Matt Miller, president of Interface Americas, discusses further the expansion and modernization of the company’s Kyle 2 facility, making the plant as environmentally friendly as possible, and the cost-benefit tradeoffs focusing on carbon, water, natural light. Also discussed is the company’s LVT program and the initial product offerings, as well as the company's support for AB 1158, an amendment signed into law by California as an amendment to AB 2398, breaking ranks with other CRI members.

Matt Miller, president of Interface Americas, discusses the company’s Climate Take Back mission, its global efforts to combat climate change, including the reuse of post-consumer waste and the challenges of finding new sources. Miller talks about the use of renewable energy sources at their Kyle 2 plant in LaGrange, Ga., and the process of expanding and modernization of plant in a sustainable way and gaining efficiencies in the company’s supply chain.

Matt Miller, president of Interface Americas, discusses more about the expansion and modernization of the company’s Kyle 2 and the process involved in making the plant as environmentally friendly as possible and the cost benefit tradeoffs focusing on carbon, water, and natural light. The first phase of expansion will add approximately 45-55,000 sq ft tufting facilities and is scheduled to be complete in Q2 of 2018. The second phase will add a raw materials warehouse and office space to the campus and is slotted to be completed in 2019.

Larry Winter of Nichols, Cauley & Associates, discusses the problem that arise as a result of retailers holding on to inventory too long and the financial problems that this can create, noting that in blowing out distressed inventory that “the first loss is the best loss.” Winter also talks about the value for retailers to join industry groups for the ability to network with other retailers and to take part in benchmarking. He recommends retailers sit down with their account at least once a year for a “fiscal.”

Larry Winter of Nichols, Cauley and Associates, talks about financial statements and the importance of retailers developing a firm understand of their financial statements and each element within the statements as a means in effectively managing the business. Winter provides questions for retailers to ask their accountants to help better the financial aspects of their businesses and he enumerates some of the statements accountants can generate, such as the cash flow statement, which can prove very valuable in operating a successful business.

Larry Winter of Nichols, Cauley and Associates talks about managing cash and cash flow, one of the prime elements in operating any successful business, and extremely important in managing a retail flooring business. Winter discusses the need for retailers to learn how to read and understand financial statements and develop a working relationship with their accountant or other financial expert. He also talks about practices that lead to cash floor problems and how many retailers often experience serious problems when business picks up.

Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz and partner in the Blake Project, talks about retail websites and blogs and keeping both fresh and up-to-date. He discusses initiating new and creative ideas for blogs and the need to hire a professional to fill this need; however, he adds that the owner needs to stay involved. Also discussed is including installations in blogs with a description of the situation going into the job, the floor covering that was selected, the problems encountered, and solutions, complete with photos.