’ 2020 Project of the Year competition in the commercial walls category. 

The David M. Rubenstein Forum, which opened in September of 2020, is located on Chicago's Midway Plaisance, and offers views of Downtown Chicago, Lake Michigan and the University Campus. The architects' vision was to create a retreat space, which would allow for both formal presentations as well as casual meetings. The uniquely shaped building has an auditorium, a variety of meeting spaces, a dining room and an elevated wine bar and cafe. The University Room, which is the building's largest room, seats more than 600 people theater-style.

Vertical zinc panels were chosen to express the idea of connectivity on the facade. Zinc was favored because it is a natural and durable material that is timeless and creates its own patina which protects the material for a long time. Zinc is very flexible, which worked well with this building's geometry, and the way it reflects sunlight was appealing to the design team. The vertical panels also accentuate the height of the building. 

The Forum is targeting LEED Gold certification with its sustainable design. The choice of zinc as a wall cladding material will help to reach that goal.  Zinc is durable, resistant to corrosion and 100 percent recyclable, which makes it safe for the environment. It can be reclaimed and reprocessed indefinitely without significant degradation of its properties. As well, the expected long-life span of zinc means that the wall cladding will not need to be replaced for decades. Depending on the environment, metal wall cladding can last well over 100 years, often outlasting the building itself.

This project also won two awards earlier this month. ATAS International was the grand prize winner of the Metal in Architecture Awards, which was presented at METALCON in Tampa, Florida on October 7. The David Rubenstein Forum project was the overall winning project, and it also won in the category of walls. A panel of judges comprised of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) council chairs and other metal construction and design industry experts determined the winners. Entries were judged based on the use of metal in design and construction as shown in the project photographs. 

About ATAS International, Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel, and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles and more. Additional options include curved, tapered, and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish.

With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products, and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation. ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and their facility in Mesa, Arizona.  ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and recently added a new manufacturing location in University Park, Illinois.  For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445.

Pre-show workshops, free educational sessions and inspiring keynotes and super sessions did not disappoint at METALCON in Tampa.

Always a popular destination for METALCON, Tampa did not disappoint this past month. From intensive pre-show workshops to 40+ free educational sessions to inspiring keynotes and super sessions, attendees learned from top industry experts and earned more continuing education credits than ever before at the industry’s only event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction.

“Our organization has been exhibiting at METALCON since its inception,” said Jim Bush, vice president of sales and marketing for ATAS International. “We were quite pleased with the traffic and the potential new customers. METALCON has been the best venue to introduce our new products to contractors, the architecture community as well as our distributors.”

Kicking off day one of the show was keynote speaker, Keith Colburn, star of the Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch and captain of the Alaska King Crab fishing boat, Wizard who shared his insights on leadership, teamwork, safety and being successful in today’s hyper-competitive business environment by providing parallels between his life as a captain and the construction industry.

Colburn spoke about the importance of staying calm in times of crisis. When describing what makes for a good leader, he said, “perseverance, a vision to see around competitive corners and to stay calm.” “You have to find a way to keep your emotions in check and adapt well to the situation in front of you.” He also spoke about the importance of communication. “We all speak, learn and understand differently,” Colburn added, “so communicating is critical. We train. We drill. And we respond.”

His autographed gear was raffled throughout the show to raise funds for Feeding Tampa Bay, which provides food to one million families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida. METALCON show management presented a check for $5,000 to the organization’s development officer during an on-site check presentation ceremony.

“We are delighted to have chosen Feeding Tampa Bay for our Give Back campaign this year,” said METALCON Show Director Judy Geller. “It has been METALCON’S tradition to give back locally to the community kind enough to host us. This year, we thought it was really important to reach out to those who may not have a meal on the table every night so we teamed up with Feeding Tampa Bay.”

New to the show this year was The Architect’s Experience, the Insulated Metal Panel Pavilion and the Solar Education Center — all a big hit among attendees. Plans for a repeat in 2022 are underway.

On day two of the show, Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, discussed the current state and outlook for construction project types, materials costs and availability, and labor in his highly-attended keynote presentation.

On the labor shortage, Simonson stated, “86% of contractors are having difficulty filling salaried jobs, particularly project managers and supervisors. The number one reason is available candidates do not meet the hiring company’s needs — they do not have the right training."  He also added, "89% of contractors are having difficulty filling key craft jobs.”

With regards to materials costs, Simonson said, “The costs of steel mill products up were up 111% from April 2020-August 2021. Lumber and plywood reached their highest in June 2021 at a 120% increase but has dropped to a 52% increase in costs since.”

On the subject of supply-chain bottlenecks, he explained at first it was a problem getting materials from China, then a shortage of containers, then too many containers stacking up in yards/couldn’t accept any more, then shipyards backed up in California with 70+ waiting to dock/unload.

“I am faintly optimistic we will see improvement on costs and availability,” continued Simonson.

This year’s show included more than 200 leading companies exhibiting the latest metal construction industry products and technology.

“This is our first time at METALCON,” said Frank Whitehead, sales manager of Reed’s Metals. “We’ve made some really good connections and done some excellent networking. We are always looking for new products and top-of-the-line innovative ideas to help us help our customers succeed, and there are a lot of good ideas here, a lot of good new technology that we can implement in our day-to-day operations. It is very important, with the market today, that we have multiple avenues to get the products we need for our customers so this is an excellent event for that.”

Long-time exhibitor, New Tech Machinery’s National Sales Manager Tom Laird added, “It is a pleasure to be able to come back and be in front of our customers again with other members of our industry and show off our wares to new and existing customers. There are no words that can express how important it is to be able to see people face-to-face and to shake their hands.”

Geller agrees. “It was a fantastic show with a lot of energy,” she said. “People are happy to be back. We are already very busy selling booth space for Indianapolis next year. It is proving to be a popular destination since it is located within 500 miles of 75% of the manufacturing distribution space in the U.S. ― a great pull for contractors, building owners, designers, manufacturers and suppliers.”

METALCON 2022 takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 12-14 at the Indiana Convention Center.

About METALCON

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Each year, contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’S success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this was the event’s fifth time in Tampa. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

By ATAS International.  

ATAS International has a fantastic 30th year exhibiting at METALCON. 

It was another wonderful show this year at METALCON with ATAS International projects and products winning awards! The company has exhibited for the past 30 years at METALCON and looks forward to another 30! Expect to see them next year at METALCON Indianapolis 2022.  

Metal in Architecture Awards 

This year ATAS was awarded first place in the Walls category of the Metal in Architecture Awards! Additionally, ATAS took home the overall grand prize for the competition. The Metal in Architecture competition prize was $1,000, which ATAS donated to "Feeding Tampa Bay." This donation helps the non-profit towards reaching its goal of a hunger-free Tampa Bay by 2025.  

The award-winning project was the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Custom fabricated panels in Grey Zinc were installed by Tuschall Engineering creating a striking appearance on the tower. ATAS has proven performance in the fabrication of a wide variety of custom panels to meet many design requirements. Learn more about our custom capabilities and let the ATAS team of technical advisors bring your vision to life.

Top Products Awards 

ATAS is excited to have won two Top Products Awards, read on for more information about these products.  

For the Wall category, Omawall took first prize. Omawall is an architectural back ventilated rainscreen wall panel, available in standard and custom size options. It offers a unique dry joint interlocking system that allows for quick and easy installation without gaskets or metal splines.  

Additionally, ATAS International won for their product InSpire HP, a new high-performance solar air heating wall panel that can be used as a heating system on its own, either for buildings or processes, or tied into a building’s HVAC system.  

Learn more about ATAS International in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.ATAS.com.

Highlighting the use of metal in design and construction.

The only global event for the application of metal in design and construction announces the winners of its design and construction project photo competition at METALCON’s annual conference and tradeshow in Tampa last week. 

Architects, designers, contractors, manufacturers and owners were invited to submit high-quality photos of their best, coolest, most interesting and inspiring projects that feature metal in the interior OR exterior design in one of the following categories: Roofs; Walls; Interiors; and Ornamental/Architectural Features. The winners are:  

• Roofs: Rheinzink, Project 24: Bezier Curve House/A-House 

• Walls: ATAS International, Project 18: David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago 

• Interior: Gotca Group, Project 2: Museum of Tomorrow 

• Ornamental/architectural features: Gotca Group, Project 2: Museum of Tomorrow 

• Grand prize winner: ATAS International, Project 18: David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago

A panel of judges comprised of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) council chairs and other metal construction and design industry experts determined one winner in each of the four categories with one grand-prize winner. Entries were judged based on the use of metal in design and construction communicated through photographs, not photo composition.  

Top entries were displayed in the METALCON Metal in Architecture Gallery at the Tampa Convention Center. Photos selected for inclusion in the gallery were automatically entered to win, and the grand-prize winner was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

“We were excited to receive such a great response, enabling us to create a beautiful display on-site of projects that illustrate the beauty, durability and functionality of metal in all kinds of architecture, from fire houses and truck stops to museums,” said Judy Geller, METALCON’s Vice President of Tradeshows. “We are grateful to all of those who participated and to ATAS International for donating back the grand prize win of $1,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay as part of our annual giving back program.”

METALCON 2022 took place in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 12-14 at the Indiana Convention Center.

About METALCON  

METALCON is the largest international event in the metal construction and design industry. Established in 1991, it’s the only annual tradeshow and conference devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Contractors, architects, developers, owners, fabricators, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend each year. Industry experts from 200 leading companies exhibit the latest products, solutions and game-changing technologies while sharing their knowledge with attendees. METALCON’S success is based on a dynamic exhibit hall, extensive educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., this was the event’s fifth time in Tampa. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor. 

Here’s what’s trending on RoofersCoffeeShop®(RCS) this past month. 

In looking at our most popular articles for the month of September, our visitors were most interested in the topics that are hot in the roofing industry – material shortages, warranty costs and vaccine mandates.  

We strive to bring the latest happening to you surrounding these hot topics and industry pain points. Check out the articles to hear from the experts at Cotney – Attorneys and Consultants and the Roofing Technology Think Tank on these issues.  

Also important in September was suicide awareness month. Our own Colin Sheehan wrote a very informative and eye-opening article about changes that we can make in our own companies to change the culture and hopefully put an end to the tragedy of suicide.  

Emergency preparedness information was also a popular topic which is fitting as we navigate the 2021 hurricane season. If you didn’t get the chance to read any of these articles yet, follow the links below to check them out.  

Honorable Mention (#6-#10) 

10 - Grow Your Knowledge at Western Roofing Expo 2021 

9 - 4 Technological Approaches to the Material Shortages That Give You Back Some Control 

8 - Colorado’s NWiR Look Toward the Future and Female Leadership 

7 - Use Inspections to Instill Customer Confidence 

6 - President Biden Issues Sweeping Vaccine Mandate for U.S. Workers

Read the Top 5 articles: 

5 - Change the Culture and Save Lives 

4 - Are You Prepared for an Emergency? 

3 - GCP Applied Technologies Prepares Supplies for Louisiana Rebuilding Efforts 

2 – METALCON Announces Top Products Award Winners 

1 – Manufacturers No Longer Honoring Warranty Flat Rates and Discounts

Get the top news each week in your inbox when you sign up for the Week in Review email newsletter.

S-5! presented several sessions at METALCON, providing attendees opportunitites to earn continuing education credits. 

S-5!, the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions, presented several sessions at METALCON 2021, providing opportunities for attendees to earn continuing education credits. 

Solar is a rapidly growing energy sector in the U.S. and globally. This increased focus on energy efficiency and sustainability has brought attention to the pairing of solar and metal roofing. Business owners, designers, contractors, EPCs, solar developers and installers interested in learning more about the benefits of solar and metal roofing attended a variety of educational sessions at the new Solar Education Center sponsored by S-5!

One of the featured panel presentations, Metal Takes on Solar – A Metal Roofers Perspective on Solar Installations ― moderated by LeeAnn Slattery, sales support manager of ATAS International and market development chair for the Metal Construction Association (MCA) ― was based on a newly released MCA report, Metal Roofing & Solar PV Systems and takes place on October 7.

S-5!’s Founder and CEO, Rob Haddock presented the fundamentals of Understanding Metal Roofing: Parts I and II on October 6 and October 7. Often billed as "Metal Roofing 101" and known as the best “crash course” available for all in-industry personnel, it included technical information presented in a common-sense fashion that makes the art and science of metal roofing clear, concise and understandable. Contractors, sales people, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners and maintenance staff all benefited from attending. 

Attendees were invited to stop by S-5!’s booth to see first-hand its award-winning WindClamp2X™, designed to increase wind resistance for standing seam metal roofs. These small aluminum clamps are placed over the roof’s seam at designated intervals to prevent multiple modes of failure and provide a cost-compelling solutions for increasing wind resistance by up to three times. S-5!’s team will be on-hand to explain the features and benefits of this technology.

And, attendees had fun at the Solar Trivia Games. Moderated by S-5!’s solar expert, Mark Gies, teams of three to five individuals can competed before facing off on the final day for the grand prize.

“We are very excited to be so actively involved in METALCON this year,” says Haddock. “It’s the place to be if you are in the industry, and we are honored that our new WindClamp™ has been named a METALCON Top Product Award winner.”

About S-5!

Since its first patent filing in 1991, S-5! has been the leading authority on metal roof attachment solutions. S-5!’s zero-penetration clamps attach ancillary items to standing seam and exposed-fastened metal roofs, while maintaining roof integrity and warranties. S-5! solutions are engineered for a variety of roof-mounted applications and are now installed on more than 2 million metal roofs worldwide, providing strength and longevity never before seen. For more information, visit www.S-5.com.

By METALCON.

METALCON continues their 30-year tradition of giving back to the local community during their annual tradeshow. Donate today to join this years’ initiative. 

This year METALCON has partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay for their annual "Give Back” campaign in support of the local Tamp Bay community where METALCON 2021 will take place. Feeding Tampa Bay is part of the national Feeding America network that puts food on the tables of over one million food insecure families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida. METALCON has been dedicated to giving back since 1995 and has continued to donate goods, services and funds to non-profit organizations each year. Hunger and food insecurity is an a more urgent crises than ever due to the pandemic. By partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay, METALCON has an opportunity to take on the cause of hunger in a meaningful way. 

Hunger affects everyday people, every day. Most people live paycheck to paycheck and financial safety nets are not a guarantee. Losing a job due to COVID-19, an economic downturn or a natural disaster could mean choosing between feeding the family versus paying the rent or making necessary hurricane-related repairs versus buying groceries. The unexpected can drastically alter someone’s circumstances – and Feeding Tampa Bay is here to help.

Food insecurity can affect anyone: our neighbors, coworkers, the elderly and classmates. Many people who need our help work hard day in and day out, but are one layoff, tragedy or natural disaster away from needing assistance. We embrace our similarities and differences alike to reinforce the strength of our impact. Feeding Tampa Bay honors and serves all neighbors compassionately and free of prejudice. 

Every dollar donated equals exponential meals, bringing Feed Tampa Bay closer to a hunger-free Tampa Bay by 2025. 

Fundraising has already begun for METALCON. You can donate online or on-site at METALCON. All donations (minimum $20) will be entered into METALCON’s daily raffle drawing for a chance to win some amazing prizes (you must be present at the show to win).

Learn more about METALCON in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.metalcon.com.