The Asssociate of the Year award recognized continuous service throughout the year from an CRCA Associate Member to CRCA Contractor Members. The award is based on a numerical rating by CRCA Contractor Members of the CRCA Associate Member firms. A company's professionalism, knowledge of products, service, helpfulness and integrity are rated 1 to 5, with 5 the highest rating. Ratings are tallied for a total score per Associate awarded by Contractors. The award is presented at the CRCA Annual Awards Dinner in December of each year. This award was updated in 2009 from CRCA Supplier of the Year to CRCA Associate Member of the Year Award, to reflect the importance of the contributions of all CRCA Associate Members, suppliers, manufacturers, manufacturers' reps, distributors and associate service members such as insurance and software.