Cleaning and restoration contractors have a friend in Zurich.

The carrier is offering a dollar-for-dollar donation match to current members of the Restoration Industry Association^® (RIA), a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 20,000 cleaning and restoration contractors around the globe.

Julie Dunai, head of Zurich North America Commercial's Environmental unit, explains that the mission of RIA-to advance the educational programs available to qualified certified restorers-reciprocates Zurich's HelpPoint brand promise: "to deliver when it matters."

"Having highly specialized and advanced certified restorers will, ultimately, improve the already high-level of service Zurich provides to its customers," Dunai said. "We believe in the RIA's mission and are hoping this sponsorship inspires other members to give back to this important association."

Zurich will match donations made by RIA members in the next three years, up to the $25,000 that the carrier provided last year to help launch the CR program and electronic learning project. By matching any new donations, Zurich will help the RIA achieve two of its main goals: to update the Certified Restorer^® (CR) Program and develop new ways to deliver training to restorers.

The CR program is an advanced certification program for contractors in the property damage repair industry.

"Zurich's sponsorship is proving invaluable in helping RIA undertake the many facets of recreating a professional certification, such as documenting the restorer's work through a formal job analysis study, creating a comprehensive and accessible body of knowledge, and offering a secure and impartial examination process," said Don Manger, RIA executive director. "Zurich's support has already enabled RIA's collaboration with Purdue University in funding a job analysis study to be conducted this summer."