At press time: WFCA announces fall educational forum series. These are one-day sessions geared for industry professionals interested in improving their skills and confidence as businesspeople. Participants can also earn industry certification designation through the WFCA. First stop is Milwaukee on Oct. 21, followed by Baltimore, Oct. 23; Nashville, Nov. 4; Seattle, Nov. 11; and San Diego, Nov. 13.

Seasoned industry spokespeople and business gurus -- including Howard Partridge of Phenomenal Products Inc., Rick Segel of Rick Segel & Associates and gloria wright of gloria wright & Associates -- will provide professional instruction and guidance. Areas to be covered include: improving profit margins, enhancing selling techniques, motivating staff, management skills, maximizing your time, working with a team, communicating clearly, and much more. For details, call the WFCA at (800) 624-6880.

New rules on faxing: implementation delayed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently tightened the interpretation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1990. Originally set to be effective as of Aug. 25, 2003, the new rules will be implemented on January 1, 2005. The new rules make it illegal for any business to send faxes with a commercial purpose to any person or business that has not expressly indicated in writing their willingness to receive such faxes.

The new rules carry stiff penalties if a violation is found. Individuals can sue for as much as $500 per fax. The FCC has the authority to fine a violator as much as $11,000 per violation. The regulations currently apply only to faxes; e-mail is not affected.

Southern Tile Distributors celebrates golden anniversary. Norfolk, Va.-based Southern Tile Distributors recently celebrated 50 years of service to the floor covering industry in Virginia and northeast North Carolina. Family owned and operated, the current management team is led by three sons-in-law of company founder E. Marvin Slaughter: Jeffrey E. Black, president, 25 years; J. Scott Wilhoit, vp sales, 18 years; and Daryl W. Mitchell, vp operations, 15 years. Other officers include: Ronald Mogel, vp, Richmond branch, 32 years; and David Englert, vp finance, 22 years.