Due to the hurricane expected to hit Florida in the coming days, the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) has cancelled its annual meeting scheduled for Oct 21-23 in Boca Raton, Fla. Although the trade group had said its 34th annual conference was still a go on Oct. 19, the decision was made at an early morning meeting of the executive committee on Oct. 20th. The decision came amid reports that Hurricane Wilma is one of the most powerful storms to hit Florida. Meteorologists report winds of more than 145 mph, more than a foot of rain and a storm surge of 7 to 10 feet above normal tide. NAFCD has also outlined a refund plan for registration fees and asked those interested to contact the group before Nov. 1.
A prominent floor covering industry group that works closely with inspectors and professional cleaners has won accreditation from The American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The group, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), said the decision will enhance its position and elevate the stature of the industries its serves.
Surfaces will once again include an Installation Showcase aimed at providing time-saving and quality-enhancing techniques from leading installation experts. The showcase is set to run for seven hours each day of the Feb. 1-3 meeting and will include all types of flooring including carpet, tile, stone, resilient, hardwood, laminate and mixed media. It is sponsored by Laticrete and is being produced in conjunction with International Certified Floorcovering Installers Assoc. (CFI), and the World Floor Covering Assoc. (WFCA), Floor Covering Installer and National Floor Trends magazines.
Alfred I. Halpern, an industry leader who was instrumental in the drive to establish a new standard of quality and training for the floor covering industry, died Oct. 12, according to his family members. During his 50 years in the floor covering industry, Halpern greatly influenced many aspects of the floor covering business particularly those related to installation.
Citing "grim economical market conditions for woven and tufted carpet products," Beaulieu International Group based in Waregam, Belgium, said it plans to shut down two production plants in France. It has not set a timetable for the move but said the two facilities to be shuttered will be the Berry Tuft SAS in Châteauroux and Berry Tapis SAS in Buzançais, both located in the heart of France. The company said it is seeking ways to offset the impact to the 314 workers likely to be affected.
The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) Inc. is teaming with a group of Carpet One retailers for an installation-training program to be held in the Sacramento, Calif., area Oct. 21-22. The event is part of a new series of educational installation programs that enable installers to work in small groups concentrating on skills training. The installers work in teams based on years in the trade to address specific situations of interest. The cost is $290 per installer with registration and payment due prior to the event.
Forbo Flooring said it will not exhibit at Surfaces next year "after many years as a steady exhibitor." The linoleum maker is shifting its focus to the builder market and has opted instead to promote its new Marmoleum click line at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Jan 11-14. "With the recent introduction of Marmoleum click, Forbo is planning to use its available resources to explore new markets," said the company in a statement announcing the decision to sit out Surfaces, which is set for the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Feb.1-3.
Edmond O. Dunahoo, a highly regarded figure in the flooring industry who founded the distribution company Tri-West Ltd., died Sept. 23 at age 78. In addition to establishing one of the top distributors in the western United States, he was the owner/president of several companies including Bay Beverage, Okaw Industries and Fiber Science.
William Kalar Clark, the former top executive at Azrock who is credited with bringing bold innovation to the commercial flooring market, died Sept. 25 at age 85. His career at Azrock spanned 45 years beginning with a sales rep position and culminating with his ascension to chairman and CEO.
Citing "unfortunate situations affecting the world's oil and energy supply,"
the synthetic material maker Colbond, said it plans to raise prices beginning the first of next year. As has been the case with other companies making similar price adjustments, Colbond said the move is the result of rising raw material, energy, and transportation costs. The company, whose products include high-grade backing for carpet, is headquartered in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and operates production facilities and sales offices throughout the world, including one in Asheville, N.C. A company spokesperson declined to specify the amount of the price hike.
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