RIA recognizes Award Winners at Annual International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo

WASHINGTON - May 13, 2015 - PRLog -- The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) recognized a number of award winners at its 70^th Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet held onsite during the International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo in Las, Vegas, NV.  Taking place Thursday evening, May 7, 2015, the Banquet showcases those companies and individuals who have done exceptional work within the restoration industry this past year.  Awards presented include the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration, Phoenix Award for Innovation in Reconstruction, Patricia L. Harmon Golden Quill Award and the Martin L. King Award.

Kelmann Restoration of Wauwatosa, WI, and Charter Construction of Seattle, WA won the night’s first awards for the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration and Phoenix Award for Innovation in Reconstruction, respectively. The Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize achievement in the industry and the winning projects exemplify the skills and talents required to return a structure to pre-loss condition.

Kelmann Restoration was recognized for its efforts involving the restoration of a century old dome on top of a Milwaukee area high school.

“Kelmann Restoration completed a very difficult project given the amount of debris within the dome and the options available for removal,” said RIA President, Scott Stamper, “Their work truly made a positive impact on the community by making this school a safer place for all of the students and staff who occupy the building.”

Charter Construction was recognized for its efforts in reconstructing a cistern structure on a private island located in the Puget Sound San Juan islands.

“This project was extremely difficult due to the coordination of access to a remote island location, given that there are no direct road routes to this project site,” Executive Director of RIA, Marc Selvitelli stated.  “Charter Construction’s commitment to the project was truly showcased in the craftsmanship of the completed project.”

RIA was pleased to award its Patricia L. Harmon Golden Quill Award to Barb Jackson of Total Contentz, for her article in the September issue of C&R Magazine, “Treasures in the Trash: How to Make – or lose – a fortune with Contents Restoration.”

Stamper elaborated, “Barb’s article showcases a unique niche within the industry—contents restoration.  Her perspective offers others in the market and those considering adding content restoration to their business a clear, thoughtful look at how to succeed.”

The last award of the night, the Martin L. King Award, is RIA’s highest individual honor and it was presented to Mike Goldberg, CR for his significant and conspicuous contributions to the restoration industry. Goldberg remains an active leader in the association. He has been on the RIA Board of Directors since 2010, serving as Treasurer in 2012 and Chair of the Restoration Council from 2006 to 2008. His support of the industry extends beyond volunteer leadership roles in RIA to instructing numerous industry courses as well as contributing to respected industry publications.

“The evening was a great finale to a successful convention,” summarized Selvitelli, “We recognized leaders within the industry and are already looking forward to the 2016 Convention where we will celebrate RIA’s 70^th anniversary.”

For more information on the Restoration Industry Association, visit www.restorationindustry.org.

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The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the oldest and largest trade association representing the restoration and reconstruction industry with member firms worldwide. RIA serves and represents the interests of its members by promoting the highest ethical standards; providing education, professional qualification and certification opportunities; positively influencing regulations and governmental actions; and advancing the safety, image, efficiency, and competitiveness of industry members.