RIA’s crown jewel certification, the Certified Restorer, has been in the first phase of its redevelopment since the beginning of 2011. A committee of nine industry professionals continues to critique, redefine and expand the curriculum to recreate the program for the 21st century Certified Restorer.

The committee is chaired by John Rybski, CR, of BELFOR, and co-chaired by Scott Black, CR, WLS, of Statewide Restoration. The team conducted their first in-person meeting in June, and continued their work through this summer, meeting again in August. Their research and work is expanding the original learning taught by long-standing CR instructor, Martin King, CR.

 The new curriculum will be segmented into four domains of knowledge:  Leadership, Technical, Scientific and Management, encompassing the definition of restoration, which they defined as, “The mitigation and repair of property damage resulting from natural and man-made disasters.”  The Committee is targeting the first draft of the curriculum to be ready for an industry-wide peer review by mid-2012.

Have you entered the Phoenix Awards?
The RIA Phoenix Awards recognize the very best in restoration and reconstruction. Previous winners have ranged from relatively small firms to international giants. The competition is open to all restoration firms worldwide.

Projects to consider entering include: unique, one-of-a-kind jobs; landmarks or historic projects; a structure with unusual contents requiring restoration; difficult circumstances under which restoration services were provided; and a project that illustrates a company’s expertise and resources.

Deadline for submissions is December 15. The winners will be announced at the RIA Leadership Summit and Industry Expo. To download an entry form, visit www.restorationindustry.org. Show the world just how good you are!

RIA Convention heads to Myrtle Beach
Sun, sand and education are on the menu for the RIA Leadership Summit and Industry Expo at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel from March 27-29, 2012. Preconvention events include The Martin King Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Myrtlewood Golf Club. Tee time is 9 a.m. and you’ll finish up just in time to attend one of five different afternoon workshops. Topics include:

• Insider Secrets: Assignment of Insurance Benefits
• Mastering Stage II Growth in Your Business: The Structure, The Skills, The Metrics
• Advanced HVAC Theories & Principles for Restoration Contractors
• Finding the Profitable Adjuster
• Educating Insurance Companies on Contents Restoration and more.

Breakout sessions during the convention will examine topics such as: using social media marketing to grow your business; how to get business from insurance agents; mining your market; how to get more business; a look at the 2011 Xactimate property report; updates from IICRC and more.

For a full listing of sessions and presenters, visit www.riaconvention.org. For more information on RIA programs, go to www.restorationindustry.org.