Solutia‘s Ultron carpet fibers has named the winners of the 21st annual Doc Award competition. Named after Dr. Robert F. “Doc” Docherty, a pioneer in the contract interior design industry, the award aims to honor the best contract interior designs and carpet product designs featuring Ultron fiber. The winning architects, designers and manufacturers were honored recently at an awards luncheon in New York City.

Karastan won two awards during this year's America's Magnificent Carpets Awards held earlier this month at the Atlanta Rug Market. Netting its 12th America's Magnificent Carpets award overall, Karastan was honored in the Power-Loomed $1,000+ and Power-Loomed $400-$1,000 retail categories. Specifically, the company was honored for its Eastport rug in the Original Karastan Collection as well as French Quarter in Bluestone from the Sierra Mar Collection.

Daltile has launched the DaltileGreenworks program, an extension of parent company Mohawk’s Greenworks environmental sustainability initiative. Along with promotng Daltile’s “green” philosophy on its website, the program is aimed as a resource for dealers and builders searching to learn about the LEED rating system and how it relates to “green” tile products.

A range of companies including Tate Access Floors, Amorim, GranitiFiandre, Couristan, and Balta Group recently revamped their websites with new tools and updated product information. Here is a roundup of the additions to the newly enhanced websites.

J&J/Invision recently received an American flag and a message of thanks from U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.  The company donated 50 rugs to the soldiers to help keep them warm during the winter months. The flag will be displayed in the front lobby at the company’s corporate office in Dalton, Ga.

Bridgeport, W. Va.-based distributor Abraham Linc is now marketing and distributing the IVC US line of glass-back vinyl products in the Virginias, Pennsylvania and western Maryland. According to Abraham Linc, the partnership with the resilient maker is a "good fit."

The National Tile Contractors Association reported a 29 percent increase in attendance at this year's Total Solutions conference in National Harbor, Md., near Washington, D.C. The two-day show, which included a range of presentations, hands-on demonstrations and manufacturer exhibits, "enjoyed some of the best participation we have ever experienced," said Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA.

At the Certified Floorcovering Installers’ 15th Anniversary Celebration held recently in Kansas City, Mo., Sam Allman of Allman Consulting presented a rousing Leadership Conference to installers on hand. Sponsored by Mohawk and the World Floor Covering Association, the conference aimed to give attendees tips on energizing their business.

Apprentices of INSTALL's New Jersey program recently showed off their skills (and their patriotism) during a skills contest. Among the highlights were an American flag depicted using VCT, and a tribute to prisoners of war using Forbo linoleum. The work was done by apprentices Andrew Miller and Sean Quinn.

The following is an NFT exclusive interview with Brooks Mancini, the newly elected chairman of the board of the World Floor Covering Association and a contractor for nearly 50 years.