The International Flooring Company (IFC) in Dalton, Georgia, has partnered with The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) to tackle the skilled worker shortage in flooring. IFC announced it will donate one cent per square foot from Canopy Floors luxury vinyl flooring sales, with retailers optionally matching. 

Funds will support training, scholarships, and industry outreach, and this collaboration marks a significant step forward in FCEF's mission to recruit, scholarship, and inspire the next generation of flooring professionals.

"This partnership not only benefits our industry but also opens doors for countless individuals seeking rewarding careers," said IFC CEO Julian Dossche. "Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of flooring."

IFC retail partners can support the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) by adding a nominal fee of one cent per square foot to their Canopy Floors pricing. Retailers can participate in this initiative or opt-out if they choose not to contribute. This additional cent per square foot will be included in the purchase price of the products and will be passed on to consumers through the retailer’s markup. IFC will collect both its own contribution and the retailers' contributions, subsequently transferring these funds to the Floor Covering Education Foundation to assist in addressing the installation crisis facing our industry.

"Our collaboration with IFC is a game-changer for the flooring industry," said FCEF Executive Director Jim Aaron. "The Penny Donation program will provide crucial funding to expand our programs, allowing us to reach more aspiring professionals and equip them with the skills they need to succeed."

The funds generated through the Penny Donation program will be used to develop and expand training programs across the country, provide scholarships and financial assistance to students and trainees, enhance outreach efforts to attract new talent to the flooring industry, collaborate with schools, trade associations, and other partners to promote careers in flooring.

Through the Canopy Floors program and its exclusive dealer network, IFC said it is committed to fostering a collaborative partnership that establishes a fair and sustainable funding solution. 

"Our whole plan around this is to make it easy for the dealers to be involved in supporting the foundation," said Don Roberts, president and CEO of Central Alabama Flooring. "Canopy has made it as simple as it could be. The cost of the program is built into the price of the product; the dealer has a choice as to whether they want to pay their penny or not. The company is going to pay their penny either way because they are supporting this industry, but I don't see any reason why a dealer would opt out. It is too easy to do, and it really does benefit us all."