Article Number : 1944 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 5/1/2007 9:07:03 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1944 |
| Abstract | Orlando, Fla.—The Restoration Industry Association (RIA), formerly known as the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR), gathered here recently for its 62nd annual convention and exhibition called, “Solutions: The Education Summit,” at the Buena Vista Hotel & Spa... |
| Article | Orlando, Fla.—The Restoration Industry Association (RIA), formerly known as the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR), gathered here recently for its 62nd annual convention and exhibition called, “Solutions: The Education Summit,” at the Buena Vista Hotel & Spa. While the attendees took full advantage of the mild temperatures on the first day of the event with the group’s annual golf tournament, the convention was much more than just fun in the sun. The Education Summit proved to be just that as industry professionals had the opportunity to take part in several seminars. From the addition of early-bird presentations and breakout workshops that covered everything from business development to highly specialized techniques in restoration, to its awards ceremony, RIA promised and delivered on a treasure trove full of information, networking and new business tactics. In “Environmental Issues for Contractors,” presented by Graham Dick of Genesis Restorations, Michael Pinto of Wonder Makers Environmental, and Bob Allen of Priority Services, the focus was on issues involving environmental hazards. In “Pack-Out Proce-dures for Contractors,” Barb Jackson of Restoration Alliance gave her take regarding hands-on ideas—with immediate application—on issues related to packing, handling and streamlining contents-handling systems and processes, facility and personnel equipment and proper inventory controls. Keynote speakers included Robert Stevenson, author of “How to Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys,” whose presentation cut to the core of performance, both business and personal. Robert Overton, a director of business and human resources training, addressed the issues surrounding: “The Key to Millennium Employer & Employee Success,” a discussion on the shortage of trained and motivated workers. Also offered was a plant tour of the Mussallem Galleries in nearby Jacksonville for textile professionals. Johnny Mussallem, a former ASCR president, was the gallery founder. Fine art, antiques, rugs, furniture and other sculptural and textile masterpieces—from the Renaissance to today—are collected at the gallery, and attendees had a chance to experience all of them first-hand. Linda Plunkett of AWPOV Rug Specialist in Tampa, Fla., enjoyed the presentation given by Barry O’Connell on a recent trip taken to Iran and the rugs he came across. “He has a very high level of enthusiasm for these rugs that is contagious. Thea Sand of Emmanuel’s Rug & Upholstery Cleaning in Seattle gave an excellent demonstration on basic rug repair, with hands-on participation. The discussion on the CRI Warranty is a hot topic everywhere. The questions and comments from those who attended this event were very well thought out. “Overall, the convention was well planned and covered topics for all members,” she added. “It included quality speakers at the top of their field.” Sand, who was attending her first RIA convention since the late 1960s when she came as a young child (her family has been involved with the association since the 1940s), felt it was time to reconnect on a closer level since she is the new generation of business owner. “I particularly enjoyed the ‘Family Business and Succession Planning’ seminar and the ‘Green Cleaning’ course given by Floor Covering News columnist Steven Spivak.” In addition to those seminars and presenting the “Hands-On Rug Repair” class, Sand was also able to attend a couple of other classes as well, including the “CRI Warranty” seminar and the “Topical Applications for Carpets” course. “The networking opportunities were great, and the instructors were quite accessible. “The Mussallem Galleries are out of this world,” she added. “The limited time available to us just wasn’t enough to really appreciate the scope of the collection, and the catalog pales in comparison to the real thing. Just not enough superlatives. The Mussallem family is really genuine, and you could see that they were having as much fun showing us around as we were seeing it.” Tony Legenstein of Certified Carpet in Lancaster, Pa., serves as chairman of RIA’s textile council. “Myself and other colleagues in the carpet cleaning industry are quite pleased with the rejuvenation of the textile division. It was a pleasure to see that there were plenty of sessions for carpet/rug/furniture /hard surface cleaners to choose from during the convention.” As the event ended, Sand noted, “I left feeling energized by the attitude of the association management and the other NIRC members I networked with in regards to bringing our branch of RIA new focus.” For more information about the RIA, call 443.878.1002. |