TISE West Online Registration Opens
Registration for The International Surface Event (TISE) West, taking place Jan. 19 through 22 in Las Vegas, is now open.
Encompassing Surfaces, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and TileExpo, TISE will feature new products, hands-on demos, the latest trends, key manufacturers and industry suppliers, along with education and networking opportunities.
While registering, attendees will also have the opportunity to register for a Design & Construction Week (DCW) Pass to include all the benefits of TISE as well as access to three related industry shows—the International Home Builders’ Show (IBS), the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE).
“Attendees are expected from across the entire U.S. and over 90 countries,” said Amie Gilmore, TISE’s show director. “Additionally, our second annual partnership with Design & Construction Week will offer a unique expanded opportunity to view products and services for remodeling professionals.”
According to Gilmore, show-goers will see new features at the 2016 show, including TISE Living Magazine and the Ignite Education Program.
Attendees may choose from multiple registration exhibit and education packages. Members of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the Marble Institute of America (MIA), National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and supporting organizations of DCW may take advantage of discounted registration and conference pricing.
For more information, call (866) 860-1975 or visit TISEwest.com.
WFCA to Add CFI
The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) will add the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) under the WFCA umbrella and provide the infusion of capital necessary to continue and expand CFI’s installation training and certification programs, according to Scott Humphrey, WFCA’s CEO.
WFCA and CFI are longtime partners with a relationship extending back more than two decades. According to Humphrey, WFCA has helped spread awareness of CFI’s training programs and has funded hundreds of installation classes and workshops across the country.
“Where would we be without CFI and all of the blood, sweat and tears that the CFI leadership team and its members put into this vital field?” Humphrey asked. “For decades, we as an industry have stood on the sidelines and watched all of the professionals at CFI work their magic. I can’t begin to articulate my excitement about what we have in store with our new venture together with Robert Varden and his CFI team.”
According to Humphrey, the CFI name will be retained. Varden, who recently agreed to act as the CEO of CFI, will take on the role of vice president of the CFI division, which will oversee the existing and expanded certification training programs.
“CFI was built on a solid foundation and through our new association with WFCA, we are now equipped to maximize our background and expertise and truly reach our potential while we work towards a solution to the installation issue faced by everyone in our industry,” said Varden.
To accommodate its growing divisions, WFCA opened an office and training facility in Lenexa, Kan., that will house staff from both organizations. In addition to the Lenexa facility, CFI will be opening a brand new 10,000 square-foot installation training facility in Dallas that will be able to accommodate workshops and classes for all types and levels of installation training and certification.
For more information, call (714) 978-6440 or visit wfca.org.
Ardex Acquires Majority Interest in Wakol
Ardex has acquired a majority interest in Wakol, a Germany-based business in the adhesive and packaging industries.
“This cooperation with Wakol is a perfect way for us to increase our systems expertise in the flooring industry massively,” said Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of Ardex. “I cannot imagine having a better partner because like Ardex, Wakol stands for highest technical expertise, quality and innovation. This shared philosophy is the base for our future success.”
With the acquisition, Wakol will continue to operate as an independent entity, and its current location in Pirmasens, Germany, will be expanded to become Ardex’ development center for flooring adhesives in Europe.
For more information, call (888) 512-7339 or visit ardexamericas.com.
INSTALL Expanding to Texas
The International Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL) expanded to Texas with an open house for floor covering installers and contractors at the North Texas Training Center in Arlington.
John McGrath, executive director of INSTALL, said this event marked the first time floor covering installation training will be offered in the facility or anywhere in Texas. “Texas is the most vibrant market in the country and it’s booming with projects and available work force,” he said. “We want to get those workers trained and certified so that they can deliver quality commercial flooring installations to the Texas market.”
In addition to INSTALL staff and instructors, representatives from every facet of the floor covering industry participated in the event, including: Ardex, Armstrong, Gerflor, HB Fuller, HP Schönox, Halex, Mohawk, nora, Shaw and Tarkett/Johnsonite.
For more information, call (215) 582-4108 or visit installfloors.org.
Tile of Spain Expands Quick Ship Collection
Tile of Spain’s Quick Ship Collection has been expanded to include 40 companies and over 150 products.
The Quick Ship Collection is a select group of tile products from Spanish manufacturers that are available for immediate purchase in the U.S., and are in stock and available for delivery within four to eight weeks.
“The collection continues to be a great tool to connect designers, architects and tile installers directly with Spanish tile,” said Rocamador Rubio, director of Tile of Spain.
The collection’s interactive catalog allows users to search by product category—floor, wall, mosaics, innovations, exterior, nature inspired and wood look—or by company name. Each entry includes the tile series name, color image, detailed description of each pattern, available sizes and uses and contact information to purchase the product in the U.S.
For more information, call (305) 446-4387 or visit tileofspainusa.com.
J+J Flooring Releases Senior Design Trends Report
J+J Flooring Group’s senior living design trends report identifies four major drivers of design taking place in the dynamic senior living market.
Developed from ongoing research and insights gleaned at the company’s second annual Senior Living Design Symposium, the report provides practical and thought-provoking considerations for designers charged with creating the next generation of senior living communities.
“Events like our symposium, along with a focus on researching resident care, enable J+J to identify ways in which flooring can positively impact the future of those who live and work in senior living communities,” said David Daughtrey, J+J Flooring’s director of healthcare business development. “By proactively tracking emerging trends we are better able to position ourselves as a provider of knowledge and solutions.”
The four driving trends identified in the report are contemporary/transitional interiors; customization; neutral and classic shades; and senior living model evolution.
For more information, call (800) 241-4586 or visit jjflooringgroup.com.
Clauson Named Mohawk Group’s Senior VP of Sales
Mohawk Group’s Kent Clauson has been promoted to senior vice president of sales.
In this role, Clauson will be responsible for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and Midwest regions of the U.S.
“Over the last five years, Kent has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Mohawk Group brand and its customers,” said Lee Blair, Mohawk Group’s senior vice president of global sales and business development. “With his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the company’s success, I am confident that Kent’s contributions will further strengthen the performance of our already exceptional sales team.”
Clauson joined the Mohawk team in 2010 as vice president of marketing.
For more information, call (800) 554-6637 or visit mohawkgroup.com.
PRSM Releases White Paper on Cleaning in Retail
The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) released a white paper, The Evolution of Cleaning in Retail: The New Normal, which explores the importance of cleanliness and how retail facility professionals can help brands meet both shopper and brand cleaning standards in a cost-efficient manner that provides a clean safe store environment for both shoppers and sales associates.
A largely unappreciated aspect of maintaining retail stores, cleaning plays a very important role in the success of a business, according to Dan Wagner, director of facility service programs for ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. In a survey conducted by the association, 95% of shoppers reported that unclean restrooms and unpleasant odors would influence shopping decisions along with dirty floors, spills or stains, dirty shopping carts and other factors.
“Shoppers want to feel comfortable when visiting a retail environment, and ensuring that a store is clean and healthy is a crucial part,” said Wagner.
From the PRSM white paper, retail facilities management professionals will gain a better understanding of the definition of and the cost of clean for a brand, cleaning health concerns, LEED and green cleaning, contractors’ challenges, specifically recent labor law changes for janitorial services and working with retail procurement, and addressing total cost of ownership.
For more information, call (972) 231-9810 or visit prsm.com.
Calloway Joins Swiff-Train as VP of Sales
Shane Calloway has joined Swiff-Train Co. as vice president of sales. In this role, he will manage the sales in all divisions of the company. “As part of the growth of our business and transition plan, Don will hold an interim position of general sales manager, Swiff Train distribution,” said Jonathan Train, president of the company. “Don will continue to manage our sales force in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas Region.”
Calloway brings to Swiff-Train nearly 20 years of sales management experience in the flooring industry. He joins the organization after eight years with Unilin Flooring in Dallas, where he most recently was its vice president of sales.
For more information, call (361) 883-1706 or visit swiff-train.com.
Shaw Expanding South Carolina Carpet Fiber Plant
Shaw is investing $45 million in its Lexington County, S.C., carpet fiber plant for additional capacity for both nylon and polyester production.
“This $45 million investment and plans to create more than 50 new jobs is terrific news for our manufacturing industry, Lexington County and our state as a whole,” said South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley. “We look forward to watching Shaw continue to grow here in South Carolina and around the world for many years to come.”
According to the company, the plant’s polyester extrusion operations will include the use of recycled plastic beverage bottles—expanding Shaw’s use of the material. Production on the new equipment will begin at the plant in the fourth quarter.
“By continuing to invest in our people, processes and products, Shaw is able to provide a diverse product mix, innovative design, and the greatest quality and service to our customers,” said Vance Bell, Shaw’s chairman and CEO.
For more information, call (800) 441-7429 or visit shawfloors.com.
Wagner Hosts Concrete Moisture Testing Webinar
Wagner Meters’ updated “Moisture Testing of Concrete Floor Slabs” Webinar shares scientific data that challenges traditional methods for moisture testing of concrete slabs. The Webinar is presented by Howard Kanare, an industry professional who specializes in concrete moisture issues.
According to Jason Spangler, division manager of flooring for Wagner Meters, the Webinar provides essential information that every contractor and flooring installer who works with concrete wants to have access to. The Webinar is offered twice monthly.
For more information, call (541) 582-0541 or visit wagnermeters.com/webinar.
MIA Wine & Stone Now Featuring CEU Component
The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has expanded its Wine & Stone program to include a CEU component.
The expanded program offers the same engaging information found in the original Wine & Stone presentation, with added information to educate participants on the mineral composition of stone and other factors that make each stone type unique.
“This is a great way for stone companies to reach out to designers and architects in their region,” said Sarah Gregg, MIA’s CEU administrator. “Members of the design community will be more likely to attend an educational event if their CEU needs can be satisfied. The additional wine and stone comparisons increase the program’s capability to teach attendees how to tell the story of natural stone in order to create appeal for their clients.”
The 90-minute Wine & Stone CEU presentation includes six wine comparisons and six stone comparisons, plus additional content about the effects of various finishing details.
For more information, call (440) 250-9222 or visit marble-institute.com/wis-wine-stone.
Tile Outlets of America Introduces Trade Pro Checkout at Fort Myers Location
Contractors, builders, designers and realtors in the Fort Myers area are experiencing a streamlined checkout process at Tile Outlets of America with improvements to the store’s point-of-sale (POS) area.
“We have a high volume of contractor customers with distinct needs and wanted to streamline our process and space to ensure they have the fastest and best experience possible,” said Michele Hoover, vice president of operations at Tile Outlets. “Their time is valuable, and we want to respect that time by giving them their own checkout. We have created a new dedicated Trade Pro desk, open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to cater to contractors, builders, designers and realtors.”
Four of the stores existing checkout registers were reconfigured for a more streamlined traffic flow, with a fifth overflow register added to minimize wait-time at the main registers during peak periods.
“Our goal throughout this process was to provide our trade professionals with more convenience and a better flow,” said Hoover. “Our Trade Pro customer base has grown tremendously in our 13 years in Fort Myers and we needed to make changes to accommodate these valued customers who have needs that are different from those of our retail customers.”
For more information, call (239) 768-1517 or visit tileoutlets.com/pro-services.
Greenwell Named Marketing Coordinator for Mullican
Jennifer Greenwell has joined Mullican Flooring as marketing coordinator.
In this role, Greenwell is responsible for overseeing the company’s sales incentives, the Partners in Profit program, all social media activity and blog postings, and managing the organization’s Gold Dealer Program.
“Mullican is already well-known for its high-quality hardwood flooring, and I look forward to working with the Mullican Flooring team as we build increased brand recognition and continue to educate consumers about our diverse product offerings,” said Greenwell.
For more information, call (423) 283-4695 or visit mullicanflooring.com.
I4F Updates Website; Introduces Installation Video
Innovations4Flooring (I4F) has updated its website with bold visuals and an installation video.
“With the industry demanding change and our one-piece drop-lock technology as the only system of its kind in the market, the time is ripe for us to further boost our marketing activities,” said John Rietveldt, CEO of Innovations4Flooring. “Our new website is a reflection of I4F’s goal to revolutionize the global flooring industry through game-changing innovations offered at a reasonable fee compared to the total price of products.”
The four-minute video takes viewers through each step of installation of the company’s patented technology.
For more information, visit innovations4flooring.com.
Biedermann Joins Beaulieu as EVP Residential Sales
Kevin Biedermann is Beaulieu America’s new executive vice president of residential sales.
Biedermann joins the company with over 13 years of flooring experience, most recently as senior vice president of residential flooring at Armstrong World Industries. While there, he led the company’s North American residential business. Biedermann managed and directed nearly 500 professionals and was responsible for the division’s overall profitability, according to the company.
“In his previous position, Kevin had overall responsibility for the largest non-carpet residential business in the U.S.,” said Karel Vercruyssen, CEO and president of Beaulieu. “He brings an extraordinary wealth of experience to [our company], with expertise in driving sales force profitability on a national level.”
In his new role, Biedermann oversees sales and business development operations for the company’s direct, home center, national account, distributor, sales administration support and international sales divisions. He is also responsible for driving the development of all Beaulieu sales strategies.
Call (800) 227-7211, or visit usa.beaulieuflooring.com for more.
IICRCA Postpones Convention to 2016
The International Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Council of Associations (IICRCA) has postponed its convention, which was originally planned for October, to May 11 through 14, in Las Vegas.
“We learned in May our educational programming needs to be the first priority, and working with constraints inherent with fitting in with an existing show prevented that,” said Bryan O’Haleck, IICRCA’s chairman. “By moving the event to next May, we have complete freedom to develop the kind of program that will provide the most benefit to all who attend.”
According to O’Haleck, the four-day conference will feature panel discussions and individual presenters, a tradeshow consisting of companies from the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries and product demonstrations.
For more, call (702) 462-2446 or visit iicrca.org.
BREEAM Accepts FloorScore Certification
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), an environmental assessment program for buildings, has cited FloorScore certified flooring products as eligible for credits under its indoor air quality requirements.
BREEAM has certified 425,000 buildings around the world since its launch in 1990. BREEAM addresses wide-ranging environmental and sustainability issues and enables developers, designers and building managers to document the environmental credentials of their buildings.
The FloorScore program is administered by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), which, according to the organization, represents more than 95% of resilient flooring marketed in North America. The certification standard for FloorScore was developed by SCS Global Services—in consultation with RFCI and with multi-stakeholder input.
Visit scsglobalservices.com/floorscore, or call (510) 452-8000 for more.
Campaign for Wool Partners with ASID
The Campaign for Wool announced a National Industry Partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) during the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration, which took place at the Museum of Fine Art here.
The Campaign for Wool is a global promotional initiative led by the Prince of Wales. Launched by the Prince in the U.K. in 2010, it has garnered brands and partners across the world behind the natural, sustainable story of real wool.
“The Campaign seeks to educate the public about the benefits and versatility in wool in order to support a global community of small businesses and local farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the wool industry,” said Randy Fiser, CEO of ASID, noting the association is “looking forward to the many ways our organizations may collaborate in the future.”
For more, call (202) 546-3480 or visit asid.org.
Mills Release Sustainability Reports
Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries and J+J Flooring Group have each released their 2014 sustainability reports.
Guided by Cradle to Cradle, Shaw employs a diverse portfolio of sustainability solutions. “In the past two years, we have committed $540 million in capital investments to enhance our operations, including $350 million in expansions,” said Vance Bell, chairman and CEO. “These initiatives in infrastructure, equipment, advanced technology and product development will get under way throughout 2015 and 2016, and result in 1,000 new jobs in the coming years—this is the kind of innovation that creates a more sustainable future.”
In Mohawk’s 6th annual sustainability report, the company highlighted how it has honed its ability to grow profitably and responsibly while acquiring and integrating 30 businesses in the past three decades.
Through accurate, audited reporting and transparent data, the company said this year’s document showcases how the mill has grown in a variety of ways that benefit customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment.
J+J’s report focuses on the company’s 2014 social and environmental responsibility activities, including progress toward the organization’s 20/20 Vision, a set of goals for the year 2020 focused on conservation, resource reduction and environmental performance.
“We want our customers, employees, suppliers and the communities we serve to understand the integral role sustainability plays in every aspect of our business, from materials and supply chain engagement to community service,” said David Jolly, J+J’s president and CEO.
One of the report’s most notable highlights is the company’s achievement of third-party certified zero waste to landfill status realized five years ahead of the 2020 goal. According to the report, as of third quarter 2014, the company had already eliminated the use of landfills by diverting all its Dalton campus waste by partnering with a waste to energy provider and utilizing effective reuse, recycling and repurposing methods.
For more, visit sustainability.shawinc.com, mohawksustainability.com and jjflooringgroup.com.
Louis De Poortere Recommits to U.S.
Louis De Poortere has implemented a much reduced price list and revised procedures as part of the company’s recommitment to the U.S. market.
“The declining euro has given us an opportunity to show our American dealers and customers how much their business means to us,” said Terry Flamant, vice president of sales for America for the Belgian maker of wool carpet runners and area rugs. “We have also returned to our roots and will now ship all carpets from Dalton like most good American carpet companies.”
As a result, some carpet and runner prices have been reduced by as much as 35%.
“We are not sacrificing quality in any way,” added Flamant. “Shipping from north Georgia enables Louis de Poortere to take advantage of the superior network of trucking operators specialized in handling fine carpet rolls around the country.”
For more, call (888) 430-5868 or visit louisdepoortere.be.
Milliken & Co. Acquires Ontera
Milliken & Co. has acquired Australia-based Ontera Modular Carpets.
“Ontera and Milliken share a long history,” said Joe Salley, president and CEO, Milliken & Co. “Our partnership succeeds because of similar unwavering commitments to quality, innovation and environmental stewardship. This acquisition is a natural progression of our relationship.”
According to the company, the acquisition is the latest initiative in Milliken’s focus on global growth within its floor covering division, as the company formally enters a new region noted for great market potential.
“At Ontera, we have long been impressed with Milliken’s technological capabilities, innovative designs and clear commitment to sustainability,” said Dean Harriott, Ontera’s CEO. “Our customers will benefit from Milliken’s global product development capabilities, technologies and insights accrued during its 150-year legacy.”
For more information, call (864) 503.2020 or visit milliken.com and ontera.com.au.
Hughes Joins Shannon Floors as Government and National Accounts Manager
P.J. Hughes is Shannon Specialty Floors’ new government and national accounts manager.
Hughes has spent the last 20 years within the resilient flooring industry—most recently leading efforts in managing Metroflor’s national account/federal government business.
“P.J. is one of the most effective government/military specialists in the field today,” said Dale Carson, vice president of national accounts and international sales. “His reputation is spotless and there are very few places in the government that he is not known and respected.”
Joining at a time of growth for Shannon, Hughes will help the company continue its success with government affairs and foster new relationships within that sector, according to Carson.
For more information, call (414) 771-9166 or visit shannonspecialtyfloors.com.
IDS Buyers’ Guide Now Available
The Interior Design Society’s (IDS) Buyers’ Guide is a resource of relevant products and services for interior design professionals.
According to Snoa Garrigan, IDS’ executive director, the guide features updated and expanded company and product listings, in addition to other valuable information relating to the interior design industry. The guide provides IDS members and other industry professionals with an efficient way to browse for goods and services. It also offers interior design suppliers and companies exceptional visibility by showcasing their products and services to a targeted, industry-specific buyer group.
For more information, call (336) 884-4437 or visit interiordesignsociety.org.
