From their arrival at the 19^th CFI Convention to their final departure, those who attended generated excitement and enthusiasm throughout the three-day event. They were met with an abundance of educational information from the CFI Associates, numerous seminars, speakers and camaraderie among friends. 

Tom Jennings, Chairman WFCA Services, Inc., welcomed a packed room to the WFCA Leadership Conference held this year in honor of D. Christopher Davis, deceased President and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association. He stated, “This is a celebration; one that would make Chris proud. One in which we must remember that the skills you have are essential to the growth of CFI. Every day, you must be prepared to satisfy those customers and I agree, sometimes it is not easy. Without the customer, none of us will work.  Sometimes, it is just the little things that make the difference.  After being in the retail business for many years, I am fully aware of the importance of the flooring installer. Through WFCA’s sponsorship of this event, our members are saying the same thing. We want CFI to continue training and certifying and upholding the quality of flooring installation; it helps us satisfy our customers. WFCA believes in what you are doing and we can see that our support is making a difference.”

“The Chris Davis Award given to Bernie Madden of Madden-McFarland Interiors of Leawood, KS really means something special. There is no one more deserving than Bernie for the manner in which he has always promoted quality installation, supported CFI since the early years and been a part of every convention.  Bernie could not be with us this year because of illness and we deeply miss both of these men; both very important to this organization.”

Jim Walker, CEO accepted the award on behalf of his friend and colleague, Bernie Madden, saying, “Bernie believes in CFI and will continue to voice his thoughts to friends in flooring sales to use the skills that you possess and to build partnerships with quality flooring installers to enhance their business.  I can think of no one more deserving to receive the first Chris Davis Award than Bernie Madden.”

CFI President, Robert Varden who welcomed the large group of First Timers, “This group continues to increase every year. There are fifteen managers from CDI of Louisville, a commercial business who are present. We are excited to see all the young installers and their families also.  We thank the twenty-six sponsors of the CFI Convention jacket that is worn proudly advertising you and CFI throughout the year.  Sixteen manufacturers conducted seminars bringing the latest information to our members and there were also twenty-one educational training sessions.  CFI is all about education; we expect our members to be informed.”

“Alfredo Castanon from Los Angeles is the recipient of the Past Presidents’ Award for 2012.  Alfredo has been involved in CFI training events and his communications skills are excellent.  Not only is he bilingual, but his hand skills are outstanding,” stated Alan Ellis, recently elected CFI President.  “Our associate, Duo-Fast is responsible for Alfredo’s all-expense trip and Glenn Olsen, Chairman of the Committee donated the airfare.  Each year this award is given to a CFI Certified Installer who has never attended a convention.  We suggest that you start sending nominations to the CFI office for next year.”

“The CFI Associates who presented their products in the small-group sessions this year were: Armstrong, Bond, Carpet Shims, Crain, DRIcore, ITW Industrial Fastening/Duo-Fast, Johnsonite, Mapei, Personna, Rejuvenate, Roberts, Seam Master Industries, Spray-Lock, Taylor Tools, TRAXX and Wagner Meters.   These sessions are outstanding and offer the attendees the latest information concerning their products.  They also serve as a source of contacts when information is required for a specific job.  CFI is an organization that believes in supporting those who support CFI installers,” said Ben Boatwright, Secretary of CFI.  “The winner of the Associate Seminar Contest was George Johnson of Virginia who won the $500.00 Home Depot Gift Card donated by Karen Mason, owner of Mason Contracting of Washington.