Dick Bernson was the founding President off our Association. He opened Bernson Rug Cleaning in Durham in 1947 and retired from active business in 1978. He was active, 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.

Despite all of this work, Dick still found time to see the need for and to work toward the establishment of the Mid-South Professional Cleaners Association. His leadership and hard work in the early days of our Association laid the groundwork for the thriving organization that we enjoy today. Those who knew Dick Bernson revere his memory and believe that he was the best friend that our industry and MSPCA ever had.

The Dick Bernson Award is given to the person who has accomplished the most toward advancing the science and professionalism of our industry in general, and the Midsouth Cleaning and Restoration Association in particular.