2025: A Landmark Year for the RIA!
As we wrap up an incredible 2025, it’s time to celebrate the wins that are moving the needle for restorers everywhere. We’ve stayed true to our mission of strengthening the restoration profession through our three core pillars: ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, and ELEVATE.
From the statehouse to the job site, here are just SOME of the ways we made an impact this year and a sneak peek at the momentum building for 2026!
ADVOCATE: Protecting Your Rights
Our Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) team has been on the front lines, ensuring the restorer's voice is heard by lawmakers and carriers alike.
- Legislative Wins: We successfully protected emergency services in New Jersey (A551) by securing language that allows consumers to waive the right to cancel for critical work. In Texas (HB 4169), we worked directly with bill sponsors to shut down and revise harmful legislation.
- Global Reach & Data: We launched the first-ever Canadian Position Statement on Prompt Pay and released the 2nd Cost of Doing Business Report to provide restorers with vital financial benchmarks.
- Industry Collaboration: We partnered with the IICRC and AIHA to provide services to the California DOI Wildfire Task Force and established a Carrier Representative Task Force to update the RIA’s ethics code.
- Looking to 2026: Get ready to use your voice! Our Advocacy Action Hub by VoterVoice platform is live for grassroots action. Please log in to learn more and follow us as we await the NAICS decision.
EDUCATE: Sharpening the Profession
Knowledge is power, and this year we focused on delivering high-impact tools to keep your team safe and compliant.
- Major Resource Update: The long-awaited RIA Asbestos Guide for the Restoration Industry (and a companion OSHA-compliant 2-hour course) is launching in early 2026.
- Member Toolkit: We released critical new guides, including How to Avoid Accidental Adjusting, AOB FAQs, and Tips for Homeowners After a Disaster—now available in Spanish and French Canadian.
- Future-Proofing: RIA has adopted a new Ethical and Responsible AI Use Policy and formed a New Emerging Technologies Task Force to align industry data standards.
- Apply Today: Nominations are now open for the Voice of the Independent Task Force—we want you involved!
ELEVATE: Strengthening Our Identity
We are officially in all 50 states! The restoration profession has never been stronger or more connected.
- Growth by the Numbers: We welcomed 542 new members this year and added four major Enterprise partners, Guardian Restoration, 360 Fire and Flood, Contents Recovery Specialists, and Renewal Claims Specialists.
- Member Savings: Our Affinity Program expanded with 7 new partners (including Lowe’s and Tramex Meters), bringing you exclusive member-only discounts.
- The Big Stage: The RIA Convention & Expo saw a 26% increase in attendance with a sold-out expo hall. Our AGA Regional Events also hit record-breaking attendance in 2025, thank you, ATI Restoration, McCabe Restoration, and Thomasville Restoration.
- Coming in 2026: Get ready for an even bigger Convention & Expo with new pre-convention workshops and group registration discounts (3 or more!).
What’s Next?
We aren’t slowing down. With new regional events scheduled at PuroClean, Tobin Restoration, and Mooring Restoration, 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet.
Make sure to register for the Convention in Savannah, GA, to celebrate 80 years of RIA, April 27-29.
Ready to get involved?
Apply for the Pete Consigli Scholarship
Submit for the Phoenix Award for Innovation
Thank you for being part of the RIA family. Let’s keep elevating this industry together!