The Associate of the Year award recognizes continuous service throughout the year from an CRCA Associate Member to CRCA Contractor Members. The award is based on votes by CRCA Contractor Members of the CRCA Associate Member firms, with final determination being made by the CRCA Awards Committee (factoring in participation in CRCA - events, etc.). 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.