Dalton, Ga. -- The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) announced that entries for the 12th annual Gold Standard Awards are now being accepted. The Gold Standard Award is presented each year to WFCA retailer members who exemplify the highest business standards and have created an outstanding retail experience for customers. Awards are available in two categories: Retailers with sales over $10-million and those with sales under $10-million annual volume. Applicants must be members in good standing of the WFCA to be eligible.

For both categories, retailers are reviewed and judged based on: offering knowledgeable and well managed staff who remain actively informed about their own inventory as well as news and issues affecting the industry; providing courteous service and customer assistance throughout the selection, purchase and post-purchase processes; making certain that customers experience a clean, professional, and well-maintained store; and adherence to the WFCA Code of Conduct.

Three awards will be given in each category. First place winners in the over $10 Million category will have a choice of either: A two-day CFI on-site custom class in carpet seaming ($5000 value), or a customized two-day on-site sales training ($5000 value), plus a one-year unlimited access WFCA University tuition for online training. First place winners in the under $10 Million category will have the choice of A one-day CFI on-site custom class in carpet seaming ($3000 value), or a customized one-day on-site sales training ($3000 value), plus a one-year unlimited access WFCA University tuition for online training.

Second place winners in both categories will receive $1000 additional WFCA trade scholarship funds, plus a one-year unlimited access WFCA University tuition for online training. Third Place winners will receive $500 additional WFCA trade scholarship funds, plus a one-year unlimited access WFCA University tuition for online training.

To enter, applicants must complete the submission form and present multimedia marketing materials and other documents, all of which will be factored into the review process. The deadline for submissions is March 31. All entry material will be treated as confidential and reviewed only by the judging panel. The award winners will be announced April 30.

For more information, visit wfca.org.