"Insurers will gain a revolutionary method to reduce indemnity and adjustment costs while strengthening customer relations and service,'' he said.

IMACC, Mr. Harmon noted, will provide its customers "with tools, training, and technology that do not exist anywhere else in the marketplace."

The concept for its organization, IMACC said, came from Dan Poske who is the vice president and treasurer of the group, as well as president of Dial One Magna Dry of Indianapolis.

Mr. Poske said he approached Mr. Harmon about organizing the group after Mr. Harmon warned at a business forum that independent operators could not survive against franchises without a national marketing strategy.

Mr. Poske noted that, "Over the last few years, several independent companies have been forced to become franchises since they have had difficulty reaching insurers on a national level. This is despite the fact that local companies often provide superior service and more favorable pricing than national firms."

IMACC said it selects its members based on stringent qualifications that include certification by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, Association of Specialist in Cleaning and Restoration and Vortex, as well as excellent references, proper equipment, sound financial performance, and "a commitment to constant improvement, both technically and in service to property owners and their insurers."

IMACC said it has scheduled more than 24 programs this year to provide its network members and client insurers "coordinated and efficient response strategies and the supporting skill sets to optimize indemnity and adjustment expense."