Sawchyn, Floor Covering Direct Ltd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, submitted the winning Business Management idea to use a point system for achievement, ideas, participation, sales, attendance, displays, and seasonal decorating.

As the first prize winner, he will receive a trip to Surfaces 2003, which includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodation; full registration to exhibits and the Conference Program; and a $2,500 cash prize.

A second prize of $1,000 cash will go to Vince Caffarello, Duraclean International, Arlington Heights, Ill., for his Service/Installation idea of scheduling a new installation visit with costumers.

James Macisso, Devoe Color Center, Biddeford, Maine, received the $500 cash third prize. His Service/Installation idea was for sales staff to work with installers on a jobsite and vice versa.

Retailers were asked to submit their best idea for growing profit, reducing expenses and more efficient business operations in one of the following categories: Service/Installation, Sales/Training, Revenue-Generating and Business Management.

Representatives from Floor Covering News, National Floor Trends, Floor Covering Weekly and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) judged all the ideas submitted. The contest was open to floor covering retailers who registered for Surfaces 2003 by December 13, 2002 and submitted their idea online at www.SurfacesExpo.com. One entry per person was accepted.

Surfaces 2003 will take place Jan. 29-31 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.