Southern California Regional Meeting: Hoarding and Biohazards with Cory Chalmers

Join us — members and non-members alike — for the Cleaning and Restoration Association (CRA) Southern California Regional Meeting. Cory Chalmers, featured expert on A&E's hit series Hoarders, will present "Hoarding and Biohazards." 

Topics of discussion will include suicides, decomposition, miscellaneous trauma, the psychology behind hoarding, types of hoarders, working with hoarders and hidden dangers within hoarded homes. Please visit the CRA website at www.CRAssociation.org for course details and registration.

Also in the month of February, CRA will be conducting the following courses:

• Asbestos Building Inspector course in Sacramento, instructed by Mark Ayers
• AMRT course in our new Phoenix training location
• Trauma Scene Cleanup course in Santa Fe Springs, CA, instructed by Kent Berg (immediately followed by a Methamphe tamine Residue Cleanup course on May 1-2.)

For training inquiries, visit www.CRAssociation.org/Training-And-Events.

For information on CRA membership, call (916) 736-1100 ext. 302, e-mail JGermond@CRAssociation.org, or visit www.CRAssociation.org.

O.P. talks about the importance proper fireplace maintenance

CRA President, O.P. Almaraz, talks about the importance proper fireplace maintenance.



The fire at this home was caused by a leak in the fireplace flue. With proper care and regular fireplace inspections, you can help prevent a fire and avoid tens of thousands in repair bills.

Standardized contract forms for cleaning & restoration

Ed Cross has developed some standardized contract forms for cleaning & restoration.  They're written in Plain English, and they come with detailed Instruction Guides and a variety of helpful contracting tips. The following forms are available for free download:

• Mold Notice & Disclaimer form
• Mold Notice & Disclaimer Instructions
• Mold Notice & Disclaimer Script
• Refusal of Recommendations and Release of Liability
• Refusal of Recommendations and Release of Liability Instructions
• Refusal of Recommendations and Release of Liability Script 

Visit www.edcross.com/contracts/content/free-forms-0 to download.

ICRA release 1.23

What is the ICRA?
And answers to other questions about this New National Association…
ICRA is an acronym for the Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association.  It consists of several like-minded trade associations within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry joining together to work towards the common goal of improving service and education for their members. The concept of creating an organization like the ICRA has been discussed for quite some time, and is now becoming a reality.  ICRA will create new opportunities and member benefits for you as an association member.

When was the ICRA created?
The ICRA was established in December 2011 by 7 regional trade associations with the desire to share benefits, resources and knowledge.  The 7 associations are SCRT, CRA, PACR, MCRA, MSPCA, NEIRC, and NYRCI and are the Founding Members of the ICRA, but membership is open to anyone in the industry.

Why was the ICRA formed?
Forming the ICRA will create a venue for these organizations and others to promote the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry goals mentioned above.  Through the cooperative effort and shared work of all ICRA members, its existence will enhance each organization’s member benefits and education of the industry overall.  Most of all, its formation gives us a unified voice in an industry that is currently fragmented.  With that unified voice, ICRA can help to support and uniformly guide the inspection, cleaning and restoration community.  As the old adage goes, “there is strength [and respect] in numbers.”

Is the ICRA a part of The Clean Trust (formerly IICRC)?
NO.  The ICRA is an association membership organization.  There is a misconception about what the relationship is between an individual, that is certified, and the Clean Trust (formerly known as IICRC). The Clean Trust is a standard and certification organization. It never has been a trade association. Though some people refer to themselves as members, individuals that are certified through the Clean Trust are registrants, not members. The formation of the ICRA does not change any relationship with The Clean Trust or any other organization.

The creation of the ICRA is an exciting change that will lead to positive opportunities for the industry. 
Membership information will be available in the coming weeks as we move to start up the operations of the organization.  In the meantime if you have questions contact the Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association at ICRAinformation@gmail.com.

Another Benefit to Membership

The CRA has selected Eclipse Marketing and Insurance Services to provide it's members with specialized insurance coverage.

With our assistance they have formulated a program that offers exceptional coverage for all CRA members unique operations. And at an affordable CRA rate!

Get the latest information on the new CRA-Advantage Insurance Program designed specifically for CRA members.

Visit the CRA website for more info.

Sponsorship Opportunity: CRA to represent members at the Combined Claims Conference

The Combined Claims Conference (CCC) is a two-day program offering continuing education for independent adjusters, attorneys, investigators and brokers. The Cleaning and Restoration Association will take place as an exhibitor to represent its members to the insurance industry.

Because of our success with booth sponsors at PLRB in 2011, it has been requested that we open up the booth to sponsorship opportunity again at the 2012 Combined Claims Conference.

Increase your level of visibility to the insurance claims industry by sponsoring the CRA booth.

Each booth sponsor will receive the following:

• Recognition on the CRA website homepage as a Combined Claims Conference Sponsor
  
• A white 10”x27” booth sign displaying your company logo
• Conference mailing list (February 15, 2012)
  

* Sponsors need not be present at the CRA booth or the conference to participate.
 
For more details on sponsorship, please download the Sponsorship Form (PDF)

Act fast - limited to only 5 sponsors!

SOCAL Regional Meeting: “Hoarding & Biohazard”

CRA Members & Non-Members Welcome!
 
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012
Location: Abatix
10051 Painter Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA
Time: 10:00am-1pm

Lunch 11:30-12:00 sponsored by 



Presenter: Cory Chalmers of the television series Hoarders

Topics of Discussion:

• Suicides
  
• Decomposition
  
• Miscellaneous Trauma
  
• Psychology Behind Hoarding
  
• Types of Hoarders
  
• Working with Hoarders
  
• Hidden Dangers in Hoarded Homes
  

Pricing:
CRA Members: $ 20
Non-Members: $ 40

> Download the registration form