ROCKVILLE, Md. – Ownership and administration of the Certified Rug Specialist (CRS) certification program has shifted to the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS). The board of directors of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) recently voted unanimously to make the transfer.
“Given the RIA’s focus on the restoration sector, our board unanimously agreed that it is in the best interests of the rug care industry to transition this program without cost from our organization to the Association of Rug Care Specialists,” says Timothy Shaw, RIA executive director. “We know the CRS will be in good hands with ARCS, and we eagerly anticipate seeing the certification program grow under ARCS’ leadership.”
The CRS is the nation’s only certification program to focus on the study of Oriental and specialty rugs with an emphasis on the history of handmade rugs, rug identification, cleaning and repair techniques, and potential cleaning problems based on a rug’s origin and construction, according to the associations. Only 65 U.S. rug care specialists hold the CRS certification.
“We are grateful for the support of the RIA board in making this transition a reality. Their decision is indicative of the cooperative spirit that exists between our two organizations,” says Bill Foulds, president of ARCS. “The bottom line is that this agreement will strengthen the rug care industry and further our association’s mission of educating rug care specialists and advancing the art and science of rug care.”
RIA has member firms worldwide focusing on fire and smoke restoration, environmental remediation and contents restoration. ARCS is an international association dedicated to educating rug care professionals and advancing the art and science of rug care.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].