Rep. Tom Graves (right) presents retiring CRI president Werner Braun (left)  with an official U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) representatives and staff, along with CRI member manufacturers, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf of the carpet industry.

The group from CRI visited over 20 Congressional members and their staff to update them on the state of the carpet industry and to speak on some of the important issues facing the carpet industry.

"Our meetings with Congressional leadership were productive and well received," said Jenn Mendez, CRI Vvce president of goverment relations. "This year was one of our most successful trips yet." 

A tradition of the trip is to host Senators and House members at an evening reception, Salute to Congress. This year's event was attended by many members of Congress.

A ceremony honoring Werner Braun, retiring CRI president, was held for his dedication to CRI and the carpet industry. Georgia Congressman Tom Graves presented Braun with an official United States flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.