PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact:
Patricia L. Harman
Director of Standards & Communications
Phone: (301) 231-6505, ext. 28
Cell: 410-456-3700
pharman@restorationindustry.org

Restoration Industry Association Transfers
Certified Rug Specialist Certification to Association of Rug Care Specialists

ROCKVILLE, MD. January 4, 2012 – The Board of Directors of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has voted to transfer ownership and administration of its Certified Rug Specialist certification program to the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) effective January 5, 2012.

“Given the RIA’s focus on the restoration sector, our board unanimously agreed that it is in the best interests of the rug care industry to transition this program without cost from our organization to the Association of Rug Care Specialists,” said Timothy Shaw, RIA’s executive director. “We know the CRS will be in good hands with ARCS and we eagerly anticipate seeing the certification program grow under ARCS’ leadership.”

The CRS is the nation’s only certification program that focuses on the advanced technical study of Oriental and specialty rugs with an emphasis on the history of handmade rugs, rug identification, cleaning and repair techniques, and potential cleaning problems based on a rug’s origin and construction.  Successful candidates for the certification must participate in five days of intensive instruction, pass a two-part written examination, and write a paper on a topic relevant to the cleaning and repair of Oriental and specialty rugs.  An elite group of 65 rug care specialists in the United States currently hold the CRS certification.

Under the terms of the agreement, RIA will transfer to ARCS the rights to CRS trademarks, logos and pins, as well as the Industry Guide and Recommended Practice for Rug Cleaning Guide that is the basis for the certification program. All CRS records and intellectual property related to the certification will also be transferred to ARCS.

“We are grateful for the support of the RIA Board in making this transition a reality. Their decision is indicative of the cooperative spirit that exists between our two organizations,” said Bill Foulds, president of ARCS. “The bottom line is that this agreement will strengthen the rug care industry and further our association’s mission of educating rug care specialists and advancing the art and science of rug care.”

According to Foulds, the transition of the upper-level CRS certification program to ARCS enables the newly formed ARCS association to provide educational opportunities to all levels of rug care professionals.  The ARCS Education Committee recently completed instructor guides for both entry- level and intermediate-level courses.

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The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for restoration and cleaning. Its membership focuses on fire and smoke restoration, environmental remediation and contents restoration. More information is available on the RIA website:  www.restorationindustry.org.

The Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) is an international association dedicated to educating rug care professionals and advancing the art and science of rug care. Membership is open to any professional who cleans, repairs, services, or otherwise maintains area rugs, provided 95 percent of the work is conducted at an in-house plant and not subcontracted to another firm. Further information is available at www.rugcarespecialists.org.

RIA's New Glossary of Terms

Clear, concise communication relies on a common understanding of terms. Disagreement over word definitions in contracts, scopes of work, estimates, reports, and invoices leads to conflict that too often has to be resolved by legal proceedings.   Suppliers, insurance adjusters, consultants, clients, and contractors have, at times, spoken different languages. Similarly, regions of the country have adopted certain terms and definitions unfamiliar to industry participants in other areas. Today, our society is more litigious than ever and many restoration industry participants work coast-to-coast. Contractors, regardless of market, are learning new terms and different definitions for known terms. The importance of an accepted glossary of industry terminology has never been more important; because whenever two parties dispute the meaning of term, the one that has relied on an accepted standard definition has a far greater chance of prevailing.

RIA has developed a glossary of industry terms for purposes of establishing a common understanding of language to be used in contracts, scopes of work, estimates, reports, and invoices. The new interactive glossary of terms can be viewed by clicking here.

For a pdf version of the glossary, click here.

RIA Announces Certified Restorer Redevelopment Committee

By Cynthia Hereth, Director of Training & Certification

The RIA Board of Directors propelled the association toward the redesign and redevelopment of its flagship certification, the Certified Restorer^® (CR) with the formal launch and meeting of its CR Redevelopment Committee.

Committee members were selected from applications received from RIA’s rank and file membership and represent various aspects of the industry, from independent owners and franchisees, to newly certified CRs, seasoned CRs, consultants, educators and non-certified personnel.

“The CR Certification Program has been the pinnacle certification in our industry for many years. It is exciting to be a part of the process of building upon a great program for the 21st century Certified Restorer,” said Jack White, CR, WLS. “We expect the end results to be something that current CRs will be proud of, and future CRs will see that the benefits of the designation are worth the time, expense, and work. “

RIA's CR Redevelopment Committee members are:

·        Tom Barr, CR, Platinum Restoration, LLC

·        Scott Black, CR, WLS, Statewide Disaster Restoration

·        Charles Cassani, CR, SOS Consulting

·        Lisa Dickson, CR, Dayspring Restoration

·        Randy Rapp, Purdue University

·        John Rybski, CR, BELFOR

·        Chris Silliman, CR, First Restoration Services of Ashville, LLC

·        Sandi Taylor, Polygon

·        Jack White, CR, WLS, Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning

The Committee held their first meeting June 11 -13, 2011, with curriculum development specialist, Larue Coats Knudson. Work focused on redefining the body of knowledge as it relates to the 21^st Century Certified Restorer, segmenting it by “content domains.”  The Committee anticipates that it will take up to 12 months to fully define the CR/Restoration Body of Knowledge. The document will then be released to the industry for Peer Review with the intended goal of being a curriculum resource for industry professionals to develop courses as it relates to the CR training.

“I am encouraged that the process of developing the group’s opinions is sound, and the results so far do not contradict RIA’s and Purdue’s  2009 Body of Knowledge Survey  findings derived from mathematical analysis of responses of the 275 restoration professionals, which included 161 RIA certificants. When different approaches yield much of the same result, one gains confidence in the outcomes,” said Randy Rapp, Professor, Purdue University.

“The work of this Committee is  far-reaching and extensive and builds upon the work done by long-time industry great, Marty King,” said Cynthia Hereth, Director of Training and Certification, staff project manager for RIA’s CR redevelopment. “This is an extremely intelligent and gifted group of professionals and the end product will be dynamic.”

While the redevelopment of the overall CR curriculum will continue over the next 12 -18 months, RIA continues its CR Certification program with select modifications and upgrades for the next two years. Continuing to operate in its overall current format for 2011 and 2012, there will be necessary changes implemented to the instructional design due to the retirement of its primary instructor, Marty King.  The 2011 CR final Prep Course will be taught by three industry leaders: Reed Dow, CR, Norris Gearhart, CR and Ken Larsen, CR, WLS.

Those interested in pursuing their CR are encouraged to complete the process during the next two years, which will be termed the “grandfathering” period, prior to anticipated new requirements going into effect 2013 . For more information on applying for the CR Certification program, click here: http://www.restorationindustry.org/certification/certified-restorer or email chereth@restorationindustry.org. 

Press Release

For Immediate Release

May 6, 2011

Media Contact:

Patricia L. Harman,

Director of Communications

Restoration Industry Association

Office: 310.231.6505, ext. 28

Cell: 410.456.3700

pharman@restorationindustry.org

Restoration Industry Association Provides Evacuation

Checklist for Residents Impacted by Flooding

Rockville, Maryland – For individuals in the Midwest forced to evacuate due to rising flood waters, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) suggests taking these items:

• Health & homeowners insurance policies, wills, passports
• Family photos & irreplaceable mementos, camera (disposable, digital, video)
• Digital inventory CD of house and printout of contents
• Paper, pen, address book, emergency phone numbers (family, hospital, physicians)
• Wallet, checkbook, credit cards and cash
• Canned goods, can opener, peanut butter, protein bars, bouillon cubes, M.R.E.s, baby food
• Bottled water (1/2 gallon per person), water purification tablets
• Sharp knife, duct tape, small shovel, rope, work gloves, fix-a-flat, tarps, all-purpose tool
• Waterproof matches, lighter, fire extinguisher
• Radio, candles, flashlights, extra batteries 
• Pet supplies
• Toiletries – including hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine products, baby supplies, paper towels, trash bags
• First aid kit, general remedies (e.g., cold, antacids), medications & prescriptions, glasses
• Clothing – long pants/shirts/shorts/rain poncho, walking/working shoes, extra underwear and socks, jackets/sweaters 
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, folding chairs
• Laptop computer, cell phone, chargers & car chargers
• Medication & prescriptions
• Extra batteries
• Maps
• Children’s games, deck of cards
• If there is time, take photos of each room in the house or structure, paying particular attention to large items that are valuable and not easily moveable.  

“While this list of is not all-inclusive, it provides a good starting point under very difficult circumstances,” said RIA President, Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH. “RIA members know from experience how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.”

More disaster tips and what to do after a flooding emergency can be found on the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org under the “consumers” link.

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The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.

(Formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration)

Restoration Industry Association

12339 Carroll Avenue

Rockville, MD 20852

Media Alert

For Immediate Release

April 28, 2011

Media Contact:

Patricia L. Harman,

Director of Standards & Communications

Restoration Industry Association

Cell: 410.456.3700

Office: 301-231-6505 ext. 28

pharman@restorationindustry.org

RIA Offers Tips for After the Tornadoes and Storms

Atlanta, GA – With such a large area of the U.S. affected by the tornadoes and storms pummeling the country, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these tips for individuals now working on cleaning up in the aftermath:

§  Notify your insurance company of the loss.

§  Keep a notebook to track dates and times of conversations with individuals pertaining to your claim.

§  Save receipts for meals, hotels, toiletries, replacement clothing, prescriptions, etc.

§  Take photos of each room for future reference and insurance claims. This will provide a digital inventory of some visible contents.

§  If electrical appliances, including televisions and computers are damaged by water, do not turn them back on when power is restored. This can result in electric shock and/or do further damage to the appliance. Electronics can often be cleaned & restored by knowledgeable contractors.

§  Drywall, insulation and carpeting/padding impacted by rain will probably need to be removed and replaced.  

§  Beware of scammers offering restoration services. Check references and visit the Restoration Industry Association website – www.restorationindustry.org – to find a contractor.

§  Homeowners with appropriate insurance coverage may hire any restoration company they choose and are not limited to only those suggested by an insurer.

§  Wear heavy rubber gloves or work gloves and thick-soled shoes, preferably not tennis shoes since there can be exposed nails, glass and other sharp objects.

§  Wash your hands frequently – especially before touching your face or eating.

§  Avoid cross contamination – don’t wear dirty clothes or shoes to the clean or undamaged part of a structure.

§  Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

§  Don’t use bleach to disinfect since it is corrosive and can react with other substances. Use household disinfectants.

§  Open windows to ventilate the area. Open drawers and cabinets for interior drying, but don’t force them open.

§  Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.

§  Hard surfaces can be disinfected as well as some soft goods, depending on washability.

For clean up tips, information on hiring a contractor, and restoration & remediation in general, visit the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org and click on the Consumer link.

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3 The Restoration Industry Association has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.

Restoration Industry Association Announces 2011 Leaders

Columbia, MD – At its 66th Annual Leadership Summit and Industry Expo in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) announced its slate of officers and board members for 2011.

Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH, of First Restoration DKI, Inc. (Charlotte, NC), will continue to lead the association as RIA president for a second year. Wade Miller, CR, of Mitigation Services, Inc. (Brentwood, TN), will continue to serve under Headen as vice president. Samuel Bergman of Rolyn Companies, Inc. (Rockville, MD), has been elected as first vice president of the association, which is a new RIA officer position created this year.  Leo Volkert, CR, WLS, of Primo Clean Restoration Services (Lodi, CA) will serve as the association’s secretary. And continuing as the association’s treasurer is Michael Popowski of PBI Restoration Resources (Timonium, MD).

This year, two new advisory councils were formed and representatives from those councils, as well as RIA’s existing ones, were appointed to the Board of Directors. Les Cunningham of Business Networks (Walterville, OR), will serve as the director of the Individual Professionals Council and Ken Rothmel of Sunbelt Rentals (Fort Mill, SC), will represent the Vendor Council. Representing RIA’s existing councils are: Scott Stamper, CR, of Regency Construction (Clinton Township, MI) – Restoration Council; Scott Mullis, CR, WLS, of Epic Response (Acworth, GA) – Environmental Council; and Warner Cruz, CR, of J.C. Restoration, Inc./DKI (Rolling Meadows, IL) – Contents Council.

          “RIA is expanding the breadth and depth of our board so that every segment of our membership has a voice at the highest level,” said Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH. “I am honored to serve with this group of leaders during this next year.”

RIA Recognizes Professional with Certified Water Loss Specialist Certification

          Columbia, MD – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) recently recognized Steven Bingham of Dow Columbia with the Water Loss Specialist^SM (WLS) certification during its induction and awards ceremony at its recent convention in Colorado Springs, CO.

This is the highest recognition awarded in the cleaning and restoration industry to professionals engaged in water loss restoration. The WLS certification emphasizes high levels of professionalism and training in water damage, drying and restoration, microbial remediation, and health and safety.  

“A candidate achieving the Water Loss Specialist certification has completed a rigorous course of study, passed an exam with a score of 80% or higher, and submitted a formal report and research paper – so this is no small accomplishment,” said Pete Consigli, CR, WLS, the WLS certification advisor.

          A full listing of all individuals holding the Water Loss Specialist certification is available on RIA’s website, www.restorationindustry.org. 

RIA Recognizes Firms with Phoenix Awards for Restoration & Reconstruction

Mellon Certified Restoration and Alliance Disaster Kleenup Take Top Honors

Colorado Springs, CO – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has presented its highest honors for innovation in restoration and reconstruction to two member firms. The Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize achievement in the areas of restoration and reconstruction. Winning projects exemplify the complement of skills required to return a project to pre-loss condition.

Mellon Certified Restoration of Yeadon, Pa., won the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration for its work on a 234,000 square foot school that suffered a fire from the 30-foot artificial Christmas tree located in the building’s rotunda.  

With the fire quickly contained, damage to the Milton Hershey School’s rotunda remained extensive. The Rotunda comprises 11,000 square feet of floor space, is 74 feet high and has 1,550 tons of Vermont marble on the walls and floors. Working under a tight turnaround period of only 14 days, the crews sacrificed spending the holidays with their families to clean and restore building contents, along with 13 HVAC systems and the 74-foot high rotunda ceiling.

Expressing his gratitude for being chosen as the winner for this award, President and owner, Jim Mellon, says, “Over the many years of my involvement with RIA, I have always dreamed of winning this coveted and prestigious industry award and it is an overwhelming honor to have been selected!”  

Alliance Disaster Kleenup (ADK) of Northbrook, Ill., won the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Reconstruction for its work at one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in Chicago, The Off the Street Club.

Seventy mph winds led to the collapse of the building’s 100-year-old timber roof structure, scattering debris across the city. The fire suppression systems became dislodged and unleashed thousands of gallons of water into the building. On site within an hour, ADK recognized that a frame and a tarp roof would not withstand the continuous heavy rains and wind gusts. ADK worked quickly to create a temporary roof structure that allowed them to stabilize the roof and begin mitigating the damage, inventorying and removing contents, and drying the building.

President Justin Tubero says, “We are humbled and proud to be honored in such a way that allows our organization of dedicated and hard working individuals, to be recognized for the extraordinarily high level of service that we provide to our community and clients.” ADK is thrilled to be ranked with other elite restoration contractors and companies that have also won this prestigious award in the past.

The awards were presented at the 66^th Annual RIA Convention and Exhibition in Colorado Springs, Colo. Since its inception in 1996, the competition has recognized only 21 firms with this honor.

The deadline for submission of projects for the 2012 award will be December 15, 2011. For more information on the competition and entry requirements, contact the Restoration Industry Association at 443-878-1000 or visit www.restorationindusty.org.

(Note to editors: Project and awards photos available upon request.)

RIA Announces 2011 Golden Quill Award Winner

Columbia, MD – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) awarded its prestigious 2011 Golden Quill award to Patrick Moffett, REA, CHMM, of Environmental Management and Engineering in Huntington Beach, Calif., for his two-part series on removing skunk odors and residues from buildings and contents.

Presented annually at the RIA Convention and Exhibition, the articles are reviewed by a panel of judges who present the award based on the degree of usefulness of the information to readers; the composition and clarity of the article; and the style or personality conveyed by the author. Only articles written by RIA members and submitted to Cleaning & Restoration (C&R) magazine during the previous year are eligible for award consideration.

          “RIA is fortunate to have many extremely knowledgeable members who are willing to share their expertise with our readers,” said Editor-in-Chief Patricia Harman. “Nine articles were eligible for consideration this year and the competition was extremely close, but that just serves to illustrate the quality of the articles submitted.”

          Cleaning & Restoration magazine has won 18 awards for editorial and design excellence over the last seven years.

For more information on the Restoration Industry Association, visit www.restorationindustry.org.