Columbia, MD – At its recent convention in Palm Springs, Calif., the Restoration Industry Association recognized 11 professionals with the Certified Restorer (CR) certification at its induction and awards ceremony.

This is the highest recognition awarded in the cleaning and restoration industry to professionals engaged in property damage restoration as a result of fire, smoke, water, vandalism and other perils. Since its inception in 1976, only 560 individuals have earned the CR certification. Those who achieve CR status must complete intensive educational requirements demanding a broad range of expertise in the restoration arts. They also must author a formal paper or report on an approved professional subject, and demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the RIA Code of Ethics.

“In volunteering for the Certified Restorer program, these individuals have declared that they want to be among the best in their profession,” said RIA President Rusty Amarante, CR during the ceremony.

The new CR certificants include: Mellissa Corniea, (CR 550), Du All Service Contractors, Inc.; Duane Hatch, (CR 558), Utah Disaster Kleenup; William Hanlon, (CR 555), MasterClean Contracting; Dave Hurley, (CR 560), DAP, Inc.; Brian Johns, (CR 551), Instar Services (Safety Harbor); Cheryl Lewis, (CR 559), DAP, Inc.; James Maher, (CR 556), Maher Restoration; Clint Parnell, (CR 557), A Preferred Choice, LLC.; Aaron Provencal, (CR 554), Five Star Restoration; Vaughn Rocco, (CR 552), PBI Restoration Resources; and Jason Thorburn, (CR 553), ONSIDE Restoration Services, Ltd.

A full listing of all individuals holding the Certified Restorer certification is available on RIA’s website, www.restorationindustry.org.