Originally Posted by craz
I believe that most if not all Heckshars are given by Orthodox Rabbis. As many Conservative and Reform dont hold by having to be Kosher at all, to them theres no need for a Heckshar to say somethings Kosher, when they eat anything.
I'm not trying to be combative when I respond craz (as I personally don't care), but I can promise you that there are many conservative and reform folks who will take issue with your assertion, though I know that you said "many". I know people from both movements who are pretty observant.
That said, I don't know what the general practice is in New York, but in other cities with which I'm familiar, there's usually one major organization that has the broadest recognition from the community, and which handles the assignments of a mashgiach. In Chicago it's the so-called "CRC", or Chicago Rabbinical Council. As you note, though, it is an Orthodox organization.