CRA Insights

O.P. talks about the importance proper fireplace maintenance

2012-01-25T16:44:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

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”

2012-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

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

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

2011-11-10T11:24:00.001-08:00

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!

Asbestos Testing in Your Home

2011-10-31T11:11:00.001-07:00

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

IICRC Launches New Brand

2011-10-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Welcome to Our New Members!

2011-09-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

We are glad to have you aboard.

1st Restoration, Inc.

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

2011-09-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

It's Almost Renewal Time

2011-09-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

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.

A Marketing Tip from Steve Marsh

2011-08-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Jeff Cross and Steve Marsh Teach Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques

2011-08-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Northern and Southern Regional Meetings

2011-07-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

Summer Membership Drive

2011-07-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

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!

Download the Membership Drive Form

Add your company name to the "Referred by" line

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.

Residential and Commercial Marketing Techniques August 5th in Sacramento

2011-07-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2011-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

Central California Cleaning Supply hosts CRA's WRT course

2011-05-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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

2011-05-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Upcoming WRT Course - May 4th-6th 2011

2011-04-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-03-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

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:

http://www.crassociation.org/pdf/RegionalMeeting2011.pdf

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

2011-01-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

Trauma Scene Clean-Up - Class FULL!!

Instructor: Kent Berg

Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA

Date: January 24th-26th 2011

CRA's Newest Member Update!

2011-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

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!