In Partnership With RIA
MCRA OCTOBER 2025 REGIONAL MEETING
October 16-17, 2025 | Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End | Charlotte, NC
We're honored to partner with RIA for their regional networking event at the MCRA October Regional Meeting. Join us for outstanding sessions from both RIA and MCRA and opportunities to connect and build your network.
MCRA Members: Register Today at the Discounted Rate of $375 before September 16. Rate increases will apply after this date.
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, October 15 | Sonesta Hotel | Lobby Bar
Optional Event
6-7pm Informal Gathering
(Then enjoy dinner on your own with friends and colleagues)
Thursday, October 16 | Sonesta Hotel Ballroom | 7am-4pm
All events on Thursday and Friday are included in your
meeting registration
7-8am Breakfast Buffet
8am SESSIONS BEGIN
Turning Trends into Tools for a Stronger 2026 | 60-min
Guest Presenter: Michelle Blevins, C&R Magazine
The 2024 C&R State of the Industry report, powered by KnowHow, uncovered major shifts in revenue trends, payment delays, hiring patterns, technology adoption, and restorer wellbeing. This session breaks down those insights—and blends them with supplemental data from trusted sources like Cotality, Verisk, and the RIA—to help contractors take strategic action.
From combating burnout and building recruiting pipelines, to embracing AI and improving cash flow, this session offers real-world steps restoration leaders can take back to their teams to stabilize and scale in 2026.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
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Identify the top trends impacting restoration businesses and their implications for the next 12 to 18 months.
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Analyze and benchmark their company performance against national averages in growth, pay, tech adoption, and payment timelines.
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Apply actionable strategies to improve business development, collections, hiring, and employee retention.
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Evaluate opportunities for strategic differentiation through technology, market specialization, or CAT-readiness.
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Create a 90-day action plan to address one area of risk or opportunity in their business.
Restoring Balance: A Strategic Update on RIA's Carrier Relations Advocacy | 60-min
RIA Guest Presenter: Mark Springer, Restoration Advocate, Carrier Relations
Join Mark Springer, RIA's Advocate for Carrier Relations, for a timely and in-depth overview of the Restoration Industry Association’s groundbreaking work in insurance carrier advocacy. This session will unpack the strategic initiatives underway to address the most pressing challenges restoration contractors face in their work with insurers—including extended payment delays, communication breakdowns, claim review inefficiencies, and more.
Drawing on insights from direct interviews with industry leaders and data from RIA’s national survey, attendees will gain an inside look at the roadmap for change, including how RIA is building dialogue with carrier organizations, identifying top-priority advocacy issues, and setting the stage for long-term reform.
Whether your company works directly with carriers, navigates TPA networks, or operates independently, this session will equip you with a clearer understanding of the challenges, the strategy, and how you can be part of the solution.
FLSA Classification Update: Navigating New Legislation and Compliance Best Practices | 45-min
Member Presenter: Julie Blum, CarolinaPEO
Recent changes in federal and state labor laws have reshaped the landscape for determining exempt and non-exempt employee classifications under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This timely session will explore the impact of new legislation on wage and hour compliance, including updates to salary thresholds, job duties tests, and exemption categories. Attendees will gain clarity on how to assess and update employee classifications, avoid costly misclassification risks, and implement practical strategies to maintain compliance.
12n - 1pm Lunch and Network with Sponsors
MCRA Business Meeting and Board Elections/RIA Update | 30-min
From Overwhelmed to in Control: How Restoration Leaders Can Use AI Without Becoming a Tech Expert | 75-min
Presenter: Jim West | MIT-Certified AI Strategist | Founder, WorkWonders.ai
This fast-paced, high-value session is built specifically for restoration and cleaning industry leaders who are curious about AI but don’t know where to start. No tech jargon. No overwhelm. Just real tools and takeaways you can use right away.
What MCRA Members Will Learn
- How to simplify AI adoption using a proven 4-step system
- The 3 types of AI adoption (and where most leaders go wrong)
- What role leadership plays in successful AI use
- Field-tested examples of AI agents for office, field, and leadership
- How to try AI for themselves — safely and strategically
Avoid the Trap: Don't Be an Accidental Public Adjuster | 30-min
Member Presenter: Katie Smith, PHC Restoration
S700 Standard: Top 7 Takeaways Business Owners Should Know | 30-min
Member Presenter: Josh Smith, PHC Restoration, and S700 Standard Committee Member
Thursday Evening Networking Event | 6-9pm
Join us for cocktails, dinner and golf and some great networking at Top Golf!
Friday, October 17 | Sonesta Ballroom | 8-11am
Breakfast Buffet 8-8:30am
Building a Business of Legacy | 120-min
Guest Presenter: Mark Springer, Principal, ORTUS Advisors
Most business owners will exit their company—voluntarily or not—but few are truly prepared. In this high-impact two-hour workshop, Mark Springer draws on decades of entrepreneurial leadership and firsthand exit experience to introduce a powerful new paradigm: exit planning not as an afterthought, but as a core business strategy.
Attendees will explore the “Value Acceleration Methodology,” a proven framework for aligning business, personal, and financial goals to increase enterprise value, reduce risk, and ensure transferability. From understanding the three critical owner gaps to navigating internal and external transition options, this session equips participants with the tools and mindset needed to build a business that’s always ready—valuable, transferable, and deeply rooted in purpose.
Whether you're years from an exit or approaching one soon, this workshop offers strategic insights and actionable steps to help you turn success into significance.
Adjourn 11am
MEETING LOCATION
Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End
5700 West Park Drive
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 527-9650
Hotel Room Information
We have reserved a limited block of rooms at a discounted rate of $129 at the Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End. Please use the link below to book your rooms.
MCRA October 2025 Regional Meeting
Thank you, Gold and Silver Sponsors!
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