Education and information are two important benefits a trade association provides to its members. This year RIA has launched several new initiatives to highlight the advanced education members have attained. The association is also offering two unique courses – one on Navajo rugs and the other on leather cleaning and restoration that will provide a unique, in-depth look at these specialties.
Certification ID Cards
Individuals holding one of RIA’s certifications now have another way to demonstrate their professionalism to customers with the new personalized RIA Advanced Certification ID cards. These full-color, wallet-size cards display the date of certification, certificant number and cycle end date, and are provided to certificants at no charge for the first card.ID cards are available for: Certified Restorer (CR), Certified Mold Professional (CMP), Water Loss Specialist (WLS), Certified Rug Specialist (CRS), Certified Mechanical Hygienist (CMH), and Certified Fabric Specialist (CFS) certifications.
Qualified Technician Emblem Program
Another way to display professionalism is available through RIA’s Qualified Technician Emblem Program for its technician-based certificate courses, which focus primarily on fire/smoke/water and mold. These are the: Mold Remediation Technician (MRT), the Mold Remediation Supervisor (MRS) and the Certified Restoration Technician (CRT).The Qualified Technician emblem is an excellent way for technicians to encourage the confidence of property owners, tenants and insurance companies that a qualified technician is restoring their property. The program includes a bold red, white and black RIA “Qualified” starter emblem with a designation tab for each of the certifications earned by the technician.
Navajo Study Tour & Leather Workshop
RIA is offering two very unique courses this fall. The Navajo Rug Study Tour in Albuquerque, N.M. runs Sept. 16-21. Registration deadline is July 24. Led by RIA President Jeff Jones, CRS, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provides a unique look at the history and creation of these rugs, their cleaning, care and restoration.There will also be a leather workshop and tannery tour of Townsend Leather, Inc., in Albany, N.Y., co-sponsored by RIA and The Leather Institute from October 15-16. The tour provides an opportunity to see how leather for seating, upholstery and furnishings is processed, dyed or colored, and finished. The workshop includes demonstrations on cleaning, minor repairs and touch-ups. Registration deadline is August 28.
RIA Launches New Website
Websites have become the first place to go for information on everything from cooking artichokes to researching the Zagros Mountains. RIA recently unveiled a new website that includes updated information for professionals and consumers alike, easier navigation through the site, the ability to search for cleaners and restorers in a local market, and quick access to technical information.The new site provides members with the ability to update their company profiles, purchase marketing materials and services through RIA Advantage, incorporates video testimonials from members, and will allow access to the latest technical articles from the Association’s award-winning monthly magazine, Cleaning & Restoration.
RIA Fall Conference Visits St. Louis
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the RIA Fall Conference in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 13-16. The Conference returns to the St. Louis Union Station Marriott and will feature sessions on how to leverage a Latino workforce; managing personal finances; power networking and education, a plant tour to a local member facility and much more. Visit the RIA website (www.restorationindustry.org) for additional details and to register. For an electronic version of the brochure, contact the RIA education department at education@restorationindustry.org.For more information on these and other RIA programs, products and services, visit www.restorationindustry.org.
