HB 5005 Deregulation of Professions and Occupations

March 18, 2011

HB 5005 the Florida Caveat Emptor Law. Caveat Emptor is Latin for “Let the Buyer Beware” (i.e., one buys at one’s own risk). The axiom or principle in commerce that the buyer alone is responsible for assessing the quality of a service before buying.

This is the push from the Governor to reduce government and increase jobs by allowing anyone,yes anyone, to provide you with a professional service listed in the repeal bill to do so without meeting the states current licensing requirements.

Florida floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, create a perfect feeding ground for scam artists from both inside and outside of Florida. When it comes to rip-off professionals cashing in on the misery of others, fraudulent Mold Inspectors and Mold Remediators rank high on the list.  As Floridians, we had been exposed to these fraudulent mold service professionals for years.

Last year the current Mold Services Licensing Law was passed and enacted.  Finally providing Floridians with the much needed Consumer Protection needed for years.  Floridians can now request to see a Mold Inspector or Mold Remediators License and review their history on the FL DBPR website before the make the decision to hire.

And now, the new Governor wants to repeal this much needed Mold Related Services Licensing Law.

If HB 5005 passes and we lose the Mold Related Services Licensing Law, all Floridians will once again be exposed to fraud when the next disaster hits.

States like Texas and Louisiana have Mold Related Services Licensing Laws because they know the TRUE need for Mold Services Licensing.  They have seen more than their share of Mold and Remediation Fraud recently and have enacted the necessary Mold Services Licensing Laws to protect their citizens.

We have done the same here in Florida and need to fight to keep the Current Mold Licensing Law to protect Floridians from Mold Scams and Mold Fraud.

 

Update from Dan Pollock, Pollock & Associates, Inc.

The House Business & Consumer Services Subcommittee recently approved in a partyline vote—with all Republican members voting for the bill—the proposed committee bill that would de-regulate nearly 30 licensed professionals under DBPR. The proposed committee bill (PCB) now has a bill number that you can track: HB 5005.

This link goes to HB 5005 on myfloridahouse.gov: http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=46688&SessionId=66

HB 5005 is now sitting in the House Economic Affairs Committee waiting to be put on an agenda. Here is the link to the members of that committee: http://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/committeesdetail.aspx?SessionId=66&CommitteeId=2590

As of now, there is no senate companion to this bill however that can change at any time. There are individual bills to repeal the Mold Services law in its entirety, which are also in play.

The de-regulation of Mold Services is by no means a foregone conclusion! There are 7 weeks left in a 9 week session. Many members who voted for the de-reg bill last week did so based purely upon House politics; not because they believe all 30 professions should be de-regulated. Many have issues with both Home Inspectors and Mold Services going back to the unregulated, wild west that it once was. Many understand that these services were regulated because of bad actors and abuses to consumers that were occurring.

Lobbying efforts are greatly needed. If legislators do not hear from industry representatives, they often feel that it must not be a ‘big deal’ since no one is coming to see them. Emails and phone calls are very important, but they do not take the place of a lobbyist who has a personal relationship with these legislators visiting with them and explaining the history of the profession and how you got to become regulated professionals. Going unrepresented in Tallahassee would be a very risky gamble.

I believe that with hard work lobbying the members we will prevail. I have already started meeting with members to discuss the disastrous results that would occur if the legislature does away with our licensure. I have started this work so that we, as an industry, are not playing catch-up once I am retained as your lobbyist and an agreement is signed. But, I can only do so much work without an agreement and a first payment.

Please inform all interested Mold Services professionals who have a stake maintaining their licensed professional status that now is the time to step up and take action. I stand ready to work tirelessly to defeat this de-regulation measure and, again, I believe that we will prevail.

HB 5005

Deregulation of Professions and Occupations: Deletes provisions establishing DBPR’s Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, & Mobile Homes, Florida Board of Auctioneers, Board of Employee Leasing Companies, Board of Landscape Architecture, Board of Professional Geologists, & Board of Professional Surveyors & Mappers, Motor Vehicle Repair Advisory Council, & Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers; deletes provisions for regulation of yacht & ship brokers, auctioneers, talent agencies, community association managers, athlete agents, employee leasing companies, home inspectors, mold assessors & remediators, professional surveyors & mappers, persons practicing hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body wrapping, interior designers, landscape architects, professional geologists, 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; deletes DBPR’s authority to enforce & ensure compliance of certain provisions relating to condominiums, cooperatives, vacation plans & timeshares, & mobile homes.

Last Event: Now in Economic Affairs Committee on Friday, March 18, 2011 3:00 PM

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

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Florida Deregulation Bill – Will It Open a Pandora’s Box of Evildoing Here in Florida?

March 17, 2011

Posted on March 15, 2011by Rosa Schechter

A bill that would remove the State of Florida from overseeing and regulating a wide variety of business activities is moving through the Florida Legislature right now — and it’s so comprehensive that even the industry leaders currently subject to agency oversight are denouncing the proposed law as bad for Florida.

As reported in today’s Orlando Sentinel in a story by Jason Garcia entitled, “Some industries balk at giant deregulation bill in Florida House ,” the bill is big – it’s 281 pages long, and even lots of businesses don’t like it.

Garcia reports that over 30 representatives (lobbyists and others) have gone before the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee to give their testimony of how bad things could get if the Florida state government were to exit the building in these various industries.  Even Disney had a man go before the committee, warning of land fraud temptations without Florida’s oversight of time shares. (Disney’s big into the time share condo business.)

What the Deregulation Bill Proposes to Do

It’s a budget cutting manuever that would take the State of Florida out of the business of overseeing and regulating 25+ professions and industries operating for profit in this state — including home inspectors, time-shares, condos, landscape architects, professional surveyors, professional mappers, and other real estate related industries as well as businesses like auto mechanics and travel agencies.

For example, here’s what is being considered regarding architects.

Architects – Currently, an Architect business must be licensed by the state, unless exempt from licensure, in addition to the requirement that the individual be licensed. Persons currently exempt from licensure include anyone who makes plans and specifications for, or supervises the erection, enlargement, or alteration of:

1. Any building upon any farm for the use of any farmer, regardless ofthecost of the building;

2. Anyone-family or two-family residence building, townhouse, or domesticoutbuilding appurtenant to any one-family or two-family residence, regardless of cost; or

3. Any other type ofbuilding costing less than $25,000, except a school,auditorium, or other building intended for public use, provided that theservices of a registered architect shall not be required for minor school projects.

The proposal is to eliminate business license equirements for sole proprietorships for individuals licensed as Architects.

Florida isn’t new to deregulation — Governor Crist made lots of headlines in 2009 regarding the extent that the State of Florida would regulate the commercial insurance industry.  There was also lots of controversy over the extent that Florida should or would oversee the telecommunications industry in the state.

However, with the new shift in power up in Tallahassee, and Governor Scott’s stated intention to run the State of Florida like a business, wide-spread deregulation like this may not face the big fight that it has seen in past years.

Deregulation From a Land Development Perspective

Land developers often find state regulations to be time-consuming and expensive, but all reputable real estate professionals still respect the reality that there are those that push the edge of the envelope (or go past it) for the sake of profit.  No one wants to open the door to a free-for-all here in Florida, just because the state is in economic hard times.

So, is this massive deregulation good for Florida?  Many respected business professionals think not.  Consider what’s being done here.  Specifically, the government would be hands-off regarding the following industries:

1. Athlete Agents

2. Auctioneers

3. Auctioneer Apprentices

4. Barbers

5. Body Wrappers

6. Business Opportunities

7. Cattle Owners with Officially Registered Brands

8. Charitable Organizations

9. Community Association Managers/Finns

10. Condominiums and Cooperatives

11. Dance Studios

12. Employee Leasing Companies

13. Hair Braiders

14. Hair Wrappers

15. Health Studios

16. Home Inspectors

17. Interior Designers

18. Intrastate Movers

19. Landscape Architects

20. Manicurists

21. Mobile Home Lots

22. Mold Related Services

23. Motor Vehicle Repair Shops

24. Professional Geology

25. Professional Surveyors and Mappers

26. Rooming Houses

27. Sellers ofTravel

28. Specialty Salons (Manicurists, Pedicurists, Nail Extensions)

29. Talent Agents

30. Telemarketing

31. Timeshares

32. Yacht and Ship Brokers

33. Television Tube Labeling (HB 4013 by Eisnaugle-Reported Favorably by BCA

Subcommittee on 2/8/11)

34. Contract Commissions (HB 4023 by Plakon- Reported Favorably by BCA

Subcommittee on 2/8/11)

35. Water Vending Machines (HB 4009 by Workman- Reported Favorably by BCA

Subcommittee on 2/8/11)

 

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

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Florida Politicians say “We Don’t Need No Stinking Mold Licenses”

March 15, 2011

Florida House of Representatives MicroshieldWhy do we need a License anyway? I don’t know Consumer Protection maybe?  That’s a question I don’t really get asked very often because we Floridians know the actual value of always asking for a valid License before hiring anyone.

At the same time we Floridians are well aware that just having a License doesn’t make anyone great at what they do.   We are also well aware that having a License won’t prevent a surgeon from sewing up surgical devices in a patient.  And we surely understand that licensed professionals aren’t issued personal ethics and values when they received their license in the mail.

What we do know about a Licensed Professional is that once licensed, WE, that’s right all of us, have a means and a way of putting the Licensed Professional out of business by reporting misconduct and fraud to the FL DBPR, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  At a minimum be assured that the licensed professional was trained in his profession and carries insurance.

Another really great aspect of requiring a Florida License is that the licensed professional also knows that WE have the ability to document our opinion of their work with the FL DBPR in the form of a complaint.  The licensed professional knows that WE are watching.  The licensed professional knows that if they try to scam US they can have a complaint filed against them.  And a licensed professional is very aware that too many complaints mean the potential clients who review their history can and will chose a service provider with no complaints.  A licensed professional is well aware of the fact that complaints can lead to the loss of their license.

Now that’s Consumer Protection!

So why would Florida Politicians say “We Don’t Need No Stinking Licenses” and push to repeal the current Florida Mold Licensing Law via HB 4171, SB 1244, and PCB BCAS 11-01???

Well politicians are trying to say that requiring a license is preventing Floridians from getting jobs.  Forget that whole Consumer Protection think.  Remember politicians get all of their brilliant ideas from their Dad I mean Lobbyist. And Lobbyist get all of their great ideas from Special Interest Groups. “We Don’t Need No Stinking Mold Licenses” was actually the Idea of a New Jersey Corporation.  That’s right New Jersey! Not anyone from Florida, Not the Florida Representative or Senator that introduce the Bill to repeal the current Licensing Law.  A New Jersey Corporation.

Just which State do these guys actually represent?

Repealing the mold licensing law to create jobs is just political smoke and mirrors.  The politicians want to repeal the Mold Licensing Law because the Lobbyist was paid to promote the idea by a New Jersey special interest.  And the way they all decided to make the idea fly was to sell it as a J-O-B creating get Florida to work idea.  Smoke and Mirrors.

By the way Tampa, you guys need to take note and V-O-T-E at the next election BIG TIME!!! New Jersey?   REALLY guys!

I live right here in Florida and neither Senator Norman or Representative Grant has returned my calls or emails.  I guess the way to get a returned email or call is to move to New Jersey and hire Representative Grants Dad.

Listen, politicians won’t create jobs by deciding that a Mold Inspector or a Mold Remediator doesn’t need a license.  Politicians would just make it possible for more fraud and scams to be committed against Floridians. There have been several unlicensed mold professionals arrested for mold fraud as recently as last month.

If someone wanted to be a mold inspector or mold remediator they could get a job Today! Then the newly employed Floridian could start learning the trade and gain the experience necessary to conduct a thorough mold inspection or provide proper mold remediation.  And when he or she is ready and has the necessary training and experience he or she could apply for their own license.

So…..Just how will repealing the current mold licensing law create jobs?

We don’t need political smoke and mirrors and repealing the current Florida Mold Licensing Law is nothing more than Political Smoke and Mirrors!

What WE Floridians need are Licensed Mold Professionals and Consumer Protection!

Requiring a License IS Consumer Protection.  A License provides:

  • a way for Floridians to review a Mold Professionals history.
  • a way for Floridians to report misconduct or fraud by a Mold Professional.
  • and lets the Licensed Mold Professionals know Floridians are watching, and that Floridians can review their history, and Floridians can report misconduct and fraud.

A Mold License is a Good Thing for everyone in Florida.

Clearly not so much for New Jersey.  Right Tampa?

 

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

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Some industries balk at giant deregulation bill in Florida House

March 15, 2011

Florida House of Representatives Microshield IAQBy Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel4:46 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2011

In their zeal to slash red tape this spring, Florida lawmakers are going so far that they have begun making even the state’s biggest businesses nervous.

A committee in the Florida House of Representatives unveiled and approved a sweeping plan on Tuesday to eliminate state-government oversight of more than two-dozen professions and industries, from telemarketers and travel agents to home inspectors and auto mechanics.

The 281-page bill is the most far-reaching attempt at deregulation yet undertaken in a year in which Republican leaders from Gov. Rick Scott to House Speaker Dean Cannon of Winter Park have repeatedly vowed to reduce government bureaucracy and make Florida more accommodating to businesses.

But the measure immediately drew opposition from many of those same industries that boosters say they are attempting to help. More than 30 lobbyists and professionals from various industries testified before the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, with the vast majority of them urging lawmakers to preserve the current state’s regulatory schemes.

“Sometimes, regulation can be productive,” Nancy Stewart, of the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida, said as she urged the committee to remove provisions from the bill that would abolish the state agency that oversees condominiums, time shares and mobile homes. “We all know that we have better behavior when someone’s watching.”

Boosters of the bill said many regulations help existing businesses stifle competition. Lifting those rules, they argued, would make it easier for new businesses to set up shop in Florida and, ultimately, they hope, create jobs in a recession-wracked state still weighed down by a 12 percent unemployment rate.

“One of the beauties of our country is that an individual can sit in their living room and draw up a business plan and then go to work. But it’s sad to know that the moment they walk out that door, there are obstacles presented,” said Rep. Esteban Bovo, R-Hialeah and committee chairman, who sponsored of the legislation. “At the end of the day, the goal is to give people the power to start their own businesses and then let them move forward and compete.”

Even by the standards already set this year in Tallahassee — where dozens of bills lifting one regulation or another are rapidly advancing through the Legislature — the legislation introduced Tuesday is breathtaking.

One section, for instance, would abolish entirely Florida’s 23-year-old “Sellers of Travel” law. More than 6,500 travel agencies and independent agents are currently registered under the law, which was initially passed to protect consumers from unscrupulous agents peddling phony vacations.

Among other provisions, the current law requires that a travel agency post a surety bond of up to $50,000 so the state can use it to refund travelers should they be sold a fraudulent vacation package or if the seller goes bankrupt before customers take their trips.

Florida has received more than 13,000 complaints about sellers of travel during the past five years, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, which administers the law.

Other sections of the bill, meanwhile, would cut state oversight of the time-share industry. No more, for instance, would government regulators review offering documents by time-share builders to ensure they include adequate disclosures for consumers or in advertising materials to ensure they aren’t misleading.

It was enough to bring even Florida’s best-known employer — Walt Disney World — out in opposition.

Brian Bibeau, a lobbyist for the resort, pointed out that the state began regulating the time-share industry in the 1980s to weed out shady developers who gave the industry a seedy reputation that it has spent years trying to shed.

Disney owns a time-share business, Disney Vacation Club, which is based in Central Florida and has properties in four states.

“Florida has what some people would call a colorful history of land fraud that goes back 100 years. Others would call it a lurid history of land fraud,” Bibeau said. “The division [of condominiums, time shares and mobile homes] was put together to force the bad actors out of these areas of activity. We think it’d be a terrible mistake for you all to deregulate those areas of the division. We strongly oppose it.”

Many other industries expressed similar concerns. The Florida Association of Professional Geologists said state licensing is vital to ensure that geologists have the appropriate technical skills and education levels. The Automotive Service Associations said the state’s regulatory scheme helps resolve complaints with consumers unhappy with car-repair jobs. The Florida Association of Realtors said home buyers need the assurance that comes with state oversight of home inspectors.

“Realtors believe it’s in the public interest to keep those folks accountable to the state and the public,” said Trey Price, a lobbyist for the Realtors association. The Florida Home Inspectors Council, too, testified in support of the state’s current regulations.

Not everyone, however, was critical.

Allen Douglas, a lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, which represents small businesses in the state, said many of Florida’s myriad rules and regulations are obstacles for new businesses.

“A lot of these laws are legit. But a lot of them are to limit competition,” Douglas said.

Indeed, much of Tuesday’s three-hour hearing was consumed by dueling testimony from in-state and out-of-state interior designers over whether to lift licensing requirements for commercial interior designers.

Analysts said 255 state-government jobs could be cut if all of the regulations targeted in the legislation were repealed.

The bill ultimately advanced on a 10-5, party-line vote, with outnumbered Democratic lawmakers criticizing what they called “unbridled” deregulation.

“I’m worried that the message we’re going to be sending is not that Florida is business friendly, but that Florida is the wild, wild West,” said Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg.

Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

Florida makes BIG move to De-Regulate Florida Licensed Professional Services

March 14, 2011

Governor Scott isCan You Hear Us NOW! doing all that he can to provide Jobs to Floridians but some would say he is going about it in all the wrong ways.

Ensuring that your Florida professional service provider is Licensed and Insured is the most important piece of information that the Citizens of Florida require  from any Legitimate Florida Professional Service Provider prior to hiring and receiving any professional service in the State of Florida.

This would include all professional services from your Licensed Barber or Cosmetologist to the Licensed Home or Mold Inspector you hire to inspect your home before you make the most important purchase of your life.

The idea that eliminating the States requirement for licensing could ever be a good thing is simply ridicules.

A Florida License ensures that Florida professionals meet a minimum requirement necessary to obtain a license Prior to providing their services.

A Florida License means that Floridians have a means of reviewing a licensee’s history prior to hiring and a way of reporting a licensee’s poor or negligent performance if necessary.

A Florida License creates an Informed and Empowered Florida Consumer.

A lack of a Florida License presents a real financial danger to the citizens of Florida.

The Governors’ idea is to de-regulate professional services making it easier for Floridians to get a job.  I don’t know about the rest of you but I don’t want an unemployed engineer (for example) cutting my hair just so he has a job.

I do know that the regulating of professions is what separates us from the old Wild, Wild West.  It’s what protects Floridians from Fraud, Scams, and Unqualified Contractors.

I do know it is what sets a standard to ensure Floridians receive a trained, insured, and licensed professional services and not the proposed legislation that might as well be labeled HB 101 Caveat Emptor or “Let the buyer beware”.

The introduction of PCB BCAS 11-01 (proposed committee bill) is being heard tomorrow morning in the House Business & Consumer Services Subcommittee.

This is the introduction of a proposed Bill that is “An act relating to the deregulation of professions and occupations; amending s. 20.165, F.S.;”

This is an attempt to deregulate professions from Auctioneers, Barbers, Home Inspectors, Interior Designers, Mold-Related Services, Surveyors and many, many more.

Check to see if you may no longer need your professional license in the proposed legislation.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Documents/

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Committees/

Committee members who need to be contacted to STOP the madness.
Bovo, Jr., Esteban L. (R) Chair, Roberson, Kenneth L. (R) Vice Chair, Abruzzo, Joseph (D) Democratic Ranking Member, Ahern, Larry (R), Artiles, Frank (R), Crisafulli, Steve (R), Eisnaugle, Eric (R), Goodson, Tom (R), Jones, Mia L. (D), Nuñez, Jeanette M. (R), Patronis, Jimmy (R), Rouson, Darryl Ervin (D), Slosberg, Irving (D), Stafford, Cynthia A. (D), Young, Dana D. (R)

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

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

The International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate ISIAQ, Indoor Air 2011 (Austin, TX, Jun 05, 2011 to Jun 10, 2011)

February 4, 2011

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.

Read about the planning of Indoor Air 2011, now underway.

Download Conference Information and Preliminary Call for Abstracts

Important Dates:

Abstract submission:  August 1 – October 8, 2010

Paper submission deadline:  January 15, 2011

Final paper submission deadline:  March 1, 2011

Registration open:  December, 2010

Read about Student Opportunities.

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

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

RIA’s 2011 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT & INDUSTRY EXPO

February 4, 2011

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.

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NADCA 22nd Annual Meeting & Exposition

February 4, 2011

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.

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

This Week on IAQ Radio

February 4, 2011

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

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Mold-Related Services Licensing Program

February 4, 2011

What can I do now to prepare myself for licensure?

Because Chapter  468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes providing for licensure and grandfathering  did not go into effect until July 1, 2010, the department did not have  authority  to approve any courses or examinations prior to that  date. We have approved the Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) exams and are now   accepting course applications. To access the applications, click this APPLY link (or use the APPLY button on the navigation menu above).

To avoid the time and expense involved with taking  a potentially unapproved course, it is recommended that persons wishing  to become licensed should wait for the  department’s approval of course applications before taking any steps toward licensing.

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

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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

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