This will be my final President's Corner. It sometimes seems I have only been president for a short time, but like the saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun."

Even after all these years, it is still inspiring to realize the impact that the IICRC has been making in the industry.

I have been watching the online bulletin boards and various other information sites and have noticed a lot of talk about the changes to the IICRC advanced designations. It certainly brings the saying, “ people resist change” into a whole new light.

When it comes to education and certification in the cleaning and restoration industry, it is important to look at where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going. To say that we have come a long way from when I started in this industry 26 short years ago would be a gross understatement.

Do you ever wonder what the IICRC does with all the money it collects? Money from IICRC test fees, registrant fees and certified-firm fees? IICRC does not own any school or employ any instructors.

Let the busy season begin. It is March, and the annual homeowner ritual of Spring Cleaning has arrived. My question is, do we look and act like professionals? In my opinion, too often we do not.

It is already February as I present for your reading enjoyment this, the first IICRC President’s Corner for 2003. I hope all is going well and that business is steady.

Happy holidays to everyone. This is the time of year when we tend to both look to the future and reflect on the past year. Looking toward the future, we are busy building our business plans for next year and, and scheduling that vacation we missed last year.

I have been in the cleaning and restoration industry for 26 years. When I first entered the business, I was with that company for eight years, and during that time my employer educated me.

A few months ago, the IICRC sent letters of non-compliance out to many certified firms, firms that were not following the policies and procedures set forth by the IICRC to maintain the highest level of professionalism in our industry.