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

WASHINGTON - April 25, 2016 - PRLog -- The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) recognized a number of award winners at its 70^th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Banquet held onsite during the International Restoration Convention and Industry Expo in Orlando, FL last month.  Taking place Tuesday evening, March 22, 2016, 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. Harman Golden Quill Award and the Martin L. King Award.

RIA was pleased to award its Patricia L. Harman Golden Quill Award to Chuck Violand of Violand Management Associates, for his two-part series article Hiding Out in the October and November issues of C&R Magazine. The two-part feature explores symptoms, underlying causes and consequences of entrepreneurs who engage in the practice of "hiding out" or avoiding addressing critical business challenges such as employee turnover or financial performances.

BELFOR Property Restoration, and HarenLaughlin Restoration won the 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.

BELFOR Property Restoration was recognized for its efforts involving the restoration of a Medical Care System Center for Women and Infants in five weeks after an electrical fire caused significant damage.

"Kelmann Restoration completed a very difficult project given the amount of debris and technical equipment needed to be salvaged," said RIA President, Chuck Violand, "Their work truly made an impact on the community by ensuring the medical facilities could run appropriately during restoration and working as effectively and efficiently as possible to ensure a speedy reopening of the damaged section of the center."

HarenLaughlin Restoration was recognized for its efforts in reconstructing two four-story condominiums while being fully occupied during the entire project.

"This project was extremely difficult due not only to the building being occupied, but the sitesclose proximity to a very steep cliff. Roads had to be built for access between and around both structures for adequate access to all work areas," Executive Director of RIA, Marc Selvitelli stated.  "HarenLaughlin's commitment to the project was truly showcased in the attention to detail and ingenuity of the completed project."

The last award of the night, the Martin L. King Award, is RIA's highest individual honor and it was presented to Sam Bergman, past president of RIA and a true visionary in the industry.

"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 2017 Convention."

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

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About RIA

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.