Columbia held regional meetings with distributors and retailers during the fall of last year and felt the localized approach worked well for introducing new products and customer programs. These smaller, more-focused events were well received and contributed to the company's decision to exit Surfaces, according to Columbia President David Wootton.

"In addition, we are embarking on a program to construct a new design center and training facility at our Danville operation," Wootton said. "Last year we spent a very significant amount of money on our Surfaces program and quite frankly believe we can achieve better results by applying these funds to ensure more quality time with our distributors and retailers."