Dick Bernson started the Mid-South Professional Cleaners Association in 1974 but all the work started several years before that. We don't know exactly who and how it all came together; however, some of us were invited by Dick and others by suppliers to attend a meeting in Raleigh, NC. The meeting's goal was to find out what interest people had in starting a local association of cleaning companies.

The first meeting (convention) the MSPCA held took place in Durham, NC, and we had 25 people attend, plus the vendors. This was the first time many people had seen a truckmount!

It did not take long for the MSPCA to grow, and we are now in VA, NC, SC, TN, GA and more. One of the strong points of our association is that it is a local association, big enough for good meetings, but still small enough to know everyone. Some of our original charter members are still around and still good friends.

Our technology and focuses have grown over the years. When the MSPCA was started, we were only concerned with carpet, upholstery, and a little janitorial cleaning. We now have members with IICRC certifications in almost every category - from cleaning to restoration.

The MSPCA is not backed by one supplier, so our support of any techniques or products comes from personal success only. Our meetings allow ample time for networking, which if used properly can help you with problem solving and simultaneously grow your business.

The cleaning and restoration industries have evolved and customer awareness has grown over the years - we have to continue learning in order to remain current. Being a part of an organization like the Mid-South Professional Cleaners Association can help keep you abreast of all that is new and changing.