Welcome to the first edition of 2023. The outlook for this year is somewhat different than the outlook for 2022. Thankfully, most of the supply chain issues have been resolved. While material prices are not at pre-pandemic levels, availability has stabilized somewhat. The really big question is: Will there be a construction slowdown because of inflation or a recession?
Shield Wall Media staff writer Linda Schmid tackles this important question in her State of the Industry coverage beginning on page 22. We’ve gathered information from our industry-wide survey and asked key industry insiders for their take on the economic outlook for 2023. It’s an interesting read … once you’ve read it, we’d love to get your feedback and learn what you think.
As I write this, we’re looking into the not-so-distant future for the International Roofing Expo, which will be held at the Kay Bailey Convention Center in Dallas from March 7-9. The last time IRE was held in Dallas was February 2020. I recall it vividly as it was my first experience at the largest roofing event in North America. Little did anyone know that a few weeks after that event there would be mass shutdowns, nationwide restrictions on gatherings, and the cancellation of all in-person trade shows.
When I think about everything that’s happened over the last three years, it seems somewhat surreal. If we hadn’t lived through it, I may have said, “Naw, that can’t happen.” Lessons learned; I’m sure you’ve learned some lessons, too. More now than ever I live by the advice “Control the controllable” and “Pay attention!” Beyond that, all we can do is apply the lessons we’ve learned in the past to affect the best possible outcomes in the future.
Last Call!
The deadline to send in projects to be published in the Metal Roofing IDEA Book is February 15! We’ve made it easier than ever to submit a project … it’s as easy as filling in the blanks in the online form at https://bit.ly/IDEAbk23 and upload high resolution images on the same web page. (Or you can use the form on page 53.) It’s that easy! As they say: Don’t Wait! Act Now!
Karen Knapstein, Managing Editor
