Three long-time professional associations formalized an agreement recently that the organization’s leaders say will lead to stronger ties, shared resources and cross-membership for members.

 

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding means greater organizational stability and growth for the Carpet & Rug Cleaners Institute of Illinois (CRCII), the Low Moisture Carpet Cleaning Association (LMCCA) and the Professional Cleaning and Restoration Alliance (PCRA), said LMCCA president Lonnie McDonald.

 

“Today, members of any association—cleaning or otherwise—are looking for real value,” he added. “They want to learn new techniques, save money running their businesses and stay on top of what’s going on in the industry. Together, we can strengthen the value we deliver to members on all fronts.”

 

The Memorandum of Understanding includes, but is not limited to, the ability to promote each other's respective associations and providing mutual technical support. Notably, all members of each association also become members in all three associations.

 

Don Quick, president of CRCII, said the agreement was good for all involved. “There’s leverage when we work together,” he said. “We can do more for our members when we represent a larger group of members and work in a unified manner.”

 

The organizations have very different histories and geographies, said Patrick Paluga, president of PCRA. But he was quick to add that was a benefit of the alliance. “Down here in the sunbelt, we’d love to hear what’s working—and what isn’t—for cleaning professionals in Illinois. Different markets mean different innovations.”

 

The MOU goes into effect immediately.