Brian Kornet demonstrates spot cleaning techniques during the LIFCA meeting. Photo by Christopher Capobianco.


Members of the Long Island Floor Covering Association (LIFCA) met recently in Plainview, N.Y., for a seminar on carpet cleaning and to elect its 2011 executive board.

The 2011 LIFCA Board includes Joe Bianculli as president, Treasurer Arnold Graff, Trustees Alan Hutt and Arden Socolov, Directors Stephen Rockfeld, Sal Calamia and Barbara Napolitano and Attorney-At-Large Martin Silver. The 2011 Board will be installed at LIFCA's Feb. 9 meeting.

Bianculli thanked long-time LIFCA bare member Richard Snow for his service to the association. Snow is relocating to Northern Georgia in early 2011. Biancullli also welcomed new board member Michael Orlando of Diamond Platinum Rugs and praised him for “stepping up to help this organization move forward.”

Joe Bianculli leads LIFCA's annual meeting. Photo by Christopher Capobianco.

“One of the most valuable tools any business person has at their disposal is a network of contacts and a source of education on products, practices and regulations that pertain to that person’s industry,” Bianculli told LIFCA members, “and since 1959, LIFCA has been that tool for countless members of our industry including retailers, flooring contractors, distributors, manufacturers, inspectors and installers.” He explained that the 52-year-old trade association is “on the rebound thanks to the enthusiasm from new board members who want to see things happen and give back to the industry.”

Hosted by LIFCA board member Brian Kornet of Fabra-Cleen, the carpet cleaning seminar focused on different cleaning methods for wall to wall carpets and area rugs. He also demonstrated techniques and chemicals available for spot cleaning and suggested that retailers "private label" their spot cleaning products to give away to new carpet buyers. These kits, available from several sources, not only give customers the right product for their particular carpet but also keep the retailer's name and contact information in front of their customers.

For more information visitwww.LIFCA.com.