In a move that combines the resources of hardwood flooring’s top two trade groups, the National Wood Flooring Association has absorbed the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, (NOFMA). Ed Korczak, executive director and CEO of the 4,000-member NWFA, will oversee the newly expanded St. Louis-based organization. He noted that NOFMA, which was founded nearly 100 years ago and was based in Memphis, Tenn., has been officially dissolved as a corporate entity. The group’s certification program will retain the NOFMA name and be continued under the direction of the NWFA, he added.
The American Concrete Institute is becoming more Green. The trade group recently launched the ACI 130 Sustainability of Concrete technical committee, which aims to promote the Green aspects of concrete and ways to make the material Greener.
Alliance Flooring, the parent company of four flooring retailers including CarpetsPlus Color Tile and Carpetland Color Tile, said it will hold its 2009 national convention March 7-10 at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. The show's theme is set as "United We Stand," designed to reflect the turbulent time most retailers are facing and ways to break the slump, according to show organizers.
Joan Kaufman, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers – Illinois Chapter (ASID-IL), was recently elected president-elect of ASID-IL for the 2008-09 fiscal year. She will serve as president of the association for fiscal year 2009-10.
Wellmade, a bamboo flooring maker based in Wilsonville,
Ore., said it has developed a new soy-based adhesive designed to be completely
formaldehyde-free. The product, which is currently being tested at the
company’s plant in China, offers the same benefits as low-formaldehyde
adhesives currently available, but with not even trace amounts of formaldehyde
in the product, according to the company. A roll out of the new adhesive, which
the company says is the first of its kind for bamboo flooring, is expected in
the first half of next year.
A range of manufacturers are set to return to Surfaces this year, including Oriental Weavers, Monticello International and Tarkett Residential. They join a list of high-profile companies including Armstrong, Anderson and Mannington Mills. Show organizers expect nearly 900 manufacturers will be on hand for this year's show in Las Vegas.
Symrna Trading Inc., a family-owned manufacturer and importer of Oriental rugs, said it is expanding to a 3,000 sq. ft. showroom in time for the Atlanta Rug Market. Housed in exhibit #603 on Floor 6, Symrna will unveil its latest products at the show set for Jan. 7-12, 2009, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
George Fern, president of Kauai Floors Inc., has been reelected as president of the Hawaii Flooring Association. Additionally, the trade group representing more than 60 Hawaiian contractors named the rest of its board.
Tile of Spain will sponsor the first presentation of a new CEU accredited course taught by consultant Patti Fasan, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 21, 2009 at the Residence Inn by Marriott/Capitol in Washington D.C. The course, "Design Expertise with Ceramic Tile," aims to help designers learn "the evolution and revolution of ceramic tile technology," according to the trade group.
Northeast distributor Salesmaster Associates Inc. has broken ground on a new distribution "superCenter" in Chicopee, Mass., about 85 miles southeast of the company's Albany, N.Y. location. The 40,000 sq. ft. facility will help the company serve its "rapidly growing business" in the New England market and effectively doubles the company's warehouse space in New England, according to Salesmaster. The SuperCenter is expected to open its doors in March 2009.
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