Here’s a letter to the industry from RIA President Sam Bergman regarding the association’s new management company and address. We’ll have more information on R&R as it becomes available.

I am pleased to communicate to you some exciting news that will assuredly allow our already-strong organization to thrive as never before. As part of our strategic planning efforts, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Board of Directors is looking to the future and has been exploring management options to best support us as we continue our growth and evolution.

After discussion and reflection we have chosen SmithBucklin Corporation as our new management company, effective April 28, 2014. SmithBucklin Corporation is an association management and professional services company, providing flexible, tailored full-service management and project-based services to more than 320 professional societies, trade associations, and other nonprofit organizations. This will provide us access to staff members who are familiar and comfortable with our type of industry and field, and who have developed and implemented successful strategies for other not-for-profit organizations. The SmithBucklin staff is committed to ensuring quality service to the membership during the transition process, and I have every confidence that they will. Additionally, we are pleased to report that Gina Valerio, RIA's Director of Industry & Member Relations, will remain on the RIA staff as an employee of SmithBucklin effective May 1, 2014.

We are committed to increasing membership, enhancing our products and services and increasing our profile in the industry. The RIA leadership strongly believes that this partnership with SmithBucklin is the right answer for us, and will allow us to serve our current and future members at the highest level possible.

Our new contact information will be:

         Restoration Industry Association

                         2025 M St. NW, Suite 800       

                         Washington, DC 20036

Additional contact information, including a new phone and fax number, will be provided in the near future.

Should you have additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly at SJBergman@rolyncompanies.com. I look forward to seeing you all at the International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo held in Orlando on April 9-11!

Best regards,

Sam Bergman

 RIA President