The International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) was formed in 1989 to represent the interests of kitchen exhaust cleaners in their business affairs. The primary purpose of the organization was to establish a series of programs that would promote education, standardize cleaning practices, and improve quality workmanship.

By accomplishing this mission, the founding members of IKECA have succeeded in building a strong reputation for quality that is now recognized by many end-users of exhaust cleaning services. As a result, certified members of IKECA are finding they have a competitive edge over non-members of the association and are working harder than ever to maintain the reputation for quality the association has earned.

"As one of the original members of IKECA, I'm proud to see the great strides made by the organization over the years. IKECA has become more widely recognized and respected throughout the industry." Neal Iorii, Olympic Maintenance (Chicago, Illinois)

If your company is one of the special few that care first about quality, you should consider membership in IKECA, and join the ranks of others in promoting the objectives of the association. It may be one of the best business decisions you could make.

PROGRAMS & BENEFITS

IKECA offers a number of programs designed to help you improve your business through education, certification and marketing. Your company and personnel will benefit enormously by actively participating in IKECA programs.

"The benefits of belonging to a professional association are countless. Joining IKECA was one of the best business investments I ever made." Tim Greene, Airways Cleaning & Fireproofing (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)

ADVERTISING

As a member, you can proudly include the IKECA logo on your letterhead, company literature, and website. Additionally, IKECA members have the exclusive right to use Certificate of Performance labels which can be affixed to kitchen exhaust hoods. Hood stickers are available through IKECA, and can be personalized to include the member's company information and logo if desired.

CERTIFICATION

Customers are more sophisticated than ever and are looking for companies that have a proven record of accomplishment in the field of exhaust system cleaning. These customers are more inclined to hire a contractor that has established credentials as a professional cleaner.

Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist

Developed in 1995, the Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist (CECS) certification program attests to an individual's knowledge of the components of an exhaust system, NFPA Standard 96 and OSHA Safety Regulations pertaining to the industry.

Certified Exhaust System Inspector

In response to changes in the NFPA Standard 96 requiring "inspections by certified inspectors", IKECA developed a program for Certified Exhaust System Inspectors (CESI). IKECA certified inspectors must demonstrate a working knowledge of system components, ASHRAE Standards, NFPA Standards and OSHA Safety Regulations.

"I find its a great advantage being a certified member of IKECA We are specified more often as a result." Harris Rothenberg, Airways Systems (Chicago, Illinois)

EDUCATION

• IKECA provides educational opportunities for its members at the Annual Meeting, held in the Spring, and at the Fall Technical Seminar. Experts address a variety of subject areas relevant to the industry as well as business concerns and practices, and sessions often feature product or equipment demonstrations.

"The information my service technicians receive at IKECA Technical Seminars is pertinent and timely, not to mention the invaluable experience of meeting with other industry professionals." Rod Getz, Getz Fire Equipment (Peoria, Illinois).

• You will have access to a network of other industry professionals willing to share information and ideas, or discuss problem situations and solutions with their fellow members.
• Members receive IKECA's quarterly journal, which contains articles on industry standards and updates, safety issues, business concerns, and association news.
• IKECA also provides liaison to other industry professionals through affiliations with organizations such as the NFPA and the National Restaurant Association.

MARKETING

IKECA actively promotes the services of its members to end-users, and has worked to gain national exposure and recognition of its certification programs.

The Web Site contains information on the association and the services provided by members. The IKECA Web Site receives thousands of hits from customers looking for certified exhaust system cleaners. Hundreds more contact IKECA Headquarters on a regular basis searching for members of the association in their area.

IKECA promotes the services of its members to National Accounts. As a result, several major hotels and restaurant chains have included "IKECA Certified" in their specifications for Kitchen Exhaust System Cleaning contractors.

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS

Active Members provide kitchen exhaust system cleaning services on a regular basis.

Supplemental Members are branch/satellite offices of Active Member firms, located more than 200 miles away from the Active Member's Headquarters Office.

Associate Members are manufacturers of kitchen exhaust hood systems, cleaning equipment or supplies.

Join IKECA today and become one of the growing number of professional, certified exhaust system cleaning specialists in the nation.

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