Category: <span>Announcements</span>

Category: Announcements

RT3 Member Mycocycle Named a Finalist for 1871 Momentum Award as an Industry Disrupter

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The 1871 Momentum Awards is the celebration of tech innovation in Chicago.

Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, was named a finalist for 1871’s Momentum Award in the Industry Disrupter category. The award is presented to a company that has developed or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional, and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted the industry.

“Having participated in the LatinX+IHCC Incubator at 1871 as one of my very first organizational experiences as a startup, I am delighted to be in contention for this award,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “It is an exciting time to have a growing company in Chicago and the Midwest. The startup ecosystem is supportive, passionate, and always serves as a source of inspiration for me. We look forward to participating in the 2021 Momentum Awards and can’t wait to celebrate with all of our fellow founders!”

“The finalists for this year’s Industry Disrupter Award are leading the path forward through ingenuity and determination, and we’re thrilled to include Mycocycle among this impressive group,” said 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler. “Their innovative solutions are transforming old waste practices into eco-friendly market opportunities and building a necessary picture of a potential world without waste. We wish them the best of luck as voting begins.”

The 14th annual 1871 Momentum Awards celebrate tech innovation in Chicago, recognizing outstanding CEOs, rising stars and game-changing companies across seven different award categories. Award winners are chosen through a combination of scores from 1871 judges and public votes. Voting opens August 16 and runs through September 1. Winners will be announced on September 23 at a hybrid awards ceremony.

Place your vote for Mycocycle at https://app.reviewr.com/s1/showcase//Momentum-21.  

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2020 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, a presenter for NREL’s 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge.  Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million. For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About 1871

1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the early stage, growth stage, and corporate innovators that are building extraordinary businesses in their communities. We are the convenor of changemakers, bringing together the right resources, support, and connections that drive growth for businesses across the entire maturity curve, from idea to Fortune 50. Our community is rooted in Chicago with a reach that spans the globe, with over 1,500 members and an expansive network of mentors, corporate sponsors, university partners, VCs, alumni, and policymakers. Learn more at www.1871.com.  

Mycocycle Selected as Finalist in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas

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The 5th annual awards honor the products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that are pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) May 4, 2021 – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, announced today that it has been named a finalist in the Best World Changing Idea North America and On The Rise categories as part of the 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 33 winners, more than 400 finalists, and more than 800 honorable mentions—with Health and Wellness, AI & Data among the most popular categories. A panel of eminent Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 4,000 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology, and more. Plus, several new categories were added, including Pandemic Response, Urban Design, and Architecture. The 2021 awards feature entries from across the globe, from Brazil to Denmark to Vietnam.

“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company as a company that is creating solutions that are good for the environment,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle founder and CEO. “Mycocycle’s vision is to create new circular economies that transform environmentally unstable processes into financially viable material opportunities. Mushrooms will change the way we manage and use waste now and in the future.”

Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company said, “There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, it’s important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems.”

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in Fast Company’s 2020 and 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards issue, a presenter for NREL’s 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge.  Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million.

For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.

About the World Changing Ideas Awards

World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Company’s major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to start working on solving the problems that affect us all.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Opens Nominations for 2021 Innovator of the Year Award

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The award recognizes a roofing contractor who has demonstrated a commitment to technology and the advancement of the roofing industry.

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced that it has opened the nomination period for the 2021 Innovator of the Year Award.

This award was created to nationally recognize a roofing contractor that has contributed to the advancement of the roofing industry through technical innovation and/or product development in one of the following areas:

  • Production/Technology Efficiency
  • Safety Innovation
  • Client Service/Quality of Delivery 
  • Employee Recruitment/Training/Retention
  • Environmental Impact

Award judging criteria will be based on innovation, results, design and strategy.

The 2021 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, September 19-21, 2021 at the Omni Hotel in Frisco, Texas. To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum $5 million in annual revenue. They also must be a member of a professional industry association and be able to cite community enrichment ties through support of non-profits or company culture programs.

Previous winners include Scott Riopelle of Denver, Colorado-based Interstate Roofing (2020) and Curtis Sutton of Carthage, Tennessee-based Rackley Roofing (2019). 

For more information and to submit an award application visit https://rt3thinktank.com/award/. There is a $50 nomination fee to cover processing and award costs. The nomination period closes July 31, 2021.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. www.rt3thinktank.com.

RT3 Member GAF Manufactures Industry’s First Asphalt Shingles Containing Recycled Waste Shingles

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GAF, a Standard Industries company and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, announced a new patented shingle recycling process that has successfully produced the industry’s first asphalt roofing shingles containing recycled material from post-consumer and post-manufacture waste shingles that may have otherwise been landfilled. 

GAF asphalt shingles manufactured with recycled material from post-consumer waste shingles

This breakthrough represents an important milestone in delivering more sustainable, affordable roofing materials and has significant implications for improving sustainability and circularity across the roofing supply chain.

“This latest innovation from GAF represents the first major step towards a circular economy for asphalt roofing shingles,” said Jim Schnepper, President, GAF. “We envision a future where every homeowner, when replacing their roof, can do so with high-quality, affordable shingles made with recycled asphalt.”

The new shingle recycling process reduces the amount of raw materials required to make new shingles without compromising product quality or performance. During its successful tests, GAF was able to reclaim more than 90 percent of the waste shingle material, by weight, to be reused in the manufacture of new shingles. GAF additionally demonstrated its ability to manufacture new shingles containing up to 15 percent recycled material that were UL-certified for their safety and effectiveness. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued GAF three patents covering this new shingle recycling process. 

GAF is committing more than $100 million to bring the recycling process to commercial scale, including the development of a pilot operation in 2021 that will enable the company to conduct additional research and development on its process. Through the pilot GAF expects to assess the maximum amount of recycled asphalt that can be used to make new shingles meeting the company’s high standards while optimizing the manufacturing process prior to scaling it across its operations.

“This innovation has the potential to reduce a significant waste stream in the U.S. and represents an important advance within the roofing industry,” said Tad Radzinski, Certification Officer, GreenCircle Certified, a third-party certification organization. “Through the recovery of valuable end-of-life roofing materials, GAF is setting the course to reduce environmental impacts across the shingle product life cycle and provide a truly circular, sustainable solution for roofing products.” 

As the leading manufacturer in North America—where one in four residential roofs are covered by GAF—the company is uniquely positioned to extend the impact of this innovation across manufacturing facilities to help reduce landfill waste and continue to offer more sustainable roofing options to its customers.

About GAF
GAF is North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer and a part of Standard Industries. GAF’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of roofing and waterproofing solutions for residential and commercial properties as well as for civil engineering applications. GAF provides end-to-end support for architects, specifiers, contractors and property owners seeking high-quality performance and technical guidance. Through its innovative and customer-driven solutions, the company has protected homes, businesses, families and communities for over 130 years. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

RT3 member & NRP VP of Finance appointed to National Women in Roofing Board of Directors

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DALLAS – April 6, 2021 – National Roofing Partners (NRP), the facilities performance company delivering unparalleled service nationwide, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kyrah Coker, VP of Finance, to Board of Directors with National Women in Roofing (NWiR).

The Board of Directors is made up of women from all sectors of the roofing industry who govern the association and are committed to the advancement of the organization. As Vice Chair of Mentorship, Coker is focused on developing mentorship programs which empower women in the roofing industry through a mentor/mentee relationship.

“I am honored to be selected as Vice Chair of Mentorship with National Women in Roofing,” states Coker. “This mentorship program develops avenues to bring women together to share thoughts, best practices and coaching opportunities for career growth. Not only am I committed to women in roofing, but I’m backed by a company fully committed as well.”

Coker joined NWiR three years ago, when she joined the NRP team as Vice President of Finance. She also serves on the local board for community outreach with NWiR.

NRP is a founding sponsor of NWiR, and a 2021 Platinum Sponsor.

About National Women in Roofing
National Women in Roofing (NWiR) is a volunteer-based organization that supports and advances the careers of women roofing professionals—providing networking, mentoring, education and recruitment opportunities from the rooftop to the boardroom, for the young professional at the start of her career to the seasoned manager in the executive suite. Learn more at NationalWomeninRoofing.org.

About National Roofing Partners
National Roofing Partners (NRP) delivers single-source client solutions on a national basis. Utilizing its network of more than 200 service centers throughout the U.S., NRP maintains and extends the life of customers’ facility assets, including roofs, building envelopes and pavement. NRP also provides related services to the solar and telecom industries which rely on facility performance to support their infrastructure. Learn more at NationalRoofingPartners.com.

RT3 member Beldon Roofing announces promotion

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Beldon Roofing is excited to announce the promotion of Mackenzie Beldon, to Director, RoofExtend™ Program. In addition to her current duties, these additional duties include implementing the roll out, overseeing the entire program, working with the Customer Care Sales TEAM, and coordinating with Business Development to develop a strategic solution for our customer base.

“After reviewing Beldon Roofing’s current program and planning on tweaking it, Mackenzie concluded that starting over from scratch was going to be a better plan,” said Beldon Roofing President Brad Beldon. “Accordingly, over the last three months, she has spearheaded this awesome initiative and has been working on designing a top of the line preventive maintenance program which will address our customers various needs.”

The stellar new program, which is limited to commercial customers only, will allow the customer to pick from three separate levels of coverage. “This has been quite the collaborative effort as we have made every attempt to go to market with a unique program,” explained Beldon. “This initiative is simple to understand, easy to manage, and should be well received in the marketplace.”

About BELDON®

BELDON® is an award-winning company based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1946, it is a family-owned and operated business, with individual branches that specialize in the installation of products such as LeafGuard® gutters, Pella® vinyl replacement windows, ProVia replacement doors, James Hardie fiber cement siding, and residential as well as commercial roofing systems. Four generations and 75 years later, BELDON® Roofing Company is one of the city’s highest-profile businesses with a long list of accomplishments and accolades. Learn more at www.beldon.com

RT3 member Reliant Roofing Ranks No. 202 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Florida’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

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Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida list employed more than 83,000 people in 2019.

Jacksonville FL  – Inc. magazine today revealed that Reliant Roofing, Solar, and Hurricane Shutters (Reliant) is No. 202 on its second annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Florida-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Florida economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.

“It’s a tremendous achievement to be recognized on this list and we are honored to be among this remarkable group of regional organizations. We are pleased to have continued our success, even amongst the trials our country has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic” said Sean Shapiro, CEO of Reliant. “This acknowledgment truly is a testament to our amazing staff. We are very privileged and thankful to have a team of professionals, who are dedicated to our customers and our company. We are honored to be recognized by Inc. 5000 Florida Regionals.”

The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in Florida. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 202 percent, and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 83,000 people and added nearly $11 billion to the Florida economy. Companies based in major metro areas—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando—brought in the highest revenue overall.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/regionals/florida starting March 16, 2021.

“This list proves the power of companies in Florida no matter the industry,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”

Reliant Roofing, Solar, and Hurricane Shutters is a highly specialized roofing, solar, and hurricane protection contractor in Jacksonville Fl. With many years of experience proudly serving the Northeast Florida community with new roof installations, roofing repairs, roof replacements, solar panels, and hurricane shutters.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals

Methodology

The 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2017 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com

RT3 Member Owens Corning Named One of 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute

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Recognition Adds to Recent Company Distinctions for Excellence in Corporate Responsibility

TOLEDO, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

This marks the fourth consecutive year Owens Corning has been recognized with this honor. The company is one of only two honorees in the Construction and Building Materials industry, underscoring its commitment to leading with integrity and prioritizing ethical business practices. In 2021, the Ethisphere Institute honored 135 companies from 22 countries and 47 industries.

The Ethisphere Institute is a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

“Owens Corning is honored to again be recognized by the Ethisphere Institute for our uncompromising standards for ethical business practices,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Chambers. “Our inclusion on this distinguished list speaks to our company’s purpose and reflects the actions of our 19,000 employees who demonstrate the highest standards for integrity in serving our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.”

Methodology & Scoring

Grounded in Ethisphere’s Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. This year’s question set was expanded to gauge how applicants are adapting and responding to the global health pandemic; environmental, social and governance factors; safety; equity; and social justice.

Honorees

The complete list of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at: https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

Ethisphere Recognition Adds to Recent Company Distinctions

The Ethisphere recognition is one of several honors Owens Corning has earned for its corporate leadership this year. Additional recent distinctions include:

  • Earning Gold Class distinction from S&P Global, the organization’s highest honor for excellence in sustainability performance, for the eighth consecutive year. Owens Corning was the sole Gold Class awardee in the Building Products category. S&P Global is a leading provider of credit ratings, benchmarks and analytics in the global capital and commodity markets.
  • Ranking among the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations as recognized by Corporate Knights. Owens Corning placed #15 overall and earned the top spot for the Building Materials Industry Group. The ranking is based on publicly disclosed data spanning 24 key performance indicators for corporate environment, social, and governance (ESG) results. Based on the same data, the company also earned a place on the 2021 Clean200 list (published by Corporate Knights in partnership with As You Sow), which recognizes the world’s most significant publicly traded firms according to the size of clean revenue from products and services that provide solutions for the planet and define the clean energy future.
  • Debuting at #16 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Top 100 List of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership. The company is also #11 on the list of Green Power Partners from the Fortune 500®.
  • Earning a 17th-consecutive perfect score on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. The CEI is a key benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
  • Selection to the Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers of 2021. The company ranked #131 overall and #6 in the manufacturing industry category.
  • Inclusion on CDP’s A List for Climate Change for the fifth year in a row, and A List for Water for the second year in row, as well as recognition as a 2020 CDP Supplier Engagement Leader.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a global building and industrial materials leader. The company’s three integrated businesses are dedicated to the manufacture and advancement of a broad range of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composite materials. Leveraging the talents of 19,000 employees in 33 countries, Owens Corning provides innovative products and sustainable solutions that address energy efficiency, product safety, renewable energy, durable infrastructure, and labor productivity. These solutions provide a material difference to the company’s customers and make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, the company posted 2020 sales of $7.1 billion. Founded in 1938, it has been a Fortune 500® company for 66 consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.owenscorning.com.

RT3 Member Mycocycle Named to Startup Chicago Inaugural Class of Companies

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The company joins an elite group of promising startups that are based in the Chicago area.

(Bolingbrook, Illinois) January 20, 2021 – Mycocycle, Inc., a leader in using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste, was named to the inaugural class of companies for Startup Chicago.  Startup Chicago is a new startup growth program recently announced by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, and developed by ChicagoNEXT, and World Business Chicago to drive national venture capital (VC) investment for Chicago entrepreneurs.

“It is an honor to be highlighted as one of the most promising startups based in Chicago,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Mycocycle CEO. “We are excited about the opportunity to extend our reach while supporting economic development within our region.”

The initial startup database features over 100 local startup companies who are preparing for their next round of investments. The program’s goal is to connect regional and national venture capital firms and investors to explore investment opportunities in Chicago.

“As part of Startup Chicago, Mycocycle will benefit from the outreach and promotion including regional and national showcases that will allow the company to pitch directly to VC firms and investors outside of the state of Illinois,” explained Rodriguez.

Investors interested in exploring the official Startup Chicago database and learning more about exclusive virtual events can visit www.StartupChicago.net. Startup Chicago is supported by lead sponsor J.P. Morgan and William Blair, and sponsors Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the Toronto Stock Exchange & TSX Venture Exchange.

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2020 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, a presenter for NREL’s 2020 Industry Growth Forum, a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair, and the winner of the Cleantech Open National 2020 Resiliency Challenge.  Mycocycle has been named a 2021 Illinois Qualified New Business Venture under the Angel Investment Tax Credit Program. This program provides Illinois-based investors a state tax credit of 25 percent of their investment up to $2 million.

For more information visit www.mycocycle.com.