The Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Association provides social and educational opportunities for the carpet cleaning and restoration industry in the Rocky Mountain and Central states. President Tom Wolfe and his board are working hard to meet the varied needs of this large organization.

Beginning this June, "After 5" activities are being held monthly in Colorado Springs, Colo. Check the PCUCA website at www.pcuca.org for dates and locations. These will be in addition to the "After 5's" scheduled in the Denver metro area. Other areas are encouraged to contact the Board about setting up events. The PCUCA will provide assistance with mailings and other related costs. Contact Executive Director Ann Wolfe for further information at (877) 447-2822.

The PCUCA will be sponsoring one more school this summer. "Water Damage Restoration" will be held in Snowmass, Colo. in August. Call for details.

The Board has been investigating several issues involving insurance companies. Several members have reported that homeowners property insurance does not always cover mold remediation. Other members have reported that their liability insurance coverage was dropped, or else their rates have increased more than 750 percent because they performed water damage restoration services. The Board has met with legislators and the state insurance commissioner to discuss these issues and educate them on the needs of our industry. The Board will continue to stay actively involved.

The PCUCA hosted an "After 5" in April at Nesheim's Cleaning Services Inc. with the National Board of the IICRC. IICRC President Lee Zimmerman shared a selection of new advertising campaigns to promote IICRC-certified firms. Jeff Bishop spoke on the new certification programs, including mold remediation. Ruth Travis delved into the new marketing programs available through the IICRC, and of several opportunities to meet with network media to provide correct information about our industry. It was an excellent round table discussion.

The PCUCA also hosted a reception this April for the attendees of the Textile Cleaners of America Symposium. This outstanding event was led by Larry Cooper, and included industry leaders sharing their secrets to success.

The PCUCA, in conjunction with the Carpet & Fabricare Institute (CFI) is sponsoring the "Discover the Wealth '02," convention and trade show in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 15-17.

To find more information about the activities of the PCUCA, go to www.pcuca.org.