2016 Dick Bernson Award Recipient

The Dick Bernson Award is designed to help advance the science and professionalism of the cleaning and restoration industry. The award is given annually to the person who has accomplished the most toward advancing the science and professionalism of the industry in general, and the Mid-South Professional Cleaners Association (MSPCA) in particular. This year’s recipient is Dale Richmond.

Dick Bernson was the founding President MSPCA. He opened Bernson Rug Cleaning in Durham in 1947 and retired in 1978. He was an active member, served as director and held office in all industry-related associations including the National Institute of Rug Cleaning, AIDS, International Society of Cleaning Technicians, and the Independent Consultants of America.

Even with all of this work, Bernson still found time to see the need for, and to work toward the establishment of, the MSPCA. His leadership and hard work in the early days laid the groundwork for an organization that is thriving today. Those who knew Bernson revere his memory and believe that he was the best friend that the industry and MSPCA ever had.