Existing-home sales were down in September following a strong gain in August, but remain well above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors.

A sluggish economy and housing market will continue to hamper home improvement spending well into next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

NAHB Remodelers named Mike Nagel, CGR, CAPS, of Men at Work Chicago, the 2011 Remodeler of the Year in recognition of his professional remodeling achievements and support of industry professionalism.

Shaw announced that it will be cutting 194 associates at Plant 8S, its Columbia, S.C.-based fiber manufacturing plant, in the near future.

Todd and Debra Burrows, owners of Wyanet Carpet in Princeton, Ill., decided to conduct a SmartStrand Challenge for their whole community to see.

The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Hunt of Flex Credit; L.A., Kenny, and Jeff Train of Swiff-Train Co.; and Donald Wohlfarth, Sr., of Bayard Sales Corp.

Following the first positive score in four months, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reversed direction again in September.

Ga. State Rep. Roger Williams, R-Dalton, said he welcomes a call by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to remove sales taxes on energy used in manufacturing.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, holiday shoppers say they plan to shell out an average of $704.18 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise, down slightly from last year’s $718.98.

Elizabeth Moore has been named the ceo of B Carpet, and is one of the few females running a carpet company in the United States, according to the company.