IICRC Board Elects 2009 Executive Committee

Paul Pearce Elected President; New Award Program Approved

VANCOUVER, Wash. – October 28, 2008 – The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (www.IICRC.org) elected the 2009 Board of Directors and Executive Committee during its recent October meeting in Vancouver, Wash.

Paul Pearce was elected President/Chairperson of the IICRC Board of Directors following years of service on the board as International Vice President. In this capacity, Pearce will also serve as president/chairperson of the Executive Committee. Additional committee officers elected during the annual meeting are: First Vice President, Darrell Paulson; Second Vice President, Mike Reed; International Vice President, David Jones; Treasurer, Ed Hobbs; Secretary, Barry Lichtenstein; and Certification Council Chair, Barry Costa.

“With all that former President and Chairperson Ruth Travis and the previous boards have done to elevate and advance the IICRC as well as the industry both in terms of growing registrant numbers and educating the public on our behalf – both with unprecedented success – we are now at a pivotal juncture in our evolution,” commented Pearce on the importance of this election. “Now is the time for us to take a broader look at the organization in terms of it being a force on the global stage. In doing so, we’ll also be looking closely at how we can further engage our registrants so that more of us are contributing to the greater good of the industry both within as well as outside of geographic lines.”

Pearce, an industry veteran since 1973, is a Master Cleaner, Restorer and Instructor as well as the owner of Country House Carpet Care in England. He is a past president of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (UK) for which he currently serves as Technical Director. And, he has also served as past chairman of the British Cleaning Council.

There were a variety of agenda items discussed during the meeting including a new award in the name of long-time industry veteran and IICRC honorary board member, Cy Gantt. Dubbed the Cy Gantt Award, the honor recognizes individuals who have made significant long-term commitments to the overall Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration industry. The initial award was presented to Mr. Gantt in recognition of his many years of service. This award is one of three special recognitions presented on occasion by the IICRC. The other two are The Founder’s Award, presented in honor of exceptional service to the IICRC, and the Keith William’s Award, presented for outstanding technical contributions to the industry.

Other notable items discussed by the Board:

• Dan Bernazzani continues leadership of the IICRC Government Affairs Committee. Bernazzani will continue his pioneering efforts as Chair of the IICRC Government Affairs committee to educate legislators, government agencies, and influencers about the industry and the importance of certification which further positions the IICRC and its registrants as the premier authorities in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. Currently, Maryland, Florida and Kentucky are considering significant legislation regulating the mold and water damage sectors in each respective state.
• IICRC appoints task force to explore new approaches to the Technical Advisor Program. Jeff Bishop will complete his current contract as IICRC Technical Advisor as the newly appointed task force works to research and define various technical needs and make recommendations to the board in light of the organization’s growth and diversification.
• IICRC expands parameters for Certified Firm Referral System. Beginning in early 2009, IICRC Certified Firms will be able to expand the options available to them on the Certified Firms referral search located on the IICRC consumer Web site, www.certifiedcleaners.org, to include additional service areas (represented by the ability to list additional zip/postal codes). Currently, the referral search uses the company’s address as the reference point for referrals. Many companies’ business addresses are not in the same zip code as their strongest customer base. The new improvements allow the firm to list up to two “preferred service areas” at no charge and up to five listings with a small service fee.

For more information on the IICRC, visit www. IICRC.org.

» Meet the 2009 Executive Committee