The World Floor Covering Association recently hosted a media tour in New York City, bringing along more than 30 products showcased at Surfaces 2009. These products ranged from patent-leather crocodile embossed tiles to a hardwood floor from a company that donates 100 percent of the profits to charity.

“These media tours serve very important objectives for us and for the industry,” said D. Christopher Davis, President & CEO, WFCA. “They allow us to enhance our existing relationships with press; position ourselves as the unbiased, credible resource for any and all information on flooring; and offer dozens and dozens of consumer press opportunities to our members. All of this translates into increased awareness and sales.” Davis along with Cammie Weitzel, WFCA General Manager, and Leah Gross-Harmon, Principal of Story Dept. LLC, the WFCA’s public agency of record, conducted the media tours.

The New York City media tour, which took place last month, included stops atGood Housekeeping, Family Circle, This Old House Magazine, Metropolitan Home, Redbook, Woman’s Day, Windows, Walls & Floors, Ty Pennington at Home, House Beautiful, Country Accents, Natural Health MagazineandParents. A second media tour in Des Moines, scheduled for mid-summer, will include visits toBetter Homes & Gardens, Kitchen and Bath Ideas Magazine, Beautiful Homes Magazine, BH&G Creative Collection, Remodel Magazine, Home Decorating & Design Books, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Media, Home Design Magazine, Midwest Living, Before & After Magazine, Meredith Corporation Books, Decorating Magazineand the WFCA’s ownBeautiful Flooring.

So far, the reception from the media sources in New York City has been positive, with nearly all editors on hand reporting that they plan on using the information provided in feature articles in upcoming issues, the WFCA said. Additionally, stories inFamily Circle, Redbook, Country AccentsandNatural Health Magazinehave been secured.