The individual seminars were presented by Rita Bockrath and Gary Schwebemeyer of ITW Industrial Fastening/Duo-Fast, discussing tools that are necessary for flooring installation; Joe Cea of Congoleum and Trouble-Shooting LVT Installations; Peter Crawford of Spray-Lock Adhesives who explained the economical advantages of using spray adhesives; Tim Provence (Armstrong), Dick Schmidt (Johnsonite), Bill Wiese (Mannington) and Scott Parks of Tri-West provided hands-on training for the welding of flooring and coved walls; Tony Pastrana and Rick Herr (Armstrong) shared repair techniques for laminate and wood flooring products; Jill Sheets, Whitney Robinson and Matt Spieler (FCNews) offered tips involving the use of social media; Jason Spangler of Wagner Meters shared ideas concerning concrete moisture testing and the importance of relative humidity and offered hands-on involvement; Daris Mulkin drove with an abundance of antique tools to display and discuss how they were used many years ago; Robert Varden offered installation tips for carpet backings and how to avoid potential problems; Lee Tindall of Mapei explained the benefits of thin tile systems, including the latest innovations in the industry and Dave Garden, Jim and Jane Walker shared ideas about operating a successful flooring installation business.

“The Gress Award is the highest form of recognition available for the flooring installer and is awarded in honor of Charles Gress of Ohio who gave so much of himself during his short life to promote the qualities of CFI.  This year’s recipients join numerous others who are proud of their achievements in the advancement of CFI.  Gary Goessl, an officer of the CFI Wisconsin Chapter and George Johnson, an officer of the CFI Delmarva Chapter are the recipients for 2012.  Both have contributed greatly to the growth of CFI in their areas,” said Bob Gillespie, Past President.

Allan de Wit of Belgotex Flooring traveled from South Africa to be a part of his fifth convention.  Allan has been instrumental in the development of carpet standards based on the CFI methods and in the organization of a training school. “We teach the CFI way and this year, the first class is graduating. We also beginning our training in resilient products and I am here to learn more in order to share it back home. The introduction of the CFI methods using the powerstretcher and the deadman did more to lower claims for Belgotex than anything we have done previously.  When Jim Walker, Ed Braile, Michael Hetts and John McHale visited our part of the world, the interest in quality installation rose greatly,” said de Wit.

“The L. Fishman Chapter Award is given in honor of Pat Fell, CFI Master-II Installer who worked for the company many years,” said Rod Von Busch.  “This thoughtful contribution to the CFI Chapters assists greatly in their ability to conduct meetings.  This year, the winner for the 7^th year is the Delmarva CFI Chapters that conducted more educational events than any chapter.  They are awarded first prize of $500.00.  CFI Wisconsin and CFI Fort Wayne will each receive $250.00 for the educational value their chapters provide.  We know that the chapters are going to work harder in 2013 to challenge the Delmarva CFI.”

Bob Wagner, President of the L. Fishman and Son Company initiated this award following the untimely death of their valued employee, PATRICK FELL in 2004 stated, “ L. FISHMAN lost a true friend; a man of knowledge who shared this with all in whom he came in contact and never turned down anyone who needed assistance.  He was a problem solver and a wealth of information.  All who worked with him feel this loss.  Pat made an impact in the field of flooring installation and everyone knew of his love of the local CFI Chapter.  It is our goal that the CFI Chapters continue to grow and share knowledge and skill on the local level as Pat wanted to see happen during his time as Chairman of the CFI Chapter Committee.  The funds that are made available are to be used for this purpose.”

The CFI Convention Associate Fun Night displayed the competitive nature of the members and many prizes were won.  The event ended on Saturday evening with a trip to downtown Nashville to enjoy the sound of the city.  The location of Convention 2013 will be near Baltimore and the dates will be announced shortly.