Thursday, November 10, 2011

CRA represented YOU (CRA Members) at the PLRB Regional Adjusters Conference

O.P., Jennifer, and Jim represented CRA Members at the PLRB Regional Adjusters Conference, September 8-9 at the Sacramento Convention Center. The booth was funded through sponsorships by COIT, Allied Restoration, FRSTeam, and the Restoration CleanUp Company. The event was a success, full of valuable networking opportunities.

From PLRB - November 2011
Left to right:
O.P., President of CRA and owner of Allied Restoration
Jennifer Germond, CRA Member Services Coordinator
Jim Holland, CRA Executive Director


From PLRB - November 2011
CRA Members who attended PLRB:
Restoration CleanUp Company, Anderson Group, Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network, FRST Team, The Garment Restoration Company, PW Stephens, JM Environmental, Allied Restoration, and 888-4-Abatement


Please give a big Thank You to CRA's PLRB Sponsors!




Monday, October 31, 2011

Asbestos Testing in Your Home

Check out this video in which CRA President, O.P. Almaraz, explains the importance of lead testing in the remediation process.

Friday, October 14, 2011

IICRC Launches New Brand

IICRC Launches New Brand
Organization Changes its Name to The Clean Trust

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) October 14, 2011 - The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announced today the change of its name to The Clean Trust at the fall 2011 Meeting & Instructors Symposium. Along with the new name, a new, updated, branding campaign will be rolled out in the coming year.

"The Clean Trust lets people know exactly what we do, in a business-like, technical, professional way. We train. We set the standards. We certify. We vouch for a technician's ability and professionalism and thereby ease our customer's worries and concerns," said Paul Pearce, The Clean Trust Chairman "Although the acronym of the IICRC also had a meaning; it wasn't as direct and easy to understand."

The Clean Trust's focus on cleaning, restoration and inspection, its three core areas of expertise, will remain the same as the IICRC. Additionally, the certification and standards on which the IICRC has built its reputation will remain at the core of the organization. The Clean Trust will continue as an ANSI Standard Development Organization (SDO) and pursue the development of standards for the industry as a whole, aiming to provide the most up to date education for its registrants.

"The leadership discussed at length the benefits of a name change and ultimately decided that it was in the best interest of our registrants to move forward with a new name," continued Pearce. "The name, The Clean Trust, reflects our mission to identify and promote an international standard of care that establishes and maintains the health, safety and welfare of the built environment."

The Clean Trust signifies the expansion and growth of the IICRC. For almost 40 years, the IICRC has built a strong reputation within the cleaning, restoration and inspection industry, but there has been an unclaimed opportunity to gain momentum with other audiences, particularly the general public. The change to The Clean Trust name provides additional marketing opportunities for the organization to continue to propel its growth.

Materials with the new name and an updated design will gradually rollout through the next year. Available now for registrants and Certified Firms are new ID cards, a general overview brochure, patches, and decals. An introductory video will also be shown during training courses. In the coming months, the organization will provide updated standards covers, trade show booth, newsletter and website.

For more information, please contact The Clean Trust headquarters at (360) 693-5675, or visit the current website ( www.iicrc.org) to review the list of frequently asked questions regarding the new brand.




About The Clean Trust

The Clean Trust, formally known as The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), is an ANSI-accredited standards setting body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, The Clean Trust currently represents more than 5,700 Certified Firms and 54,000 Certified Technicians in 22 countries. The Clean Trust, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. The Clean Trust does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by The Clean Trust. The Clean Trust also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Welcome to Our New Members!

We are glad to have you aboard.

1st Restoration, Inc.
red carpet
ABATIX, Phoenix branch
ACCM, Inc.
Askdickwagner.com
Bob's Cleaning Service, Inc.
Carpet Cops  
Celco Construction  
Clean-Tec Restoration
Coastline Environmental Solutions
COIT Las Vegas
JCMH Consulting
JFS Construction Group, Inc.
KS International
Net Claims Now
One Source Restoration
Rainbow International of Tucson, AZ
Reets Drying Systems, LLC
Ross Brothers Construction 
Scholte Plumbing Co.
ServiceMaster by A-Town Hi-Tech
Sunshine Floors Restoration

CRA at Connections

What a great Connections Convention this year for the CRA! The positive energy of our members was contagious and lent to the feeling of great things to come for our association.

There was a nice turn out for our Annual Member Meeting held on Sept. 8th. Leo Grover, although unable to make the tradeshow this year, was honored with a plaque thanking him for his time and efforts as CRA President. O.P. Almaraz was officially appointed as the new CRA President and spoke of his focus on education saying it is the "key component to be successful".

Thank you to our sponsors, Abatix, Allied Restoration, and Excel Restoration, for hosting the annual CRA Suite Party. What a great time!

—Written by your CRA Member Services Coordinator, Jennifer Germond


CRA Hospitality Event at Connections 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

It's Almost Renewal Time

To get a head start on membership renewals this year, we're offering a special promotion for companies that were CRA members in 2011.

 Renew your CRA membership for 2012 & receive your choice of the IICRC S500 or S520 Standard FREE ($130 value)!

Download the Early Renewal Form

* This offer is available to fully paid Annual CRA Memberships ($360.00) only. Branch memberships are not eligible for the free Standard offer. Renewals must be received on or before Dec. 1, 2011, and must be payment for the full 2012 year. Standard of choice will be sent to the same address as Membership Certificate via USPS at no additional charge. This offer is good while supplies last, and is available only to current 2011 CRA Members.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

A Marketing Tip from Steve Marsh

While Jeff Cross and Steve Marsh were in Sacramento last week for the Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques course, Jeff asked Steve to share a marketing tip on camera.



Watch the video for an informative marketing tip that could help your business grow.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Jeff Cross and Steve Marsh Teach Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques

CRA sponsored a new course last week, Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques, taught by Jeff Cross and Steve Marsh. The course focused on marketing techniques geared specifically toward cleaning and restoration firms.



Jeff Cross is the senior editor of CM/Cleanfax magazine. He has more than 20 years of experience in the carpet and furniture cleaning industry, and is the former owner of a successful carpet, furniture and disaster restoration firm.

Steve has written and developed "The Competition-Free Marketing Program". Steve teaches and speaks not from theory, but from his 30 years of experience as the president of Magic Wand Services,Inc. a highly successful and profitable residential carpet and upholstery cleaning business located in California's Silicon Valley.

Steve Marsh is also a CRA Board Member.

The course was interactive and the instructors did a great job of keeping the students engaged. CRA hopes to hold more courses like this in the future.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Northern and Southern Regional Meetings

CRA is now accepting registration forms for both the Northern California and Southern California Regional Meetings.

CRA Members & Non-Members Welcome!


Southern Regional Meeting
Thursday, August 4th, 2011
10:00am-1:00pm

Abatix
10051 Painter Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA

Presenter: Ross Driscoll, CR of National E and S Insurance Brokers, Inc. & Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance Agency, Inc.
Topics of Discussion:
• Additional insured’s and the differences between them. Done improperly, this can put a GC out of business.
• Coverage gaps most restorers are unaware of
• Claims vs. Occurrence
• Market pricing cycles for the restoration industry

Pricing:
CRA Members: $ 20
Non-Members: $ 35
Includes lunch

More Information

Download Registration Form



Nothern CA Regional Meeting
Wednesday, Aug. 10th, 2011
8:00am-12:00pm

Restoration Consultants
3284 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA

Presenter: Rod Hoff, Thermography Instructor

Learn:
• the Science of Infrared Technology
• the Application of infrared to moisture investigations
• Hands-on Training (sponsored by Fluke)

Pricing:
CRA Members: $ 40.00
Non-Members: $ 75.00
Registrants Receive FREE Fluke Thermography book ($25 value)

More Information
Download Registration Form

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Summer Membership Drive

Semi-Annual Membership pricing started at the beginning of the month making the rest of the 2011 year $180.00 (+ one time app. fee of $40) to join. Members: Make sure to add your company name to the Referred by" line on the Membership Drive form and earn a free 2012 renewal membership*. If you would like to participate and need additional CRA Membership Benefit information, contact Jennifer at jgermond@crassociation.org.

* $50 off your 2012 membership per referred membership received. If 7 of your referrals become members, your 2012 renewal is only $10!

It's Easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Download the Membership Drive Form

  2. Add your company name to the "Referred by" line

  3. Hand out the Membership Drive Forms to your cleaning and restoration related contacts! You'll get $50 off your membership fee for every new member that you refer.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques August 5th in Sacramento

CRA is excited to announce our first ever marketing seminar with Jeff Cross.

Jeff Cross, senior editor of Cleanfax magazine, is bringing a fantastic, high-level marketing seminar to the Sacramento, CA area on Friday, August 5.

Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques
Specifically for the carpet cleaning, disaster restoration
and contract cleaning industries.

Where:

Restoration Consultants classroom
3284 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916)736-1100

When:
Friday, August 5, 2011 Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Details:
This event qualifies for 1 IICRC continuing education credit!
Cost is $249 per person, $149 each additional/same company

We will show you how to:
• Get top position with Google, and make the search engines find your company first!
• Utilize the Internet to your marketing advantage
• Write press releases to promote your company
• Build your newsletter and referral program
• Master the art of “cold calling” for new customers
• Build the best website that attracts customers
• Write ad copy that brings in the best customers and much, much more!

Bonus! Each attendee will receive a USB flash drive that contains all types of videos, books, forms, presentations, and much more.

More information

Download the registration form (PDF)

Questions about Registration? Please call Jennifer at 916-736-1100, x310 or email jgermond@crassociation.org. You can also reach Jeff Cross at jcross@ntpmedia.com.

Member Spotlight:: Property Restoration Services


Property Restoration Services division of DMC Construction is helping raise money for the American Red Cross of Monterey Bay! For each new "like" they get on their Facebook page, they will donate $1 to their local American Red Cross.

Property Restoration Services is a 24-hour rapid response team standing ready to assist day or night when disaster strikes. We handle everything from water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation to smoke removal, professional cleaning, area deodorizing and complete property restoration. Covering the Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz County, we’re there when you need us, restoring life when disaster strikes.

Help raise money for the Red Cross by getting social with Property Restoration Services. While you're at it, be sure to "like" CRA's Facebook page as well!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Plan Ahead! Connections Convention Las Vegas happens September 7-9

The 2011 CONNECTIONS Convention and Trade Show is returning to the Las Vegas Hilton on September 7, 8 & 9, 2011 and will again feature THE EXPERIENCE - the industry's biggest and best interactive, hands-on trade show event, featuring all the industry's best and brightest.

Don't miss your chance to see, try out and learn about all of the latest and most advanced equipment, tools and procedures available in our industry today. You’ll discover new research, the most up-to-date information and useful tools to help distance your company from the competition and provide you with the education and opportunities you need to grow your business.


Stop by the CRA booth and attend a special hospitality event for members (details to come).

Register Today or Join CRA to receive $100 off the CONNECTIONS Convention in Las Vegas!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Central California Cleaning Supply hosts CRA's WRT course

This week's WRT course (May 4-6, 2011) is being held at Central California Cleaning Supply in North Highlands, CA. The course is being taught by Jim Holland.

WRT at Central California Cleaning Supply


WRT at Central California Cleaning Supply


WRT at Central California Cleaning Supply


The WRT course (Water Damage Restoration Technician with Drying Contaminated Buildings) is a unique three-day program that concentrates on drying structures without spreading contaminants. This course incorporates all the information from the IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT) exam with an adaptation for contamination. This training provides restorers with valuable decision making skills when deciding to proceed with a job that has limited or no mold insurance coverage. Being able to continue on a water-loss without delays limits microbial growth which in turn reduces the cost of remediation, ALE and business interruption. Insurance companies will be more likely to hire restorers that can provide prompt cost-saving services which give your company a marketing advantage.

Visit the CRA website for upcoming training & events.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

So-Cal Regional Meeting - Speaker: "The Restoration Lawyer" Ed Cross

Southern California Regional Meeting
May 26th 2011
Location: Abatix Corp., 10051 Painter Ave
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
10:30am-2:00pm
*CRA Members & Non-Members Welcome*


The Cleaning and Restoration Association would like to invite you to our Southern California Regional Meeting on Thursday May 26th for a 2.5 hour presentation by Ed Cross, the "Restoration Lawyer." Lunch will be provided.


CUTTING EDGE LEGAL STRATEGIES FOR THE RESTORATION PROFESSIONAL
By Edward H. Cross, Esq.

A lively, interactive look into new legal issues that have arisen in the restoration industry and innovative strategies to avoid them, including:

*Aggressive collevtion strategies
*How to turn up the heat on a customer who pockets insurance proceeds
*Strategies for getting mortgage companies to release insurance drafts
*Contract drafting to help you get paid and keep you out of court
*Mold Litigation: alive, dormant or dead?
*New regulations for Mechanic's Lien procedures
*Risk Management in the New Age of Restoration

...and much more!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Upcoming WRT Course - May 4th-6th 2011

Join us May 4th-6th for the Water Damage Restoration Technician course - we are holding this course at a NEW location!!






The WRT Course is a unique three-day program that concentrates on drying structures without spreading contaminants. This course incorporates all the information from the IICRC Water Restoration Technician (WRT) exam with an adaptation for contamination. This training provides restorers with valuable decision making skills when deciding to proceed with a job that has limited or no mold insurance converge. Being able to continue on a water-loss without delays limits its microbial growth which in turn reduces the cost of remediation, ALE and business interruption. Insurance companies will be more likely to hire restorers that can provide prompt cost-saving services which give your company a marketing advantage.

Regular Registration:....................................................$445/person
Early Registration (14 days prior):............................ $395/person
CRA Member Regular Registration:.......................... $395/person
CRA Member Early Registration (14 days prior).....$345/person

Continuing Education Credits: AmlAQC 21 CE Credits; IICRC Either 2 Cleaning/Restoration or 1 Mold CEC


Course being held at a NEW LOCATION:
Central California Cleaning Supply
3487 Orange Grove, Unit D
North Highlands, CA 95660

Monday, March 21, 2011

CRA's Northern California Regional Meeting - MARCH 25th!

CRA's Northern California Regional Meeting
Date: March 25th
Time: 8:30am - 1:00pm
Location: 3284 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827

**Lunch Included**

The Cleaning and Restoration Association is putting on a Regional Meeting as a half-day workshop. At this workshop you will learn valuable marketing and business development skills and tips to improve your company's profits.

Learn how to:

-Turn your staff into a Championship Team
-Take your business from invisible to Successful
-Blast through any sales objection with ease and confidence
-Change a negative perspective in 30 seconds or less

PRICING:
CRA Members $20 per person
NON-Members $35 per person
Click Below to Register:

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

CRA's Trauma Scene Clean-Up Course - FULL!

Trauma Scene Clean-Up - Class FULL!!
Instructor: Kent Berg
Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA
Date: January 24th-26th 2011

Monday, January 10, 2011

CRA's Newest Member Update!

CRA would like to introduce our newest members:

Shawn Abhababian with Coit Services, Inc.
Sharon Brady with Construction 911, Inc.
Tiffany and Brett Lawton with Lawton Construction.
Aleshia Chambers with Servpro of Napa County.
Ivo Eduardo Villegas with Bio-Hazard Techs.
Jacqueline Sutton with Orly's Draperies & Interiors, Inc.
Phil Roberts with Bartwood Construction.
Rudy Benavidez with Air Clean Environmental, Inc.
Rick Walker with Water Damage Recovery.
Edward Riley with Tahoe Mold & Water.
Meladee Gardells with Kern Special Services, Inc.

Thank you to all of our Members. We are happy to have you as a part of our team!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Business Plans vs. Strategic Plans

Business Plans vs. Strategic Plans - by Karen Wells

The first thing a business owner usually says to me is "I need a business plan." Most often, this is not actually the case. The business owner generally has a misunderstanding of what a business plan will do for them. A business plan is usually a beginning point in requesting capital from government grants, bank loans or private investors. If your business is in need start up capital or expansion capital, then you will definitely need a business plan. However, if the business is self-funded, then creating a business plan is a daunting task which is generally a waste of time.

What these business owners actually need is a strategic plan. Business plans are concept-based wherein strategic plans are activity-based. The strategic planning process we use at Success in Sneakers is called Business Success Mapping. After examining the process used in a multitude of business, we suggest using a one-page strategic plan that covers a span of 5 years. Anything more than 5 years is difficult for the business owner and core team to mentally digest and set with clarity. The idea is to gain clarity and determine exactly the activities that need to be done on a yearly, quarterly and daily basis.

Business Success Mapping is like a GPS system for your business. To best explain this concept, think about using a GPS systems in your car. When you get in the car, you turn on the GPS device, which bounces a signal to a satellite and pinpoints your exact location. You then enter your destination into the device. The device calculates the best route to get you from where you are to where you want to be. In driving, we also know the shortest route in mileage is not always the shortest route in travel time. A Business Success Map will allow you to pinpoint where you are in your business, where you want to be, and the exact activities that will need to be done on a daily basis to ensure you will reach your 5 year goal.

Each activity is assigned to a person, with the resources and timeline for completion. Accountability is then held by way of daily huddles and weekly team meeting. The meetings and generally facilitated by a business mentor or manager. They serve as the "GPS lady" to get you back on track when you've missed a turn, turned the wrong direction, or just simply need to step on the gas in order to reach your destination on time.

White business plans are not necessary for every business, operating your business without a solid Business Success Map can be the equivalent of playing Russian roulette. As business owners, we invest too much time, money and energy into being successful. We have a responsibility to our employees, vendors, family and community to ensure we are doing the right things in our businesses. A business without an action plan is a business that actively plans to fail.

Stay tuned for upcoming webinar and workshop information!

By Karen Wells
Success In Sneakers