The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) awarded three industry leaders with the 2024 Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award in recognition of their contributions to the carpet industry, including their efforts to engage extended producer responsibility (EPR) in California. 

CRI President Russ DeLozier and industry veteran Joe Yarbrough, past president of The CRI and last year’s award recipient, presented the awards to John Bradshaw of Shaw Industries Group, Inc., Ashley Young of Mohawk Industries, Inc., and Shawn McGill of Engineered Floors, during the CRI Annual Meeting in Dalton, Georiga. 

“It is a true honor to present this award to these three standout leaders, who have given tireless hours over the past year to support and strengthen the carpet manufacturing industry,” DeLozier said. “This award recognizes their significant accomplishments for the industry.”  

Marking its 26th year, the Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award was established in 1998 by Milliken and Company to honor the late Dr. Joseph Smrekar, a longtime industry professional who set the standard for service to the CRI and the carpet industry. 

For the second year, The CRI commissioned Dalton artist Chris Beck to handcraft a sculpture of recycled metal from a CRI member facility.