Ira Lefkowitz, longtime president of Hoboken Floors, has
resigned. His brother Joel will remain
as CEO of the 77-year-old distributor. In announcing the decision, Ira
Lefkowitz offered no indications as to his immediate plans. He did note that the
company is well positioned. “This transition comes at a good time,” Ira
said. “I am looking forward to new challenges. And my brother has a great
plan for Hoboken Floors. I look forward to how he will continue to grow the
business.”
The U.S. China Ceramic Tile Association and China Ceramics City is
inviting U.S. ceramic tile distributors and manufacturers to visit China for a
trade event in September. The weeklong “trade mission” will include a visit to
the historic city of Fo Shan, where 60 percent of China’s ceramics are
produced, as well as plant tours and panel discussions with China industry
experts. According to the tile association, the event aims to “assist
participants in gaining first-hand market information and access to key
industry leaders and potential business partners.”
In a business climate that is increasingly
favoring commercial projects over residential installations, this year’s NeoCon
World’s Trade Fair welcomed a record number of show goers with commercial work
on their minds. The 39th annual exhibition of commercial products
and services brought 52,632 interior designers and facility managers
to the Merchandise Mart in Chicago earlier this month, an increase of about 4 percent.
Additionally, show organizers noted that a record 420 products were submitted
for the annual Best of NeoCon awards.
Beginning this fall, hardwood floor installers
will have their own information phone line staffed by technical experts. The
National Wood Flooring Association said it is testing a call center for its
members in conjunction with an unidentified manufacturer. Plans call for the
program to be expanded to include other manufacturers once the testing is
complete. Although no launch date has been set, when the program is fully
operational, installers can call weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Central time)
and speak with a hardwood flooring expert with at least 20 years of experience
in the business.
The ever-increasing emphasis on all things green
has hit the trade show floor-literally. The producers of the NeoCon meeting
said they are pursuing LEED certification for its Chicago headquarters and the
tradeshow space it oversees. The management company, Merchandise Mart
Properties, said the designation is a logical move given its longstanding
commitment to environment responsibility. It did, however, note that the effort
will require the company to adopt a number of new procedures.
Bonsal American has purchased installation
products maker Pre-Blend Products, with plans to include it as part of the
company’s ProSpec line. Based in Fairless Hills, Pa., Pre-Blend is widely known
for commercial flooring underlayments, industrial grouts, stuccos, concrete
patching, restoration products and liquid adhesives. Bonsal also picks up “a
solid management team and technical capabilities” with the deal.
Donny F. Philips, an Atlanta area retailer with
24 years of industry experience, has been elected chairman of the board of the
World Floor Covering Association. Set to begin his duties July 1, Philips said
he plans to promote the Floor Covering B2B protocol as well as other industry partnerships.
He succeeds Robert A. Hill, CEO of Floor Covering Associates of Shorewood, Ill.
who is completing his one-year term.
The American Institute of
Architects and U.S. Green Building Council are among five organizations
partnering with the EPA to develop “improved indoor air quality” standards for
builders and designers. The effort, which includes an educational course and
guidebook, is designed to “assist building professionals in implementing
high-performance designs and IAQ performance in a broad range of buildings.”
The project is expected to be completed in mid-2009.
Having finalized a management buyout, Jerry Thomas has reinstalled
himself as ceo and chairman of the carpet maker and fiber supplier that carries
his name. The 30-year-old company, Thomas Industries, features a portfolio of
brands that includes Templeton Hospitality Carpet, Monticello Floors, Mattel
Carpet and Rug, and Superior Yarn Technology. Thomas, who served as co-chairman
prior to the buyout, says he is eager to get back at the helm of his family
business.
Home sales are expected to remain sluggish most
of the year and show “a gradual upturn”
leading into 2008, according to a recent forecast by the National Association
of Realtors. The trade group expects sales of new and existing homes to pick up
next year, but acknowledged they will most likely remain lower than 2006.
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