As mentioned briefly last time, the IICRC has a new full-time president and CEO. Patrick Winters, CAE/IOM, began his duties Aug. 1. He has over 20 years of experience as a professional chief executive officer for profit and nonprofit community-based, local, state, national, foundation and international organizations, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration Studies degree from the University of Colorado.

Patrick holds professional certifications from the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the Center for Leadership Development, the National Certification Commission, the Convention Liaison Council, the Building Owners and Managers Institute and the American Society of Association Executives. Under Patrick’s leadership the IICRC will be able to provide continued opportunities for training and certification for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries, fulfilling its mission of being the leading industry certification program.

Following that mission statement, the IICRC board of directors recently approved a new certification category: “Commercial Drying Specialist.” This certification program addresses best practices in the restoration of large commercial water damage losses. Several instructors and schools have already submitted their applications and materials for approval to teach classes in this new certification area. These approvals are expected to be completed at the next IICRC board of directors meeting Oct. 18-19, with classes being available soon after.

The IICRC Government Affairs Committee continues to work within the various state and federal government systems to monitor issues relating to the cleaning and restoration industries. Recent progress has been made in Kentucky, New York, Maryland and other states working toward state recognition and adoption of IICRC Standards in water damage restoration (S500) and mold remediation (S520), as well as recognizing IICRC certification as the standard of excellence in these areas. One example of this effort can be seen in a new “Consumer Guide on Restoration Companies” produced by the People’s Insurance Counsel Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s office. Among the many important tips listed in the guide, the consumer is advised to “Ask if they are IICRC Certified.” A copy of this guide is available by emailing PIC@oag.stste.md.us.

The IICRC continues to grow, having topped the 65,000 certified registrant level this summer. Water damage restoration continues to be the fastest growing certification category. IICRC is processing an average of 2,200 certification exams every month. The quality of training by IICRC-approved instructors is evidenced by the fact that over 80 percent of those completing the IICRC standardized certification exams successfully pass and become certified.

All available IICRC classes can be found at http://www.iicrc.org/courses.shtml, and IICRC-approved continuing education events and programs can be located at http://www.iicrc.org/ceccourses.shtml, with distance learning CEC opportunities listed at http://www.iicrc.org/onlinecec.shtml .

The IICRC will be exhibiting at the Connections Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Sept. 9-11. Stop by the booth, say hello and sign up for CECs available for those attending the event.