Independent Remediation Firms Form A Network

NU Online News Service, April 9, 11:58 a.m.EDT?A group of 38 independent restoration and cleaningfirms announced they have formed the Independent Mitigation andCleaning/Conservation network- an organization to market theirservices, set standards and provide training.[@@]

The new IMACC network, based in Chicago, will be led by PatHarmon, former assistant vice president of educational andtechnical services at the Property Loss Research Bureau, which wasaffiliated with the former Alliance of American Insurers.

Mr. Harmon said formation of IMACC is "a significant event forboth mitigation and insurance companies." He promised IMACC will"provide superior independent cleaning and mitigation companies anunparalleled marketing presence that will exceed that of anycompany in the country.

"Insurers will gain a revolutionary method to reduce indemnityand adjustment costs while strengthening customer relations andservice,'' he said.

IMACC, Mr. Harmon noted, will provide its customers "with tools,training, and technology that do not exist anywhere else in themarketplace."

The concept for its organization, IMACC said, came from DanPoske who is the vice president and treasurer of the group, as wellas president of Dial One Magna Dry of Indianapolis.

Mr. Poske said he approached Mr. Harmon about organizing thegroup after Mr. Harmon warned at a business forum that independentoperators could not survive against franchises without a nationalmarketing strategy.

Mr. Poske noted that, "Over the last few years, severalindependent companies have been forced to become franchises sincethey have had difficulty reaching insurers on a national level.This is despite the fact that local companies often providesuperior service and more favorable pricing than nationalfirms."

IMACC said it selects its members based on stringentqualifications that include certification by the Institute ofInspection Cleaning and Restoration, Association of Specialist inCleaning and Restoration and Vortex, as well as excellentreferences, proper equipment, sound financial performance, and "acommitment to constant improvement, both technically and in serviceto property owners and their insurers."

IMACC said it has scheduled more than 24 programs this year toprovide its network members and client insurers "coordinated andefficient response strategies and the supporting skill sets tooptimize indemnity and adjustment expense."