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.