Scientific Certification Systems has recertified Antron nylon carpet fiber as an Environmentally Preferable Product. Since 2004, the third-party organization has certified Antron fiber for superior environmental sustainability based on a set of rigorous criteria corresponding to five stages of the products' lifecycle.

MAPEI America said president and CEO Nick Di Tempora has announced plans to retire after 23 years with the company and will be succeeded by Rainer M. Blair, a 16 year veteran of BASF Corp. Di Tempora will remain on MAPIE's board and serve as an advisor to Blair, who will function as deputy CEO during the transition period, the company said.

Roppe Holding Co., the parent company of resilient flooring makers Roppe and Flexco, said it will focus on supporting both brands with a full run of regional events in 2007.

This summer's Atlanta International Area Rug Market, slated for July 16-19, will host the 13th annual Rug Retailer of the Year Awards, 6 to 8 p.m. July 17.

MAPEI Corp. has thrown its cap into the NASCAR ring: the installation systems maker said it will co-sponsor the Robby Gordon Motorsports team (car #7) in the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

Carpet One has redesigned the Liz Claiborne Home flooring website to coincide with the brand's expansion into stone and tile, as well as to reflect additions to the brand's carpet and hardwood ranges.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization responsible for developing LEED green building certification, said it will consider two proposed changes to the LEED rating system.

The head of a California company on the forefront of recycling carpet and a Kentucky company that is spearheading new carpet reclamation technology were honored recently by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). Ronald J. Greitzer, president of Los Angeles Fiber Co., received the organization's Person of the Year honor and Champion Polymer Recycling, based in Winchester, Ky., was recognized as Recycler of the Year.

At the awards presentation held during CARE's fourth annual meeting, executive director Robert Peoples described Greitzer as someone who is highly respected in the industry for his ‘can-do' attitude. "Ron is a person that people say ‘I love to work with this guy,' and that's one of the greatest compliments a person can get." Peoples also praised Champion Polymer as a company that "embodies the innovative spirit we strive for at CARE." He added that presenting the awards is "One of the things I am most honored to do every year."

Commercial carpet maker Bentley Prince Street has asked a third party to rate its environmentally friendly business practices, requesting a Corporate Sustainability Rating by the International Design Center for the Environment.

Bamboo flooring maker Teragren said it has signed an exclusive agreement with Kent, Wash.-based distributor T&A Supply to market the company's flooring throughout the Northwest. T&A is a leading area distributor, operating 19 branches across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.