Eighteen years ago, several flooring accessory distributors from around the United States got together and discussed the opportunity and need for an association that would focus exclusively on improving the distribution of products, methods, ideas and service for the professional installation of all types of finished flooring products. FIANA (Floor Installation Association of North America) became that association, and has members throughout the United States and Canada. The membership combines manufacturers of flooring installation products and the distributors of these installation accessory products, and through this channel the latest information and education is communicated to the trade. The accessory distributor’s success is determined by how responsibly and professionally he markets his services.
One major evolution in the last 18 years has been the market growth of the accessory distributor and the diversification of the product lines now serviced by the distributor member. This evolution has resulted in a recent change in the by-laws of the Association. In the past, qualifications for membership for a manufacturer had to be defined as installation products only. The recent change now opens the qualifications to include any and all finished flooring materials. The current distributor members are seriously looking for new products for continued growth and diversification of product lines. Manufacturers of any type of flooring material who are looking for distribution exposure in the United States and Canada should consider membership in FIANA.