The World Floor Covering Association is continuing its annual media tours of New York City and Des Moines -- homes to key national shelter publications and magazines targeted to women. For the 2010 tours, WFCA trend scouts selected innovative flooring products from more than 20 Surfaces exhibitors to share with magazine editors. Making the list were products and manufacturers ranging from self-cleaning porcelain tiles to a hardwood company that presents wood planks cut sideways across the grain.

The New York City media tour, which took place earlier this month, included stops at Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, Ladies Home Journal, Country Living, Popular Mechanics, Family Circle, This Old House Magazine, Traditional Home, Woman’s Day, Windows, Walls & Floors,  House Beautiful, Distinctive Kitchen Solutions, Country Accents, Cottage Style, Kitchen Style & DesignandParents.The media tour in Iowa, which is scheduled for late summer, will include visits to:Better Homes & Gardens, Kitchen and Bath Ideas Magazine, Beautiful Homes Magazine, BH&G Creative Collection, Remodel Magazine, Home Decorating & Design Books, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Media, Midwest Living, Before & After Magazine, Meredith Corporation Books, Decorating Magazineand the WFCA’sBeautiful Flooring.

According to the WFCA, the reception from the media sources in New York City has been exceedingly positive, with nearly all reporting that they plan on using the information provided in feature articles in upcoming issues. Already, stories in Good Housekeeping, Parents, Country LivingandDistinctive Kitchen Solutionshave been secured.

“There is no doubt our program is resonating with consumer media,” said D. Christopher Davis, WFCA's president & ceo. “The press tell us each time we meet with them in New York how much they appreciate our efforts to keep them abreast of the industry. It is through these face-to-face meetings that we are able to offer dozens and dozens of consumer press opportunities to our manufacturer and distributor members which translates into increased awareness and sales.”

Davis; Cammie Weitzel, WFCA general manager; and Leah Gross-Harmon, principal of Story Dept. LLC (the WFCA’s public relations agency of record), conducted the media tours.