MILLERSVILLE, MD, April 20, 2005 -- At its recent convention in Palm Springs, Calif., the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) recognized Renotex Corporation of New York, N.Y., with the Steven M. Spivak Award for distinguished contributions to the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry.

Renotex specializes in contract, commercial and institutional carpet and upholstery cleaning in the Northeast, and the firm has been involved in ASCR for more than 40 years. Two of the company's owner-managers have served as presidents of ASCR.

"During the 1980's, almost everyone seemed to be shouting and lauding hot water extraction or ‘steam' cleaning as the way for all carpet cleaning," said Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D., for whom the award is named. "Our recipient was influential in constantly explaining the practicality, flexibility, intrinsic value and cost advantage of offering not one, but several types of carpet cleaning. These included rotary brush shampoo, hot water extraction, absorbent compound or dry extraction, and others."

Spivak presented the award to the company's founder, E. Wallace Darling, and to his son and the current owner, Gary Darling, for their practical knowledge and continual on-location cleaning research to evaluate and improve their products.