Tennessee-based hardwood flooring manufacturer Mullican Flooring is calling on industry professionals to contribute to a scholarship fund in memory of late industry veteran Don Conner. Conner, who passed away in 2022, dedicated 44 years to the wood flooring sector before retiring in 2013. Throughout his career, he worked with companies like Harris Tarkett and Mullican Flooring and was actively involved with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). 

In an effort to honor Conner’s legacy, Mullican is encouraging donations to the NWFA’s Education and Research Foundation Named Scholarship Fund. A total contribution of $20,000 is required to establish a Named Scholarship, which recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on the wood flooring industry. To date, the fund has received approximately $12,000 in contributions in Conner’s honor. 

“We ask the wood flooring industry to assist us with helping Don reach the Named Scholarship with an additional $8,000 in donations,” says Mullican Flooring President Pat Oakley. “We encourage anyone who has been impacted by or received industry assistance from Don to help us reach this milestone.”

The Named Scholarship will support the NWFA’s ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities for future wood flooring professionals. Contributions to the fund will specifically be used to support the organization’s scholarship programs. 

Through the Named Scholarship, the NWFA aims to recognize Conner’s contributions to the industry by providing scholarship opportunities for future generations of wood flooring professionals. 

“Don was a tireless advocate for the wood flooring industry, and he was passionate about sharing his knowledge with others,” says NWFA President and CEO Michael Martin. “Through this scholarship, his legacy will continue to positively impact our industry by providing educational opportunities for those who will shape its future.”

Individuals interested in contributing to the Named Scholarship Fund in Conner’s honor can do so by sending donations to the NWFA at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Blvd., Chesterfield, Missouri, 63005, or by submitting donations online. 

Conner’s career in the wood flooring industry began in his father’s flooring business in Oklahoma. He later founded his own floor covering company before joining the teams at Harris Tarkett and Mullican Flooring. Throughout his tenure, Conner played a key role in the development of the NWFA’s technical manuals and guidelines, and provided training and instruction for industry professionals. 

To track the progress on achieving the Named Scholarship Fund in Conner’s name, click here. 

For more NWFA news, click here.