The identity of what is said to be ‘the only organisation that truly represents the carpet cleaning and restoration industry’ has changed. At a recent extraordinary general meeting of NUCCRA it was decided to change the name from NUCCRA to Specialised Cleaning & Restoration Industry Association Inc (SCRIA).

“The change in name is seen as an important step towards the goal to represent all players in the industry. Carpet cleaning is a unique section of the cleaning industry. It is a form of specialised cleaning and will always remain an important focus for the Association,” stated Gary Bourke, SCRIA president.

“The ultimate goal towards compulsory training in order to gain licensing for carpet cleaning will remain a priority.”

SCRIA pointed out that, ‘the name change now more fully represents the other aspects of the industry. Water damage restoration has always gone hand in hand with carpet cleaning.

‘However, now we have companies specialising in areas such as fire damage restoration, meth lab cleaning, mould remediation, graffiti removal and others.  Hopefully, they will now feel more comfortable in joining the Association.’

Bourke emphasised that for this industry segment to gain a voice which will cause the bureaucracy to ‘listen and take notice’, it is imperative that an Association must represent a significant number of industry participants.

“The name, SCRIA, is seen as the opportunity to entice new members both from within the carpet cleaning sector and from other sectors that felt the name did not previously cover their specialties,” he pointed out.

“NUCCRA and previously NUCCA made an important contribution to our industry. The work done by past members will never be forgotten.  Changing the name is seen as an enhancement of what has been achieved in the past and something that will help the Association move further forward in truly representing the industry,” he concluded.