The Board of Directors of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has voted to transfer ownership and administration of its Certified Fabric Specialist certification program to the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) effective January 21, 2013, according to a press release.

“Given the RIA’s focus on the restoration sector, our board unanimously agreed that it is in the best interests of the fabric  care industry to transition this program without cost from our organization to the Association of Rug Care Specialists,” said Timothy Shaw, RIA’s executive director. “We know the CFS will be in good hands with ARCS and we eagerly anticipate seeing the certification program grow under ARCS’ leadership.”

The CFS is the nation’s only certification program that focuses on the advanced technical study of fabrics and upholstery, with an emphasis on the history various cleaning and repair techniques, and potential cleaning problems based on a fabric’s origin and construction. 

Under terms of the agreement, RIA will transfer to ARCS the rights to CFS trademarks, logos and pins. All CFS records and intellectual property related to the certification will also be transferred to ARCS.

“We are grateful for the support of the RIA Board in making this transition a reality. Their decision is indicative of the cooperative spirit that exists between our two organizations,” said Bill Foulds, president of ARCS. “The bottom line is that this agreement will strengthen the fabric care industry and further our association’s mission of educating fabric care specialists and advancing the art and science of fabric care.”

For more information, go to www.restorationindustry.org or www.rugcarespecialists.org.