Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS

Under current law, mold remediators must have an associates’ degree with 30 credit hours of microbiology, industrial hygiene or some other related science or a high school diploma and at least four years experience working for a licensed professional and pass a test before being eligible for a license.

The House proposal does away with all of the educational requirements and allows anyone with a high school degree who passes the test to remove mold from buildings and residences. It also scraps the current requirement that mold assessors and remediators be trained in water, mold and respiratory protection.

“Are they just going to dump bleach all over the place and hope for the best?” asked Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton.

But House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, called the deregulation proposals a balance.

“If government’s going to step in and regulate something to try and prevent wrongful behavior, whether it’s deceptive practices by a marketer or anything else, there’s a balance between the burden that places on men and women trying to do business and the evil you’re trying to prevent,” he said. “There is no perfect balance.”

The Florida House approved HB 5005 that would end the licensure and regulation of 14 professions; luckily Mold Related Services were removed from that bill via the mold services amendment Bill HB5007.

The Florida House did approved HB5007 that would amend the current Mold Licensing requirements Mold Related Services.  Before the bill can become a law it still needs to make it through the Senate.  The house quickly moved the “Hot Potato” amendment bill through the House and left it in the hands of the Senate.

HB Bill 5007 amends the current Florida Mold Licensing Law by:
1. Eliminating the education language requiring advanced education and would only require an applicant to possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent.
2. Eliminating any documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection and would only require an applicant to pass the current approved licensing examination.
3. Eliminating the requirement of an applicant passing a certification examination offered by a nationally recognized organization and adds the phrase “or state”
4. Eliminates the training in water, mold, and respiratory protection requirement in section 468.8419 Prohibitions: penalties.-
5. Reduces the applicants experience requirement of 3 years to 1 year.
6. Reduces the number of mold assessments or remediation invoices prepared by the applicant from 40 to 10.

These proposed amendments to the current licensing law would reduce the license to nothing more than a tax on the industry.

Dan Pollock, M.A.R.C.’s voice on the hill, feels the Florida Senate may be unwilling to pass similar bills.  The Palm Beach Post reported today that Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, a former House Speaker, was hesitant to eliminate or reduce laws protecting Florida consumers. He was quoted as saying, “To me, even as a conservative Republican, I still think there is room for some regulation, particularly when it impacts on the public.”

You can learn more about the bill and read it here:  http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/5007

HELP support the Mold Industry by Supporting M.A.R.C. Mold Assessment & Remediation Coalition of Florida

Go to the M.A.R.C. website and give your support by Contributing to the fight to keep our current Licensing Law.

• John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•  Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•  Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
• www.Microshield-ES.com

Florida Republicans have introduced H.B.5005 & 5007 to reduce or in most cases totally ELIMINATE ALL LICENSING & REGULATION

The key to the logic behind these mysterious bills is to discover WHICH specific item has been hidden in plain sight WITHIN the GROUP being deregulated that SOMEBODY thinks is worth selling the entire state down the river for.

The OTHER professions included in these bills represent, and have been successfully employed as, a diversionary smokescreen.

HB 5005 Relating to Deregulation of Professions and Occupations (2011 Session)

Deregulation of Professions and Occupations: Deletes provisions establishing Florida Board of Auctioneers & Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council, deletes provisions for regulation of yacht & ship brokers, auctioneers, talent agencies, athlete agents, persons practicing hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body wrapping, interior designers, professional fundraising consultants & solicitors, water vending machines & operators, health studios, ballroom dance studios, commercial telephone sellers & salespersons, movers & moving brokers, certain outdoor theaters, certain business opportunities, motor vehicle repair shops, sellers of travel, contracts with sales representatives involving commissions, & television picture tubes; revises name & membership of Board of Architecture; revises license classifications of public lodging establishments. Effective Date: July 1, 2011

04/07/11 HOUSE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 77 Yeas / 38 Nays);
Immediately Certified; Requests that the Senate pass the bill as passed by the House or agree to conference

HB 5007 Relating to Reducing and Streamlining Regulations (2011 Session)

Reducing and Streamlining Regulations: Revises various provisions relating to professions & occupations regulated by DBPR or DOACS, including distribution of motor vehicle consumer’s rights pamphlet; transfer of certain driver license information by DHSMV to DBPR; requirements for home inspectors, mold assessors & remediators, asbestos consultants & contractors & landscape architects; professional practice standards for real estate brokers & sales associates; criminal penalties for persons who violate orders or rules of Florida Real Estate Commission or Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board or persons who violate Florida Cosmetology Act or rules of Board of Cosmetology; continuing education requirements for reactivating licenses to practice certain regulated professions & occupations; licensure requirements for CPAs & firms; education requirements for licensed real estate brokers & sales associates; certification of business organizations practicing architecture or interior design; method of payment of certain fees; terminology for repossessor schools & training facilities; penalties for food safety violations committed by cottage food operations; exemptions for cottage food operations from food permitting requirements; regulation of public lodging & food service establishments & fire protection system contractors; department responsibility for Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act; & regulation of real estate appraisers & appraisal management companies. Effective Date: July 1, 2011

04/07/11 HOUSE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 80 Yeas / 38 Nays); Immediately Certified; Requests that the Senate pass the bill as passed by the House or agree to conferenc.

HB 5007 Relating to Reducing and Streamlining Regulations (2011 Session)

Reducing and Streamlining Regulations: Revises various provisions relating to professions & occupations regulated by DBPR or DOACS, including distribution of motor vehicle consumer’s rights pamphlet; transfer of certain driver license information by DHSMV to DBPR; requirements for home inspectors, mold assessors & remediators, asbestos consultants & contractors & landscape architects; professional practice standards for real estate brokers & sales associates; criminal penalties for persons who violate orders or rules of Florida Real Estate Commission or Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board or persons who violate Florida Cosmetology Act or rules of Board of Cosmetology; continuing education requirements for reactivating licenses to practice certain regulated professions & occupations; licensure requirements for CPAs & firms; education requirements for licensed real estate brokers & sales associates; certification of business organizations practicing architecture or interior design; method of payment of certain fees; terminology for repossessor schools & training facilities; penalties for food safety violations committed by cottage food operations; exemptions for cottage food operations from food permitting requirements; regulation of public lodging & food service establishments & fire protection system contractors; department responsibility for Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act; & regulation of real estate appraisers & appraisal management companies. Effective Date: July 1, 2011

04/07/11 HOUSE Read Third Time; Passed (Vote: 80 Yeas / 38 Nays); Immediately Certified; Requests that the Senate pass the bill as passed by the House or agree to conference

When something doesn’t smell right (and this one truly stinks) there’s usually a reason.

And it often entails a LOT of money changing hands.

BOVO INTRODUCES DISASTROUS DEREGULATION BILL, HANDS OFF THE TICKING TIME BOMB, THEN PROMPTLY RESIGNS TO RUN FOR A LOWER OFFICE.

Representative Esteban L. Bovo, Jr. (R-FL) suddenly resigned in the middle of the lawmaking session to run for the Miami-Dade County Commission. Bovo’s unusual mid-session departure leaves the House a member short, though the GOP will still hold a comfortable two-thirds majority in the chamber. He represents a solidly Republican district.

A couple of his bills will be shepherded through the remaining weeks of the session by other Miami-Dade lawmakers.

Speaking of BOVO, HB 5005, the bill HE INTRODUCED to lower or ELIMINATE state regulations on more than 20 industries, has been shifted off to Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, who chairs the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Bovo entered politics as an aide to two former state lawmakers and to former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez*. Bovo failed in his first bid for legislative office in 1992, eventually making it onto the Hialeah City Council, and he joined the House a decade later, in 2008.

*MIAMI, March 26, 1991— A jury in Federal District Court today found Mayor Raul Martinez of the Miami suburb of Hialeah guilty of racketeering and extortion in the sale of his votes and influence on zoning matters in return for about $1 million in cash or property from developers. Mayor Martinez, who has been suspended from office since the charges were brought against him last year, faces up to 120 years in prison and up to $1.5 million in fines.

Hialeah politics has a long, and admittedly rather colorful history of corruption.

His key achievement as a legislator, Bovo said, was bringing horse racing back to historic Hialeah Park.

Bovo used to work as the park’s marketing director and lobbyist. He now lobbies for Miami Children’s Hospital.

Bovo abruptly left his post as state House of Representatives legislator — in the middle of the law-making session — to run for the county commission seat vacated by former Commissioner Natacha Seijas, who was tossed out of office in the same recall election that also ousted county Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

This alone should raise some very large red flags as to his motives. People with political aspirations generally climb up, not down, as this man is doing.

The key to the logic behind these mysterious bills is to discover WHICH specific item has been hidden in plain sight WITHIN the GROUP being deregulated that SOMEBODY thinks is worth selling the entire state down the river for.

The OTHER professions included in these bills represent, and have been successfully employed as, a diversionary smokescreen.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/25/2134237/state-lawmaker-bovo-resigns-to.html#ixzz1J4yHfA39

BOVO’s VOTING RECORD in Florida House of Representatives:

Current Office: State House
Current District: 110
Party: Republican

BiographicalVoting RecordIssue Positions
(Political Courage Test)Interest Group RatingsCampaign Finances

Business and Consumers

2010 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Associated Industries of Florida 92 percent in 2010.

2010 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Associated Industries of Florida – Lifetime 91 percent during their legislative career up until 2010.

2010 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Florida Chamber of Commerce 87 percent in 2010.

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Associated Builders and Contractors 100 percent in 2009.

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Associated Industries of Florida 90 percent in 2009.

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Associated Industries of Florida – Lifetime 90 percent during their legislative career up until 2009.

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Florida Chamber of Commerce 75 percent in 2009.

Conservative

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Christian Coalition of Florida 78.6 percent in 2009.

Gun Issues

2010 In 2010 the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund gave Representative Bovo a grade of A.

Labor

2009 Representative Bovo supported the interests of the Florida AFL-CIO 0 percent in 2009.

SOURCE: BOVO record: http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=73705

Palm Beach Post 04/08/11
House passes bills eliminating, reducing state licensing requirements for professions:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/house-passes-bills-eliminating-reducing-state-licensing-requirements-1384356.html

As with any professional industry it’s vital that the interests of the Mold Industry and the Florida Consumers “our clients” be represented before our state lawmakers and officials. M.A.R.C. has secured the services of a Pollock and Associates to monitor and counsel us in areas of Florida legislative issues, political strategy, and rulemaking that involve the Mold Industry.

The Professional Mold Assessor must take a stand. Licensing which is a curse for some and a blessing for others is on the cusp of being reduced to nothing more than a state fee.  If the proposed amendment makes it through then anyone can become a licensed mold assessor or remediator including unqualified professions/trades without training.

Because abuses were rampant and Florida was known as the place where con artists and criminals could prey on Floridians who are rebuilding their hurricane-damaged homes and businesses FEMA warned Floridians to be alert for contractors and repair services that engage in fraud and prey on vulnerable disaster victims.

Many illegitimate contractors drive long distances to reach a disaster area to seek customers who are overstressed and eager to have their homes restored.  The current Mold Licensing Law would close the door of opportunity on these scam artist.

Floridians need Licensed Mold Professionals and Consumer Protection!

Say No to the Repeal of the Current Mold Licensing Law!

HB Bill 5007 amends the current Florida Mold Licensing Law by:

1. Eliminating the education language requiring advanced education and would only require an applicant to possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent.

2. Eliminating any documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection and would only require an applicant to pass the current approved licensing examination.

3. Eliminating the requirement of an applicant passing a certification examination offered by a nationally recognized organization and adds the phrase “or state”

4. Eliminates the training in water, mold, and respiratory protection requirement in section 468.8419 Prohibitions: penalties.-

5. Reduces the applicants experience requirement of 3 years to 1 year.

6. Reduces the number of mold assessments or remediation invoices prepared by the applicant from 40 to 10.

HELP support the Mold Industry by Supporting M.A.R.C. Mold Assessment & Remediation Coalition of Florida

Go to the M.A.R.C. website and give your support by Contributing to the fight to keep our current Licensing Law.

• John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•  Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•  Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
• www.Microshield-ES.com

by: Charlotte Greenbarg

My rabbi in Ohio, where we lived before moving to Florida, asked our class, “Why these Ten Commandments?” Our spirited discussion led us to the answer: Because it’s what the people were doing at the time. The Commandments spoke to the existing evils.

Our legislators would do well to remember that lesson. Why these regulations? Because abuses were rampant and Florida was known as the place where con artists and criminals preying on associations had their dreams come true. The situation was outrageous and unacceptable.

Association boards were being hijacked by those who looked at the positions as profit centers for their personal gain. Elections were rigged. Unscrupulous managers worked in collusion with corrupt boards. Convicted felons and others were managing and bleeding associations dry. Honest, victimized unit owners had no place to appeal to but the courts, a really expensive, time-consuming alternative paid for by all the taxpayers, clogging the already burdened system.

Barbara Zee, Legislation Chair for the Delray Alliance put it very well: “We are fortunate to know some excellent, professional people who are property managers, but I have heard of others who sold their services to the unsuspecting who were buying price, and it ended-up costing associations due to lack of governmental/organizational requirements of the manager and his/her lack of knowledge and experience. There is a reason and necessity for continuing education in certain industries. Another example of a problem with the un-licensed is the mitigation home inspector. Before the requirement for training/license, there were many out there doing their job without a clue; and the insurers jumped on their mistakes to undo the providing of credits. Same goes for the vast numbers of unlicensed public adjusters who took advantage of the unregulated system. This caused many problems for insurers, e.g. Coral Insurance, a very reputable company, went bankrupt after 2005 from paying all the public adjusters’ fraudulent claims. It also was a reason for insurers backing away from insuring for sinkholes.”

This bill has been morphed into something it isn’t, now called an implementing bill to put it on a fast track in order to avoid committee meetings and public input. This is unconscionable.

Do we need to take a hard look at association regulation? Of course we do; all regulations should be revisited periodically. But the process needs to be a thoughtful one, with input from everyone affected, to make sure changes don’t cause chaos, and there are no unintended consequences.

Moreover, each unit owner has paid into the funds that were created for the regulatory entities. This involves millions of dollars paid specifically for much needed regulation. Ironically, the money from this fund that is planned to be put into the general fund will end up costing the state so much more because disputes that would have been settled by lower cost arbitration will now end up in court, not to mention overwhelming a system that can’t handle what it has now. The millions unit owners pay to the state cover the costs of association matters would be put into the general fund, a shameful betrayal.

SB 5005 would only make Florida’s situation worse, the very last thing we need considering that our fiscal position is as precarious as that fiddler on the roof.

Mold Assessment & Remediation Coalition of Florida

• John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•  Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•  Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
• www.Microshield-ES.com

The fight to prevent the Repeal of the Current Florida Mold Licensing Laws has reached a Major Victory today!

Mold Related Services have been removed from HB 5005!  The removal was via the introduction of HB 5007 which would Amend the current mold licensing law as opposed to repeal the Licensing altogether.

The House Economic Affairs Committee took up and passed the Proposed Committee Substitute for HB, 5005 HB 5007, which repeals several professions regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Mold Related Services were removed from the bill.

The threat of a total Repeal of the Current Mold Licensing Law has been put on temporary hold.

Thank You to everyone who sent emails and made those important calls to your District Representatives and Senators.  Your hard work has paid off!

The amendments to the current mold licensing law are listed below.

HB 5007 Amends HB 5005

The PCB was introduced by Representative Esteban L. Bovo, jr. Reducing and Streamlining Regulations: Revises various provisions relating to professions & occupations regulated by DBPR.

The Proposed Committee Bill will amend the current licensing requirements to obtain a Mold Assessors or Mold Remediators License.

HB Bill 5007 amends HB 5005 by:

1. Eliminating the education language requiring advanced education and would only require an applicant to possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent.

2. Eliminating any documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection and would only require an applicant to pass the current approved licensing examination.

3. Eliminating the requirement of an applicant passing a certification examination offered by a nationally recognized organization and adds the phrase “or state”

4. Eliminates the training in water, mold, and respiratory protection requirement in section 468.8419 Prohibitions: penalties.-

5. Reduces the applicants experience requirement of 3 years to 1 year.

6. Reduces the number of mold assessments or remediation invoices prepared by the applicant from 40 to 10.

Here is the link to HB 5007 Click Here

Below is the Mold Related Services sections of HB 5007.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.

HB 5007 A bill to be entitled, An act relating to reducing and streamlining regulations; amends s. 14 468.8413, F.S.; revising licensing requirements for mold 15 assessors and remediators; amends s. 468.8414, F.S.; revising 16 the training requirements for mold assessors and remediators; 17 amends s. 468.8419, F.S.; related to prohibitions and penalties 18 for mold assessors and remediators; amends s. 468.8423, F.S.; 19 revises licensing qualifications for mold assessors and 20 remediators;

(1) A person desiring to be licensed as a mold assessor or mold remediator must apply to the department after satisfying the examination requirements of this part.

(2) An applicant may practice in this state as a mold assessor or mold remediator if he or she passes the required examination, is of good moral character, and possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent. completes one of the following requirements:

(a)1. For a mold remediator, at least a 2-year associate of arts degree, or the equivalent, with at least 30 semester hours in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or

2. A high school diploma or the equivalent with a minimum of 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation.

(b)1. For a mold assessor, at least a 2-year associate of arts degree, or the equivalent, with at least 30 semester hours in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in conducting microbial sampling or investigations; or

2. A high school diploma or the equivalent with a minimum of 4 years of documented field experience in conducting microbial sampling or investigations.

(3) The department shall review and approve courses of study in mold assessment and mold remediation.

Section 5. Paragraphs (2) and (3) of s. 468.8414, Florida Statutes are amended to read:

(2) The department shall certify for licensure any applicant who satisfies the requirements of s. 468.8413 who has passed the licensing examination and has documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection. The department may refuse to certify any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of this part.

(3) The department shall certify as qualified for a license by endorsement an applicant who is of good moral character, who has the insurance coverage required under s. 468.8421, and who:

(a) Is qualified to take the examination as set forth in s.468.8413 and has passed a certification examination offered by a nationally or state recognized organization that certifies persons in the specialty of mold assessment or mold remediation that has been approved by the department as substantially  equivalent to the requirements of this part and s. 455.217; or

Section 6. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 468.8419, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

468.8419 Prohibitions; penalties.—

(1) A person may not:

(a) Effective July 1, 2011, perform or offer to perform any mold assessment unless the mold assessor has documented  training in water, mold, and respiratory protection under s. 468.8414(2).

(a)(b) Effective July 1, 2011, perform or offer to perform any mold assessment unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.

(b)(c) Use the name or title “certified mold assessor,” “registered mold assessor,” “licensed mold assessor,” “mold assessor,” “professional mold assessor,” or any combination thereof unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.

(c)(d) Perform or offer to perform any mold remediation to a structure on which the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company provided a mold assessment within the last 12 months. This paragraph does not apply to a certified contractor who is classified in s. 489.105(3) as a Division I contractor. However, the department may adopt rules requiring that, if such contractor performs the mold assessment and offers to perform the mold remediation, the contract for mold remediation provided to the homeowner discloses that he or she has the right to request competitive bids.

(d)(e) Inspect for a fee any property in which the assessor or the assessor’s company has any financial or transfer interest.

(e)(f) Accept any compensation, inducement, or reward from a mold remediator or mold remediator’s company for the referral of any business to the mold remediator or the mold remediator’s company.

(f)(g) Offer any compensation, inducement, or reward to a mold remediator or mold remediator’s company for the referral of any business from the mold remediator or the mold remediator’s company.

(g)(h) Accept an engagement to make an omission of the assessment or conduct an assessment in which the assessment itself, or the fee payable for the assessment, is contingent upon the conclusions of the assessment.

(2) A mold remediator, a company that employs a mold remediator, or a company that is controlled by a company that also has a financial interest in a company employing a mold remediator may not:

(a) Perform or offer to perform any mold remediation unless the remediator has documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection under s. 468.8414(2).

(a)(b) Perform or offer to perform any mold remediation unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.

(b)(c) Use the name or title “certified mold remediator,” “registered mold remediator,” “licensed mold remediator,” “mold remediator,” “professional mold remediator,” or any combination thereof unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.

(c)(d) Perform or offer to perform any mold assessment to a structure on which the mold remediator or the mold remediator’s company provided a mold remediation within the last 12 months. This paragraph does not apply to a certified contractor who is classified in s.489.105(3) as a Division I contractor. However, the department may adopt rules requiring that, if such contractor performs the mold remediation and offers to perform the mold assessment, the contract for mold assessment provided to the homeowner discloses that he or she has the right to request competitive bids.

(d)(e) Remediate for a fee any property in which the mold remediator or the mold remediator’s company has any financial or transfer interest.

(e)(f) Accept any compensation, inducement, or reward from a mold assessor or mold assessor’s company for the referral of any business from the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company.

(f)(g) Offer any compensation, inducement, or reward to a mold assessor or mold assessor’s company for the referral of any business from the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company.

Section 7. Paragraphs (1) of s.468.8423, Florida Statutes are amended to read:

(1) A person who performs mold assessment or mold remediation as defined in this part may qualify for licensure by the department as a mold assessor or mold remediator if the person submits his or her application to the department by March 1, 2011 and if the person:

(a) Is certified as a mold assessor or mold remediator by a state or national association that requires, for such certification, successful completion of a proctored examination on mold assessment or mold remediation, as applicable; or

(b) At the time of application, has at least 1 3 years of experience as a mold assessor or mold remediator. To establish the 1 3 years of experience, an applicant must submit at

least 10 40 mold assessments or remediation invoices prepared by the applicant.

Section 8. Paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of section 324 468.841, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

468.841 Exemptions.—

(1) The following persons are not required to comply with any provisions of this part relating to mold assessment:

(d) Persons or business organizations acting within the scope of the respective licenses required under part XV of chapter 468, chapter 471, part I of chapter 481, chapter 482, chapter 489, or part XV of this chapter, are acting on behalf of an insurer under part VI of chapter 626, or are persons in the manufactured housing industry who are licensed under chapter 320, except when any such persons or business organizations hold themselves out for hire to the public as a “certified mold assessor,” “registered mold assessor,” “licensed mold assessor,” “mold assessor,” “professional mold assessor,” or any combination thereof stating or implying licensure under this part.

Section 9. Subsection (1) and paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 469.006, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

469.006 Licensure of business organizations; qualifying agents.—

(1) If an individual proposes to engage in consulting or contracting in that individual’s own name, or a fictitious name under which the individual is doing business as a sole proprietorship, the license may be issued only to that individual.

(2)(a) If the applicant proposes to engage in consulting or contracting as a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity, or in any name other than the applicant’s legal name, the legal entity must apply for licensure through a qualifying agent or the individual applicant must apply for licensure under the fictitious name.

• John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•  Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•  Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
• www.Microshield-ES.com

Indoor Air 2011 will be a unique technical program that focuses on major challenges facing the indoor air community. Indoor Air 2011 will highlight future challenges that will reach beyond the traditional scope of indoor research. Examples: indoor air quality and climate change, the long-term implications of green building design on indoor air quality, indoor air chemistry and health, connections between local and regional outdoor air quality and the indoor environment, and emerging contaminants.

More information about this event…

ISIAQ is an international, independent, multidisciplinary,scientific, non-profit organization whose purpose is to support thecreation of healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environments. Westrongly believe this is achievable by advancing the science andtechnology of indoor air quality and climate as it relates to indoorenvironmental design, construction, operation and maintenance, airquality measurement and health sciences.

As a Society, our major role is to facilitate internationaland interdisciplinary communication and information exchange bypublishing and fostering publication on indoor air quality and climate.We organize, sponsor and support initiatives such as meetings,conferences, and seminars on indoor air quality and climate; and wedevelop, adapt and maintain guidelines for theimprovement of indoor air quality and climate. We also cooperatewith government and other agencies and societies with interests in theindoor environment and climate.

To find out more about us, please click here.

New Web Site – Differences to note

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com

WE MADE IT BETTER!

RIA’s 2011 Annual Convention has been given a facelift, maximizing your learning and networking opportunities.

Thanks to the efforts of the Convention Planning Task Force, this new structure provides attendees with the opportunity to participate in more interactive and extended 90-minute sessions, allowing presenters and attendees to move beyond the simple ABC’s of topics and get into the heart of matters, bringing the concept of networking to a new level.

Click here to download a Registration Form.

Click here for a copy of the 2011 Convention Brochure.

March 21- March 24, 2011
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

NADCA’s Annual Meeting & Exposition represents the most productive and efficient opportunity for members of the HVAC system cleaning industry to connect – all in one place, all at one time. Annual Meeting attendees include the decision makers for our industry, and they play a central role in the purchasing process for their companies.

As the main event in the global HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and Restoration Industry, NADCA’s 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition is a the best opportunity to gain knowledge in your field and meet with other members of the Association.

We hope you will join us in Las Vegas, Nevada, 2011 for this cutting-edge event!

Come and experience the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s reputation for being one of the best hotspots in Sin City. The property’s signature party attitude along with a jolt of sexy sophistication can be felt the moment you walk through the door. A boutique-style hotel according to Vegas standards, the Hard Rock offers a fabulous casino, poker lounge, numerous cocktail lounges, Rock Spa Fitness Center and various restaurants.

During your stay, dance the night away in Vanity or catch a show at The Joint. Dine at Nobu, recognized for its groundbreaking modern and authentic Japanese cuisine or at Rare 120 for a fabulous steak. For the more budget-conscience, stop by Mr. Lucky’s for standard diner fair, Johnny Smalls for small plates and shareable dishes or Pink Taco for traditional Mexican dishes with a California spin. In your free time, lounge by pool, a tropical paradise, home of the famous Rehab pool party. Browse the retail stores for that special souvenir of your stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Fly into McCarran International Airport (LAS). The hotel is 10-15 minutes from the airport and cab fare is approximately $10.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Reservations can be made by contacting the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino directly at (702) 693-5000, toll free (800) 473-7625. When making your room reservations, please be sure to identify yourself as attending the NADCA 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition to receive the discounted group rate. Rooms are located in the Paradise Tower, one of the hotel’s newest towers.

$126 single/double – NOTE: Room rate includes resort fee.

Buck Sheppard, ASCS

NADCA President on Dateline Duct Cleaning Expose

This week HVAC cleaning veteran Buck Sheppard will discuss HVAC cleaning issues and the recent Dateline NBC expose on duct cleaning bait and switch scams.  The news release from NADCA states “NADCA participated in an undercover investigation by Chris Hanson and Dateline NBC to expose companies that use bait and switch tactics to take advantage of consumers.  The investigation culminated in a segment that aired January 30, 2011, featuring NADCA President Buck Sheppard as the industry expert.  After witnessing one of the scam operators in action, Sheppard was taken aback.”

Join IAQ Radio every Friday at noon to LEARN MORE about HVAC cleaning, bait and switch scams, what can be done to stop them and more on IAQ Radio!

Join Now

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com