Check out the RIA Booth at PLR Expo

Be sure to stop by the RIA booth (#100) during PLR Expo in Toronto, Ontario this month. RIA and the Restoration Contractors Organization of Canada (RCOC) will have a joint booth, as part of their newly formed partnership.

The two organizations formed their strategic partnership mid-summer, and call it a win-win for everyone. The RIA is dedicated to promoting best practices, standards and professional qualifications for the restoration industry – and will now serve as an industry advocate for RCOC, as well as provide education, resources and reference materials.

RIA President Scott Stamper will address PLR Expo attendees during the general session.

Understanding what it takes to be a Certified Restorer

With the training year winding down, now is the time to start preparing for what training courses you’ll take on next year. While several organizations offer certification opportunities, there is only one RIA and, as mentioned in the October issue of Restoration & Remediation, certain certifications only RIA offers.

Early this month, RIA offered the final course for those pursuing their Certified Restorer (CR) credentials. The six-day course, hosted by Jon-Don Chicago, incorporated lectures, specialized presentations from industry professionals, case studies and group study work. Each person applying for certification after undergoing the necessary coursework is also required to submit a CR Formal Report, proving their ability to communicate, document, and complete restoration work.

Just like college coursework, this report must include 15 components including, but not limited to, a table of contents, restorer’s statement, investigation, inspection, specs and price, glossary of terms, photos, and more.

Head to restorationindustry.org and click on the “Certifications” tab. 

RIA Previews New Project & Risk Management Course

In mid-September, Jon Don in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted a two-day “Restoration Project & Risk Management” course. It was facilitated by RIA Education Director Pete Consigli CR, WLS, and is a prerequisite for the Certified Restorer and Water Loss Specialist Designations.

The course was developed under the leadership of industry consultant Mickey Lee WLS, Consigli and risk-management expert attorney Michael Bowdoin.