Bob Peoples, executive director of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), from the 15th annual CARE Conference, discusses the turnout and the stakeholders including collectors and processors, carpet manufacturers, machinery producers, fiber producers, and government entities. Peoples also talks about the California Carpet Stewardship Program, the purpose of which is to increase the recycling of carpet within California, and some of the problems, such as balancing the statuary requirements of the state against the low price of petroleum and CalRecycle’s rejection of CARE’s recently-submitted 5-year plan.

Donato Pompo, president of Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants, discusses some of the most important developments in the ceramic sector in 2016, including the increased emphasis on training to answer the challenge of a marked shortage of qualified installers throughout the industry. Pompo discusses the University of Tile and Stone, its efforts, and its online courses that bring training to the industry. He also discusses difficulties installation training entities across the board are having in attracting candidates and some possible solutions to the problem.

Vinnie Virga, CEO and founder of Floors and More Buying Group, which includes Floor to Ceiling and Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet, discusses each of the entities in the group and his plan to develop an additional buying group in the flooring industry, and how the plan expands the group’s appeal to additional consumers. Virga also talks about retailers that are prime potential members of the group and some of the programs Floors and More is offering to retailers.

Vinnie Virga, CEO and founder of Floors and More Buying Group, which includes Floor to Ceiling and Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet, discusses each of the entities in the group and his plan to develop an additional buying group in the flooring industry, and how the plan expands the group’s appeal to additional consumers. Virga also talks about retailers that are prime potential members of the group and some of the programs Floors and More is offering to retailers.

Vinnie Virga, CEO and founder of Floors and More Buying Group, which includes Floor to Ceiling and Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet, discusses each of the entities in the group and his plan to develop an additional buying group in the flooring industry, and how the plan expands the group’s appeal to additional consumers. Virga also talks about retailers that are prime potential members of the group and some of the programs Floors and More is offering to retailers.

Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz, talks about the challenges facing retailers over the next 10 years, including those from home improvement retailers and online retailers, as well as the changing marketplace and how to prepare. Friederichsen discusses the need for retailers to embrace technology, such as industry specific software, and bringing excitement to the retail sales floor with technology. He also talks about the need for an effective website.

Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz, talks about the challenges facing retailers over the next 10 years, including those from home improvement retailers and online retailers, as well as the changing marketplace and how to prepare. Friederichsen discusses the need for retailers to embrace technology, such as industry specific software, and bringing excitement to the retail sales floor with technology. He also talks about the need for an effective website.