For Immediate Release

Contact: John Tenorio
J. Arthur & Associates 661/294-6204

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS MEANS TAKING CARE OF THE KIDS

ORANGE, CA - 03/29/02 - The Union Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) is looking out for more than leaking roofs. Their recent $1,000 donation to CASBO (California Association of School Business Officials) is making a real difference in many Southern California school districts.

URCA was one of three Associate Members of CASBO's Southern Section to make the annual Scholarship Fund possible again this year. "This is not the first time they [URCA] have been involved," said Pam Fees, past president formerly responsible for the CASBO scholarship program. "We accept scholarship donations from anyone, but it has been the associate members who come through strong," she continued. "They [URCA] believe in the organization and our scholarship programs because they work with these members."

Phil Brittain, president elect of the CASBO Southern Section, commented, "The scholarships are awarded to good people who will help do a better job for our children and schools. More professionalism will help our overall product, education, and our dealings with businesses and outside organizations such as URCA."

Three recipients were selected from over 600 eligible CASBO Southern Section members. They were selected by the Scholarship Committee, comprised of three past presidents. The recipients are: Sheree Green, Fiscal Services Manager with the L.A. Unified School District; David Brusius, Materials Coordinator with the Las Virgenes Unified School District; and Paul Smith, Director of Purchasing for the Compton Unified School District.

Sheree Green was thankful for the recognition of her personal achievement record, while Paul Smith perhaps summed it up best, saying, "As much as the education for the kids is important, it's vital that the [school] facilities are taken care of as well…this enables the education staff to teach the kids." Smith added, "If they have to worry about the business end AND the education, someone usually gets shortchanged – and it's generally the kids."

Both Green and Smith are enrolled in the USC School Business Management Program, while Brusius is working on his Bachelor of Arts Degree through Cal State Northridge. The recipients were awarded their scholarships at a special luncheon during the CASBO Spring Workshop at the Sheraton Suites Fairplex on March 1st.

In an unexpected presentation, Ron Johnston, URCA executive director, and Rich Owen of Aurora Modular Industries, were honored for their outstanding work as associate members on behalf of the organization. "It was a pleasant surprise," said Johnston, who works closely with CASBO on pertinent issues and concerns.

The mission of the Union Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) is to promote public awareness of the value of hiring union roofing contractors. This value is achieved by URCA members' dedication to quality construction, utilizing highly trained and skilled employees and adhering to the highest standards of professional integrity.

For additional information contact Ron Johnston, Executive Director, at (tel) 714-628-3916; (fax) 714-628-3927; (email) rjohnstonurca@aol.com; www.unionroofingcontractors.org. URCA offices are located at 2914 East Katella Avenue, Suite 202, Orange, California 92867.