There is a much greater emphasis on technician safety, health and well-being. Our goal is to help you and your technicians be better prepared for what you come in contact with while doing your job.

The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) recently purchased stock in IICRC. We are very proud to have them join our organization. They are one more piece of the floor covering puzzle coming together to make us all better.

The S-100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning has been revised. This document is one of the most widely accepted standards in the industry. The revision includes more commercial cleaning information. Call your association for a discounted copy or contact the IICRC. Additionally, we are about to begin revising the S-500 Water Restoration Standard and examine the feasibility of developing a mold remediation standard.

We have been working very closely with the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)'s cleaning and maintenance division. Our relationship with them is just one more connection with a different aspect of the industry to help establish and solidify our presence.

Through our Marketing and Public Relations Committee we have developed a series of "Rapid Response Articles." These are sent to media in areas that have been struck by bad weather or where the cleaning and restoration industry is getting bad press. The series has been well received, and many certified firms are gaining referrals. Good Housekeeping magazine mentioned the IICRC in their "What to Know Before Calling a Pro" article this May, prompting a lot of calls to IICRC headquarters. "Dateline NBC" has asked for an update for a future show.

The new Certified Firm Program is working. We are removing less-desirable firms and encouraging many others come into compliance with the new policies. Our computer software has been updated so that we can now notify a certified firm when they receive a referral if we have the firm's email address.

Allstate Insurance Co. now requires that an IICRC-certified technician be present on all water damage claims jobs. All Farmers Insurance claims adjusters have been required to go through an IICRC-certified water restoration course to better understand what is required to perform the job properly.

I am often asked, "How is the IICRC doing?" As the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun.