Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

News, Views and an Introduction or Two

By Rich Ross
September 16, 2010


I would like to introduce the new ABRA Board of Directors to our membership and R&R readers. I’m Rich Ross, the new association president. Mark Fagala was elected VP, with Joe Walsh as Member-at-Large. A motion to add a new International Member-at-Large position – with Peter Guerin taking the position – was made, the ballots sent out and voted on for our new by-law change.

Despite the economy the ABRA Conference was a huge success this year. Just weeks before the conference the committee had talked about canceling it because of poor registration, but it was decided to go on with the conference. Everyone was pleased and happy it had not been canceled. The committee met every week for a year to make the conference beneficial to everyone attending, and we feel that we pulled it off.

ABRA is considered by many to be the best association and authority for the bio-recovery industry. Our membership keeps expanding on many levels of service and into other associations, bringing strong and vital best practices to the organization, including setting standards that someday will become the norm. For those that are considering starting or offering this type of service, you will not find another source for better information and commitment.

This association is unique, and many people we talk to have been intrigued or fascinated by the work we perform, but they want no part of it. Some, after doing it for a short time, find they just can’t handle the emotional stress coming from the job itself or, in some cases, from their families.

In this field, along with new products and supplies, training and understanding is essential. With bio-recovery services, if your company is one that doesn’t follow standards, this is one field you’d do well to stay clear of, not only for your health and well being, but for your clients and the public at large as well. In addition, there are many aspects to the profession beyond the work itself that must be considered, one reason ABRA has become the association the National Organization for Victim Assistance has partnered with.

Last year the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification approached the ABRA board of directors and expressed a desire to have ABRA on board with developing a standard for the bio-recovery services industry. Some were hesitant, but it is a good move for all and will take hard work from everyone for the benefit of everyone. I have been involved with IICRC from the early 1980s, have all three Master levels of certification and have supported this venture from the start.

In the past ABRA struggled with the idea of restricting membership to a small, closed group. At this time, we are pleased to announce that ABRA has every intention to grow its membership and add new and better benefits for its members. There is plenty of room to grow, and it is time to reach out and invite those that can demonstrate their knowledge, ethics and commitment. Companies looking to apply for membership are welcome to submit their application, which can be found on the ABRA website at www.americanbiorecovery.com.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Rich Ross is president of the American Bio-recovery Association.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

bed bug

How Cutting-Edge Bed Bug Tech is Changing the Game for Restoration Pros

particle count hands-on demonstration of a HEPA filter

The Truth About HEPA Filters

water on basement floor

How Much Water Causes Water Damage?

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • News, Views and More from the IICRC

    See More
  • News, Views and More from the IICRC

    See More
  • indoor air quality environmental

    An Introduction to Indoor Air and Environmental Quality

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\r&r\new site\waterinbuildings.gif

    Water in Buildings: An Architect's Guide to Moisture and Mold

  • GET-PAID-NEW-COVER-1.gif

    Get Paid! (ebook)

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing