The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) has reached its 50th anniversary. Over the years, NAFCD has managed to enhance the industry through the provision of quality education, trend analysis, research and networking opportunities.

When the association was first organized, it set out to foster trade and commerce for those who had a vested interest in the distribution channel for floor covering and allied service products. While the distribution channel has changed greatly since then, NAFCD's mission to promote the value of independent floor distributors in the channel has remained the same.

"NAFCD's founding vision to promote wholesale distribution in the floor covering industry persists to this day," said Kevin Gammonley, executive vice president of NAFCD. "I believe this is demonstrated by the association's relentless drive to provide members with performance-enhancing tools and resources," 

The association is led by a team of 15 volunteer leaders and professional staff members who focus on the unique needs of wholesale distributors and their trading partners. This has allowed NAFCD to remain relevant and continue to grow.

In an effort to unite its membership base and commemorate its anniversary, NAFCD invited members from across the nation to come together for the 2021 NAFCD Annual Convention. Throughout this three-day event, held in early November, attendees had the opportunity to experience NAFCD's value first-hand while celebrating its' anniversary milestone.

"Over the last 50 years, our industry has weathered troubling market cycles, unimaginable technological influences and volumes of legislative change. That said, this milestone is not something to take lightly. We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to the next 50 years,"  Gammonley said. 

In looking ahead, NAFCD strives to strengthen its educational offerings, expand its research efforts, collaborate with industry-related organizations to address overarching challenges and continue to expand its membership base.