BERKLEY, MI, September 9, 2008 - Insurance industry executives and a special guest speaker were highlights of CRDN’s international convention, attended by more than 330 CRDN partners and guests from across the United States and Canada at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va., last month.

The event, part of CRDN’s commitment to ongoing education for its members, was highlighted by poignant presentations from noted speaker, author and consultant Steven Little.  Addressing CRDN’s general assembly, Little shared insights on what it takes to grow a business effectively.  Through his personal experience as a growth expert (both as a consultant and as President of three fast growth companies) and studies of the Inc. 500 (America’s fastest growing privately-held companies), Little identified best practices of successful organizations within the context of a changing society, based on his first book, “The 7 Irrefutable Rules of Business Growth.”

CRDN also welcomed high profile and respected industry guests Jim Loveland, CEO of Xactware; Larry Thomas, Senior Vice President of Crawford Contractor Connection; and Laura Vaccaro, President of Alacrity Services.  Each guest shared their perspectives on the insurance industry and the growing role of textile restoration within the claims process.  The general assembly presentations were supplemented by educational breakout sessions and networking among members.

“CRDN is dedicated to providing unparalleled service through our local partners who are among the most innovative and prestigious textile restorers across the U.S.,” said Wayne Wudyka, CRDN’s CEO.  “Textile restoration requires a separate set of operating procedures specific to the insurance industry, and our convention speakers were instrumental in emphasizing our theme of ‘Bringing it Home,’ focusing on the difference we make in the lives of insureds and the need to provide consistent, standardized services operationally."