At the CFI (International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association) convention in August, a third generation installer stopped me in my tracks with a pointed question. "How," he asked, "can we attract more new people into installation?" I would add, "How can we attract more new people into every industry segment? A few weeks later, four major trade organizations announced they were collaborating to offer two free events for tile professionals that included "Embracing Change in the Tile Industry" and "Tile Trends, Technology & Myths." This, too, raises a question: "Why can't our industry associations combine their resources and people to increase education?"

Those who recognize the outstanding opportunities for today's young men and women in all parts of the industry are the first to admit that we are not getting the message across. Personnel recruiters are asleep at the switch when it comes to bringing in candidates for installation, sales and marketing jobs. The industry has done a lousy job of getting the message of job opportunities to prospects.

Recently I wrote a column on the findings of one of the largest providers of employees. It listed the five top areas that lacked people to fill available jobs. Number one is sales and marketing; number five is technicians (installation and floor care). That column drew a huge response.

Now, let's share a dream and seriously explore how we can get the word out to attract able and willing prospects for these positions. I am the first to admit that it won't be easy and we might not achieve everything we want the first time around, but we sure should give it our best shot. I know we will accomplish a great deal.