Millersville, MD, December 21, 2005 - The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) has announced that customer service expert, Chip Bell, will be the keynote speaker for the 61st Annual Convention and Exhibition in Savannah, Georgia. The event will be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa from March 14-17, 2006.

Bell's presentation will address what it takes to create passionately devoted customers. The author or co-author of 16 books on customer issues, Bell understands the challenges and value of constantly providing outstanding customer support. He assists companies in seeing their businesses from the customers' point of view and presents the best practices of organizations which excel in customer service.

"Keeping our members on the cutting edge and showing them how to run their businesses more effectively is one of our primary goals. Owners, managers and key employees of cleaning and restoration companies will find great value in the educational sessions geared towards providing practical information that they can immediately implement in their businesses," said convention chairman, Jim Pearson, CMH. "We are also streamlining this event for maximum educational impact with minimal time away from their businesses and families."

The convention will offer approximately 20 hours of educational courses on topics such as environmental laws and regulations, indoor environmental cleaning for the immunocompromised, information on rugs from Afghanistan and India, infrared technology, current drying options, disaster response and environmentally friendly cleaning. Over 80 exhibitors and industry suppliers will be displaying the latest products and services for the industry.