By Emma Peterson. 

Join your industry peers and leaders for two days of learning, networking and more!  

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is hosting their Summer Meeting from June 23-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. Sponsored by ATAS International and Carlisle Construction Materials, this two-day event is packed with education opportunities, high-value networking and industry insights! Whether you are a business leader, a technical professional, an emerging leader or a marketing/sales specialist, this meeting will help you stay ahead of the competition.  

What you can expect 

At this year’s meeting, there will be a variety of industry experts sharing real-world strategies to help professionals navigate everything from the global economy to local policy and regulatory developments. One of these leaders is Johnny Quinn, who will be delivering his keynote, Unstoppable Momentum, at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23.  

This year also introduces a new dual-track education program! This program allows contractors to “choose the sessions that fit [their] role — with content for business leaders and technical staff running at the same time as sessions designed for marketing and sales.”  

One of the sessions that is a part of this new program is hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! Karen will be moderating a panel about marketing trends that can be leveraged by professionals to diversify their businesses. There will also be sessions from Bob Zabcik and Paul Trombitas! Bob, who is MCA’s technical director, will give a codes and standards report while Paul will share about MCA’s exclusive market study.  

And as always, there will be ample opportunity at breaks, meals and events to build relationships with peers and experts across the industry. This is a great way to build relationships and spark new ideas in relaxed settings like the Chicago Dogs versus Cleburne Railroaders baseball game ($25 additional fee at registration). 

The logistics 

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Rosemont/O’Hare, conveniently just minutes from the O’Hare International Airport. Attendees should make sure to reserve their hotel room by Friday, May 29, 2026. 

MCA also has a unique deal for professionals who register multiple members of their team! You can save 15% per person when you register more than one person from your company with code SUMMER26. Not only is this a great deal, but having multiple members of your company in attendance allows you to take full advantage of the dual-track sessions and get takeaways from the meeting that benefit your entire organization.  

Learn more and get registered today!

You're invited to earn up to 3 CEs at a new, half-day educational program on May 29 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

Registration is free for architects, designers, and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee, and northwest Indiana. Join us to learn design focused, technical, and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

What you'll learn + from whom:

• Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience, + Architectural Expression
  Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
  An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction, and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 
  1 LU/HSW
• Designing with Metal Composite Materials
  Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
  Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency, and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.
  1 LU/HSW
• Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
  Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International,
  + VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
  A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 
  1 LU/HSW/GBCI

Register today!

By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

Industry leaders were recognized for decades of innovation, mentorship and impact across metal buildings, insulated metal panels and metal roofing. 

The 2026 Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Annual Conference Awards Ceremony featured the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Metal Construction News publisher Melanie Kowal and Editor-in-Chief Anthony Capkun hosted the ceremony and highlighted the purpose of the program: to recognize individuals who have helped initiate, advance and shape the metal construction industry through dedication, innovation and inspiration. Inductees were selected with help from the association partner judges from the Metal Construction Association, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the MBCEA. The following individuals were inducted this year:  

Mark Detwiler (Cornerstone Building Brands) 

Recognized for a career that strengthened the foundation of metal construction through leadership and service with multiple construction associations, Mark noted this this honor wouldn’t be possible without a broader team effort and he credited the colleagues and partners who helped make it possible. 

Arnold Corbin (Metl-Span) 

Honored for more than four decades of leadership in insulated metal panels and pre-engineered metal buildings, Arnold shared a personal story of how he entered the industry with a hands-on job while in college because he needed date money. That date money resulted in him not only marrying his wife but developing a long-tenured, rewarding career in metal. He expressed gratitude for the mentors and teams who invested in his growth over the years. 

Jeff Alexander (The Sherwin-Williams Company) 

Jeff was recognized for more than 40 years of contributions that helped drive growth in coil coatings and support metal roofing’s rise from a niche product to a premium residential option. Jeff was unable to attend the ceremony, and the award was accepted on his behalf. 

Ted Wolf (Butler Manufacturing) 

Ted was honored for helping shape dealer networks, advancing standing seam systems and championing innovations that strengthened the industry. Unable to attend, his prepared remarks were shared during the ceremony, reflecting on a career that began in 1972 as a sales trainee, progressed through field sales leadership and culminated in serving as president of Butler’s North American operations before retiring in 2010. 

T.R. “Tony” Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Raimondo was recognized for a vision that helped transform both a company and an industry. He passed away in 2022, and the honor was accepted by his son, Tony Raimondo Jr., who spoke about his father’s deep involvement in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the pivotal 1984 buyout that set Bayland on a long-term path from heavy losses to profitability. 

Phil Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Recognized for helping define modern standards of quality and reliability in metal building systems, Phil Raimondo was inducted posthumously (he passed away in 2021). His son, Patrick Raimondo—plant manager at Bayland’s Sarasota, Florida, location—accepted the award and noted the lasting impact of his father’s dedication, while committing to carry the legacy forward. 

More information on this year’s Hall of Fame class is available in the April 2026 issue of Metal Construction News. The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the inductees and appreciation for the industry leaders and associations who continue to support the program.

Honoring industry leaders for lifetimes of contribution and service to the metal industry.

In 2012, the Metal Constructon News Hall of Fame was formed through a collaboration with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association (MCA) and Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) to recognize "those individuals who have had a significant impact on the metal construction industry through their innovation, effort and leadership." 

These individuals are chosen based on five categories:

• Unique contribution: Looks specifically at the individual's creations and/or developments that advance the industry.
• Body of work: Assess the depth and breadth of the nominee's contributions to the industry across their entire career
• Legacy: Focuses on the long-lasting impacts of the nominee's work in the industry.
• Integrity: Highlights the ethical and professional standards that the nominee exhibits.
• Longevity: Requires the nominee to have been "actively involved in the industry for at least 10 years."

Now in its 14th year, the Hall of Fame has releasede the 2026 list of contractors, manufacturers and industry friends who have made a difference and been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ted Wolfe

In the high-stakes, heavy-tonnage world of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), the industry often risks losing sight of the people beneath the steel. Modern corporations frequently succumb to the “commodity trap,” viewing the market as little more than rows on a spreadsheet and total tons shipped. But for decades, the industry had a conscience — a “Southern gentleman” named Ted Wolfe who understood that while the factory produces the parts, it is the builder who produces the building.

Tony “TR” Raimondo and Phil Raimondo

The metal building industry is often defined by those who can bridge the gap between rigorous engineering and visionary leadership. For nearly four decades, Tony “TR” Raimondo and his son, Phil Raimondo, embodied this balance, transforming Behlen Manufacturing Company from a struggling enterprise into a global industry titan. Their combined leadership represents a unique “father-son” milestone in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) history, marking a legacy of service that has fortified the industry’s standards, market reach and workforce.

Jeff Alexander

In the world of industrial coatings, few names carry as much weight as Jeff Alexander. As the global vice president of sales for the coil and extrusion division of The Sherwin-Williams Company, Alexander doesn’t just help to manage a multibillion-dollar business; he shapes the very aesthetic and structural integrity of the modern built environment. With a career spanning four decades, Jeff’s induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes a leader whose impact is measured not just in square footage coated but in the enduring partnerships and organizational cultures he has built.

Arnold Corbin

In the specialized world of insulated metal panels (IMPs) and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), few professionals have bridged the gap between manufacturing precision and jobsite reality as effectively as Arnold Corbin. With a career spanning over four decades at the forefront of the industry’s evolution — from the early days of Metl-Span to his current leadership within the Nucor Insulated Panel Group — Arnold has become a foundational figure whose influence extends far beyond the corporate boardrooms of his employers.

Richard Ahrens

In the storied history of the Florida construction industry, few figures have managed to bridge the gap between legacy and logic as effectively as Richard Ahrens. A third-generation leader representing a heritage that dates back to 1902, Richard did not merely maintain a family business; he transformed it. By blending the grit of a traditional builder with the analytical precision of an academic, he moved the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) industry from the fringes of economical utility into the mainstream of high-performance architectural design.

Mark Detwiler

Through a career spanning the full spectrum of structural engineering — from the details of project design to the influence of national standards — Mark Detwiler has been a cornerstone of the metal industry. His trajectory is defined not merely by his professional advancement from hands-on engineering to senior technical leadership, but by a tireless commitment to the safety, reliability and advancement of metal building systems. Mark’s work represents a rare bridge between the theoretical rigors of applied research and the practical realities of the field.

Find more information online.

Let's create brighter futures; apply for the MCA Scholarship Program! 

The Metal Construction Association Scholarship Program benefits member company employees and their families. In our third year, the MCA Scholarship program awards funds for education to member company employees and the employees’ spouses, children, and grandchildren! Just by being a member of MCA, metal construction industry companies’ employees are eligible for this great benefit.

No matter what the career dream is, MCA’s Scholarship Program can help bring it into reach. Awarded funds can be used for colleges and universities, vocational schools, trade programs, and some other postsecondary educational opportunities. Last year, five scholarships valued at $2,000 each were awarded to deserving individuals, reflecting our shared commitment to educational advancement.

MCA is grateful to the generous industry giving that makes this program possible—and we urge you to consider making a donation as a company or an individual. We’ll soon be looking for our third round of scholars! The application deadline is May 4, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 1, 2026

Apply for the scholarship today!

Learn more about the scholarship.

See past winners' stories.

We’re excited to announce the 2026 Metal Architecture Design Awards. Entry is now open, and this is your opportunity to shine while showcasing your innovative metal projects.

Why enter?

• Industry exposure: Winners will be featured in Metal Architecture’s July 2026 issue, as well as promoted across the magazine’s extensive networks.
• Open to all: Projects completed between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 are eligible.

Important details:

• Deadline: Submit your entry by April 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
• How to enter: Visit https://www.metalarchitecture.com/awards to submit your entries.

For those already started:

If you have begun your submission, be sure to finalize and submit it before the deadline to ensure your work gets the recognition it deserves.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away. We are excited to see your innovative use of metal in architecture. Reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Awards are presented in 10 categories:

• Creative use of metal (interior and ornamental)
• Metal building systems (including pre-engineered metal building systems)
• Insulated metal panels (IMP)
• Metal composite materials (MCM)
• Metal renovation and retrofit (roof and/or wall systems)
• Metal roofing
• Natural metals
• Single-skin wall panels (ribbed)
• Single-skin wall panels (smooth)
• Solar integration with metal

A distinguished panel of architects will select award recipients, focusing on products that enrich the building’s design.

Enter a project to win Metal Architecture's 2026 Design Award!

Discover the 2025 Metal Architecture Design Awards winners.

Terms and conditions.

By Jenny Yu.  

In a time of increasingly complex federal and state regulations, MCA is preparing new resources and partnerships to strengthen the industry. 

During this episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), about MCA’s Winter Meeting and the initiatives the association is developing to support industry growth.  

One major focus is education for professionals entering the metal construction sector. “We're developing an education program for people that are new to the industry,” Jeff shared. “What are the basic things they need to understand — substrates that are used, when do you use what, the different roles that people play in the industry. It’s a soup-to-nuts approach, a metal 101 curriculum.” Segments of the program are expected to roll out in 2026. 

At the same time, MCA is looking to expand its market development activities. According to Jeff, the organization recently completed an agency review and is bringing on a marketing firm to expand their impact. “That’s our purpose: to advance the use of metal in the building envelope,” Jeff said. “We intend to grow and expand our impact and our educational efforts to our key constituents and stakeholders and those who make decisions about what products are used in their projects.” 

Furthermore, MCA is strengthening collaboration across the industry. They recently hosted an executive forum that brought together 10 trade associations to discuss common interests, goals and opportunities. “We have an opportunity to come together and have greater collaboration and impact as one entity rather than 10 individual programs,” Jeff stated. “We plan to hold that conference twice a year, and we’ve already identified a couple initiatives.” 

Among these initiatives is paying closer attention to government relations as regulatory activity increases and becomes more complex at the state level. “It's kind of the Wild West at the moment,” Jeff said. “It's important to be informed when there's new legislation or regulatory issues that are being proposed so that the experts can have a voice in that process and influence outcomes."

Read the first article in this series, Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about MCA’s priorities and how the association plans to support the metal construction industry in 2026.

This annual report reflects the dedication and collaboration of MCA members and sets the stage for what’s ahead.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has released its 2025 Annual Report. Read, download and share the report now to see MCA’s key achievements throughout the year and the industry leaders who made them possible.

The 2025 Annual Report comprises four sections based on MCA’s priorities:

• Creating demand for metal: MCA promotes metal to architects, building owners and other decision-makers, growing the industry to create new opportunities for our members.
• Educating members and the industry: MCA also educates industry stakeholders through live events and digital resources to ensure metal performs exactly as it should.
• Growing membership: MCA’s growth is driven by the value it offers members. That growth, in turn, fuels the delivery of impactful resources and amplifies our voice.
• Industry leadership: Led by professionals actively working in the field, MCA reflects the industry to ensure association priorities, initiatives and investments are shaped by real‑world experience and focused on advancing shared goals.

“This annual report reflects the dedication and collaboration of our members, and it also sets the stage for what’s ahead,” MCA Executive Director Jeff Henry said. “MCA’s progress is driven by members who step up, share their expertise and help shape what comes next. Now is a great time to get involved with MCA so that your company benefits from our shared achievements.”

Learn more at https://metalconstruction.org/membership and https://metalconstruction.org/2025-annual-report.

About the Metal Construction Association

MCA exists to advance metal construction. Through MCA, a diverse group of companies involved in metal roof and wall systems come together to expand understanding of metal’s performance, durability and design potential through education, research and advocacy. By working collectively, MCA members create market demand, shape best practices and support better building outcomes.

This top honor is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.

Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), recently received one of the Metal Construction Association’s (MCA) highest honors — the Larry A. Swaney Award — at MCA’s 2026 Winter Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas.

Ramey was honored with the Larry A. Swaney Award for her leadership role in working to grow the residential metal roofing market. In the U.S. alone, market share for metal roofing has risen from 3% at MRA’s inception to now capturing over 17% of the overall residential roofing market. This top honor is bestowed upon an outstanding industry professional for their contributions to the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry.

In her role, Ramey guides MRA’s focus on rigorous quality and uniformity standards and helps drive consumer and homeowner awareness and adoption in the U.S. and Canada by promoting the many benefits of high quality metal roofing. MRA works together with contractors, manufacturers, roofing coalitions and industry partners to highlight the advantages of residential metal roofing as a sustainable, long lasting and resilient option. Ramey has served as executive director of the MRA since 2017 and has long been recognized for her leadership role in the metal industry.

MCA also recognized long-time MRA member Rob Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, by awarding him the Patrick R. Bush Service Award. This award honors the outstanding volunteer contributions of an individual from an MCA member company. This award was created to commemorate Patrick R. Bush, a significant and long-serving member of the MCA board.

Haddock’s legendary career as a renowned metal roofing expert, inventor and industry pioneer spans nearly four decades, earning him a long list of honors including an early induction into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame.

Previous MCA service award recipients can be seen here: www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/events/other-awards

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

About the Metal Construction Association

Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.