RIA transfers Certified Fabric Specialist program to ARCS.
Press Release Summary:
The Board of Directors of RIA has voted to transfer ownership and administration of its Certified Fabric Specialist certification program to the Association of Rug Care Specialists, effective January 21, 2013. CFS is the nation’s only certification program that focuses on the advanced technical study of fabrics and upholstery, with an emphasis on the history of various cleaning and repair techniques, and potential cleaning problems based on fabric’s origin and construction.
Original Press Release:
Restoration Industry Association Transfers Certified Fabric Specialist Certification to Association of Rug Care Specialists
ROCKVILLE, MD. -- The Board of Directors of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has voted to transfer ownership and administration of its Certified Fabric Specialist certification program to the Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) effective January 21, 2013.
“Given the RIA’s focus on the restoration sector, our board unanimously agreed that it is in the best interests of the fabric care industry to transition this program without cost from our organization to the Association of Rug Care Specialists,” said Timothy Shaw, RIA’s executive director. “We know the CFS will be in good hands with ARCS and we eagerly anticipate seeing the certification program grow under ARCS’ leadership.”
The CFS is the nation’s only certification program that focuses on the advanced technical study of fabrics and upholstery, with an emphasis on the history various cleaning and repair techniques, and potential cleaning problems based on a fabric’s origin and construction.
Successful candidates for the certification must participate in intensive instruction, pass a written examination, and write a paper on a topic relevant to the cleaning and repair of fabrics and upholstery. An elite group of fabric care specialists in the United States currently hold the CFS certification.
Under terms of the agreement, RIA will transfer to ARCS the rights to CFS trademarks, logos and pins. All CFS records and intellectual property related to the certification will also be transferred to ARCS.
“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,” said Bill Foulds, president of ARCS. “The bottom line is that this agreement will strengthen the fabric care industry and further our association’s mission of educating fabric care specialists and advancing the art and science of fabric care.”
According to Foulds, the transition of the upper-level CFS certification program to ARCS enables the newly formed ARCS association to provide educational opportunities to all levels of fabric care professionals.Â
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for restoration and cleaning. Its membership focuses on fire and smoke restoration, environmental remediation and contents restoration. More information is available on the RIA website:Â www.restorationindustry.org.
The Association of Rug Care Specialists (ARCS) is an international association dedicated to educating rug care professionals and advancing the art and science of rug care. Membership is open to any professional who cleans, repairs, services, or otherwise maintains area rugs, provided 95 percent of the work is conducted at an in-house plant and not subcontracted to another firm. Further information is available at www.rugcarespecialists.org.
Media Contact:
Patricia L. Harman,
Director of Standards & Communications
Restoration Industry Association
301.231.6505 ext. 28
pharman@restorationindustry.org
