ICRA Response to Hurricane Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October, 30, 2012

Restoration Association Response to Hurricane Sandy
The International Cleaning and Restoration Association (ICRA) has created a consumer website to help property owners recover from flood waters as a result of Hurricane Sandy and to help understand the restoration process. 

When returning to your home after a natural disaster, you need to be alert to various health and safety hazards that might exist. Flood waters can contain sewage related organisms, chemicals, organic and non organic soils and debris. As water remains in contact with your home and contents, molds can begin to grow. Animals and insects can present additional problems. Power to your home may or may not have been shut off. Electrical hazards are a major concern when working in a wet damp environment. If you have gas fired appliances that are operating, combustion gases may not be properly vented from the structure and can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. For more information on how to restore your home after a flood, protecting yourself from electrical hazards, personal hygiene during flood cleanup, food and water safety go to www.aboutrestoration.com/?page_id=111.

To learn more about restoration and disaster preparedness, go to www.aboutrestoration.com

To find local qualified International Cleaning and Restoration professionals, go to www.icrassociation.org/find

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About the International Cleaning and Restoration Association

The International Cleaning and Restoration Association is a nonprofit organization of cleaning and restoration firms serving the United States and Canada.

Experience Events, LLC formed by the original founders of Connections Events and ICRA Announces New Conventions called “The EXPERIENCE” with 2 shows to be held in 2013

Denver, CO — Experience Events, LLC announced that it will hold cleaning and restoration conventions and trade shows in 2013.  Experience Events, LLC was formed by the original founders of Connections Events and the International Cleaning and Restoration Association (ICRA) to bring advanced training and education to the programs along with the largest trade shows in the industry.

The newly founded conventions and trade shows, The Experience will be managed and produced by Jennifer Wilkinson who previously held a similar position with Connections Events. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience producing, directing and managing conventions and trade shows.  Ms. Wilkinson said that "A new convention committee is being formed from a partnership including ICRA, Industry Instructors and Textile Consultants.  The committee will work on a new platform of education utilizing a combination of written materials, classroom training and hands on demonstration.  The hands-on demonstrations will be expanded and used to further research, teach and instruct how to apply what is learned in the classroom.  We are really excited to bring The EXPERIENCE to the industry and look forward to working with all areas of the industry."

The trade shows will feature the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, educators, associations, organizations and others who provided goods and services to the cleaning and restoration industry.  The show will feature carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, area rug cleaning, hard surface floor cleaning, sealing and restoration, inspections, water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, trauma scene clean-up, duct cleaning, maintenance type services, basic construction practices, business management, and marketing, training in operations and services and sales training.  The goal of these conventions and trade shows is to offer tools and training that individuals and businesses can immediately incorporate into their businesses for growth and greater profits.

"The Experience" shows are scheduled April 18, 19 and 20, 2013 on the beach in Clearwater Beach Florida, and Las Vegas Nevada September 4, 5 and 6, 2013.  

Craig Kersemeir, President of ICRA stated, "'The Experience' will include advanced training modules from ICRA in cleaning and restoration.   ICRA will offer these programs at both locations annually.”  

For more information go to: www.experiencetheevents.com or call at 888-881-1001 x10. 

CRA’s 1st Annual NorCal Golf Tournament a success!!

With over 20 foursomes consisting of cleaning and restoration companies as well as property managers and adjusters, the tournament held on October 5^th at Eagle Vines Vineyards and Golf Club proved to be a success.  From pretzels to barbequed hot links and Sloppy Joe sandwiches, to root beer floats, tequila shots, and wine tasting, golfers were wined and dined by hole sponsors as they meandered through the beautiful Napa Valley course.  After the game, players gathered for cocktails and the Awards ceremony in which 1^st,, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners were given prizes such as Odyssey Putters and bottles of Vezer ’07 Cabernet wine in lieu of trophies.

Winners of CRA’s 1^st Annual NorCal Golf Tournament are as follows:

First Place

Easton Construction

               Andrew Easton, Josh Diaz, Jeff Cole, Ken Maghuyop

Second Place

SRI

               Joe Baughman, Lynda Shain, Brock Emanuel, Dillon Emanuel

Third Place

American Claims

               Greig Merritt, Jeff Conrad, Michelle Kaufman

Closest to the Pin Contest Winners

Hole #6:  Vin C - 3’ 2”

Hole #8:  Josh Diaz – 23’ 6”

Hole #12:  Jerry Thosen – 4’ 11”

Hole #15:  Ken Mayhoye – 4’

Longest Drive Contest

Hole #3:  Chris Larsen – 330 yds.

Hole #14:  Randy Raulerson – 340 yds.

Having only a few months to pull our first tournament together, and having had it turn out as it did, has us excited for next year’s tournament on September 27^th, 2013 at the same venue:  Eagle Vines.  We plan on selling out the next tournament quickly and are anxious to once again organize this great event now that we have this experience to build from.

For those of you who are interested in participating, either as a golfer or sponsor, in CRA’s 2^nd NorCal Golf Tournament on Sept 27, 2013, please contact us at 916-736-1100, x302 or email us at jgermond@crassociation.org so that we are able to notify you of the details when the time comes.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to once again thank all of our sponsors and volunteers for their tremendous support and efforts in making this tournament a success:

Our Major Sponsors:

Eclipse Marketing and Insurance Services

CAL-Inc.

As well as:

National E&S

Zebra Restoration

PODS Storage Mobility of CA

MasterCleaners

Dryco

JCMH Consulting

Paul Davis Restoration, North Bay

Titan Environmental Solutions

TexCare

Abatix

FRSTeam by Custom Commercial

Assured Relocation

Crouse & Associates Insurance Services

P.W. Stephens Environmental, Inc.

Easton Construction Group, Inc.

The Garment Restoration Company

CRDN of the Greater Bay Area

And a special thanks to our volunteers:

Lynsey Camara of PuroClean Home Rescue

Marie Borders of Renew Systems

Trey Mudge of Oakwood Construction

Michelle Windsor of CRDN Greater Bay Area

& Joe Baughman of SRI

Thank you, also, to those who worked on the golf committee:

Rose Miller of Servpro of Rancho Cordova

& Jon Aronson of P.W. Stephens

Thank you all.  We could not have done this without you.

Southern California Regional Meeting “Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects”

The Cleaning and Restoration Association held it's Southern California Regional Meeting on Tuesday, September 25th. James A. Mosier, Restoration Industry Expert Witness & Consultant, gave a presentation on “Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects.” Participants learned about common mistakes made in performing water damage and mold remediation projects regarding contracts, insurance, and usual and customary care practices.

James Mosier has over 16 years experience as an approved Superior Court and Federal Court Expert Witness for the restoration industry, and has inspected and or consulted on over 300 cases to date.

Lunch was provided by Patriot Environmental Lab Services, Inc.

CRA Welcomes New Board Members

The CRA would like to thank those members who participated in the election of our new board members. The following members include newly elected and recently appointed CRA BOD members:

Newly Elected BOD Members

Bill Weber
Steve Marsh
Bruce White

Recently Appointed BOD Members

Mike Morris
Barry Costa
Gabe Whitney

Current BOD Members

O.P. Almaraz
Don Banister
Gabe Matthews
Lynsey Camara
Nick DeLuca

CRA Board Members are elected for a 3 year term. On occasion, we have added board members to help expand into other geographic areas and to fill vacant seats.

According to our bylaws, the Board of Directors will meet to determine which board members will constitute the Executive Committee for 2013. The next BOD elections will be held in September 2013 and will take place at the CRA Annual Membership Meeting.

CRA at Connections this Week

CRA's President, O.P. Almarez, gives a quick tour of the Connections Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, in case you missed it this year.

SoCal Regional Meeting Rescheduled for September 25th

SoCal Regional Meeting: “Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects.” has been rescheduled for September 25th.

The Cleaning and Restoration Association would like to invite you to our Southern California Regional Meeting on Tuesday, September 25th for a 2 hour presentation by James A. Mosier, Restoration Industry Expert Witness & Consultant.

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

Includes lunch sponsored by Patriot Environmental Lab Services, Inc.

“Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects.”

• Learn about common mistakes made in performing water damage and mold remediation projects regarding contracts, insurance, and usual and customary care practices.
• Presentation information is based on Mr. Mosier’s experience in over three decades of restoration work, consulting, investigations, and expert witness work. Mr. Mosier has over 16 years experience as an approved Superior Court and Federal Court Expert Witness for the restoration industry, and has inspected and or consulted on over 300 cases to date.
• Presentation follows guidelines and industry standards as found in the IICRC S500 and S520.

...and much more!

Visit the CRA website for more information or download the registration form.

Latest NorCal Golf Tournament Sponsors

Here's a shout-out to CRA's latest golf tournament sponsors:

Beverage Cart (back 9)
itan Environmental

Specialty Drink Hole

Easton Construction Group, Inc.

 Raffle Prizes

JCMH Consulting

Foursomes have also been selling fast. So far, the following companies have reserved their spots:

Foursomes
Eisen Environmental and Construction Services
Interstate Restoration
ServiceMaster by Ideal Disaster Specialists, Inc.
Easton Construction Group, Inc.

Individual Players
National E & S Insurance Brokers

Thanks to everyone who has contributed. We are looking forward to a fun and eventful day on the course! If you haven't reserved your spot or sponsorship, you'd better snag one soon! Visit the CRA website or contact us at  916-736-1100 for more info.

Connections Convention: CRA Annual Meeting & Suite Party

The Las Vegas Connections Convention & Tradeshow is right around the corner! Whether you need to unwind or get your night started, stop by our Suite for a cocktail and comradery at the end of the tradeshow Wednesday night. Enjoy the celebration of CONNECTIONS 10th Anniversary on Thursday evening. Then during lunch on Friday, we will be conducting CRA Board Member elections at the CRA Annual Membership Meeting.

CRA at CONNECTIONS Las Vegas 

Booth #9    Sept. 5-7

CRA Suite Party

for CRA Members and Invited Guests Only

Wednesday evening for cocktails, food and fun!  Meet and mingle with fellow CRA members and invited guests of the CRA.  Stop by CRA booth #9 for the Suite number. 

E-mail Jennifer to RSVP
Suite Party Sponsorship Form

Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

Stop by CRA Booth #9 for Suite Number

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012
8:00pm - 10:00pm



CRA Members Only Meeting

Our annual CRA Membership meeting will be held in Conference Rooms 9 & 10 at the Las  Vegas Hotel (LVH) during Friday's lunch hour.  For those who are paid registrants or booth exhibitors with a lunch ticket, please pick up your lunch at the buffet and meet us for a lunch meeting.
The meeting will start with an election for CRA Board of Directors.  We will also discuss the upcoming CRA 1st Annual Northern CA Golf Tournament to be held on Oct. 5, 2012 in Napa Valley, as well as future regional meetings and educational events.  This meeting is for CRA members and invited guests only.

Hope to see you there!

SoCal Regional Meeting: “Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects.”

The Cleaning and Restoration Association would like to invite you to our Southern California Regional Meeting on Tuesday, August 21st for a 2 hour presentation by James A. Mosier, Restoration Industry Expert Witness & Consultant.

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

Includes lunch sponsored by Patriot Environmental Lab Services, Inc.

“Common Mistakes in Water Restoration & Mold Remediation Projects.”

• Learn about common mistakes made in performing water damage and mold remediation projects regarding contracts, insurance, and usual and customary care practices.
• Presentation information is based on Mr. Mosier’s experience in over three decades of restoration work, consulting, investigations, and expert witness work. Mr. Mosier has over 16 years experience as an approved Superior Court and Federal Court Expert Witness for the restoration industry, and has inspected and or consulted on over 300 cases to date.
• Presentation follows guidelines and industry standards as found in the IICRC S500 and S520.

...and much more!

Visit the CRA website for more information or download the registration form.

NorCal Golf Tournament Sponsorships

The NorCal Golf Tournament sponsorships are going fast! We're pleased to have the following sponsors on board with us for this event:

Eclipse Marketing & Insurance Services

Beverage Cart (front 9)
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling

Continental Breakfast
Zebra Restoration Services

Breakfast Cocktail
National E & S Insurance Brokers

Specialty Drink Hole
Abatix

Specialty Drink Hole
TexCare

You can still participate - don't wait until it's too late! Please visit the http://www.crassociation.org/training-a-events/cra-golf-tournament/76 for a list of remaining sponsorship opportunities.

What's New with CRA

CRA semi-annual membership is still available! Become a new Cleaning and Restoration Association member by signing up for the second half of the year at half off the regular registration price. CRA members are entitled to various benefits and discounts.  Also, CRA is part of the new national association, ICRA (Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association), of which CRA members are automatically a part of.  For information on semi-annual membership with the CRA, please contact us at 916-736-1100, Ext. 302, or visit our website at www.crassociation.org .

 

CRA now represents the ICRA in the Northwest. The eight states included in the Northwest region are California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Idaho. We are looking forward to soon expanding our training courses into these areas and increasing our CRA family with companies from these states.

 

Coming up in July-August:

• July 18-20 - ASD certification course Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• July 23 - Meet the Experts free Webinar Online
• July 25-27 - WRT certification course Phoenix, AZ 
• Aug 14-17 - AMRT certification course Phoenix, AZ 
• Aug 21-24 - AMRT certification course Santa Fe Springs, CA

Please visit www.crassociation.org/training-and-events for course details and registration.

Register for Applied Structural Drying TODAY!

Register TODAY before its too late!
ASD: IICRC’s Applied Structural Drying

3 day course; 21 hours, not including exam time, lunch and breaks.

Prerequisite: IICRC Certification in WRT

Objective: To teach the effective, efficient and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents, using comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision-making within a restorative drying environment.

Instructor: Chris Taylor

More info & registration:
http://www.crassociation.org/pdf/CRA-ASD-2012.pdf

CRA Organizes First Annual NorCal Golf Tournament

The Cleaning and Restoration Association (CRA) has created a new annual event that provides an opportunity for a variety of industries that occasionally work together to enjoy a round of golf at Eagle Vines Golf Course, known for being the perfect blend of a first-rate facility highlighted by a challenging golf course, tucked into the beautiful landscape of the Napa Valley.

What you can look forward to:

• 18 holes of golf at Eagle Vines Golf Course
• Continental Breakfast
• Coffee Bar
• Breakfast Cocktail
• Lunch provided on the course
• Cocktail Party (1 drink ticket per player)
• Awards Party (1 ticket per player)
• Prizes
• Free Goodie bag with gifts from sponsors
• Free beverages from Tee sponsors and beverage carts
• Free snacks at selected Tees 

Visit the CRA website to find out how you can participate.

Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association

The CRA is proud to be a founding member of the new national member organization, the ICRA (Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association). Working along with six additional U.S. regional trade associations, the CRA will promote and improve service and education for their members. This collaboration of ideas and resources will create new opportunities and benefits for CRA members as well as unify the industry. For more information about the ICRA, please contact the CRA office or visit the ICRA website at www.icrassociation.org.

Last Minute Trauma Scene Course Added to the Schedule

June 6-8, 2012
Abatix in Sante Fe Springs, CA (Los Angeles)

Trauma Scene CleanUp
This 3 day course starts with an introduction to microbiology and pathogens. ABRA Bio Recovery Instructor, Rich Ross, will take you through every aspect of decontaminating a crime, accident and decomposition scene.

Certification
The “Bio Recovery Technician” certification from ABRA, the nationally recognized standard in crime and trauma scene decontamination, is available to students who pass the final exam. ABRA certification is an additional $150.00, payable to ABRA at the conclusion of the course. (Please do not include certification fee with course registration fee).
Continuing Education Credit is awarded from the IICRC and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA).

About the Instructor, Rich Ross:
• Current President of ABRA (American Bio Recovery Association)
• CEO of Trauma Scene Services, LLC
• Background in cleaning and restoration
• Holds all 3 Master levels of IICRC Certification
• Has conducted several presentations including topics such as carpet cleaning, deodorization, water damage, mold remediation, sewage backups, equipment usage, health & safety, crime scene cleanup, meth lab decontamination, and more.

Sign up NOW for early bird rate of only $995!

Press Release: IICRC Details Transition to Original Name

For Immediate Release

IICRC Details Transition to Original Name Name change recognizes past, advances future (VANCOUVER, Wash.)- April 22, 2012 - The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) released today additional details surrounding the transition to return its name to the IICRC, keeping the cleantrust as the service mark of the organization.  The decision to return to the IICRC was voted on by the board of directors on March 16, 2012. Keeping the official name of the organization IICRC, while using the cleantrust, an IICRC program, in consumer-facing materials, allows the organization to build on its more than 40-year history of identifying and promoting an international standard of care for the cleaning, restoration and inspection industries.  The IICRC will continue to issue certifications, write and promote standards, and approve schools and instructors.  All industry communications will refer tot he organization as the IICRC. As a service mark of the IICRC, the cleantrust should be used by Certified Firms and technicians on all consumer-facing materials.  Using the cleantrust logo as a service mark will enable more name recognition and end-user awareness outside the industry, which has been cited by registrants as one of the organization's greatest challenges.  With the cleantrust logo and patches, IICRC technicians will be easily recognizable as consumers look for and trust symbols of technical proficiency and high ethical standards. All cleantrust materials previously purchased for end-user recognition or communication may continue to be used.  Moving forward, whenever the cleantrust is listed, it will be noted that it is an IICRC program, linking the two together. "We've heard feedback from registrants and feel the combination of IICRC and the cleantrust, an IICRC program, will help our organization honor its position in the industry while generating increased end-user awareness," said Darrell Paulson, IICRC chairman.  "We're poised for growth as we move into the future with open lines of communication and an opportunity to market ourselves beyond the industry." The IICRC will retain the use of the updated logo, which represents the strength and breadth of the organization.  Updated materials with the new IICRC logo and design will roll out gradually in the coming months.  The website has been redesigned according to these guidelines on the website and is now live at www.iicrc.org For questions and additional information about when to use the IICRC logo and when to use the cleantrust service mark for end-users, download a copy of the IICRC's brand guidelines on the website or contact headquarters at (360) 693-5675 or info@iicrc.org. About the IICRC The IICRC is an international, ANSI accredited standard development organization (SDO)that certifies individuals in 20+ categories within the inspection, cleaning and Restoration industries.  Representing more than 54,000 certified technicians in 22 countries, the IICRC, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, represents the entire industry.  The IICRC does not own school, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems.  To know if a technician has received proper education and training, consumers should look for the cleantrust patch and logo, the service mark of the IICRC. ### Links for more information: Message from the Chairman FAQs