The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) said it has expanded its "Green Label" air quality testing program to include adhesives. To receive Green Label Plus certification, adhesives used for flooring installations must undergo a 14-day test for 15 compounds. The products are then subsequently submitted for annual and semi-annual tests for specific compounds and total levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CRI says that to ensure objectivity, the tests will be conducted by an independent lab.

Tile maker StonePeak Ceramics announced it has inked distribution deals with more than 30 distributors from around the country, with additional partners slated to join the roster by the end of the year.

BonaKemi USA has named Dan Lipman as regional distribution manager for the western region. An 11-year veteran of the flooring industry, Lipman was most recently publisher of Floor Covering Installer (FCI) magazine, by BNP Media, the same company that publishes National Floor Trends. Prior to being promoted to publisher in 1998, Lipman contributed to the success of two regional trade magazines, Western Floors and Eastern Floors Magazine (which were merged to form National Floor Trends.) In his new post, he will work with BonaKemi's distributors in the Western region of the U.S. to support sales and marketing programs for the company's line of in hardwood floor finishing and floor care products

Organizers of the annual Surfaces trade show said 90% of the exhibit space at next year's meeting has already been claimed by 640 companies. The pace of sign-ups for the show, scheduled for Feb.1-3, 2006 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, is 5% greater than last year at this time, according to Hanley Wood Exhibitions which produces the show in conjunction with the World Floor Covering Association.

Trade show organizer ITSS EXPOS said it will launch a show in Rio de Janeiro next year that will focus on granite, other stone surfaces and the machinery used to handle them. ITSS said Brazil is a fitting location for the expo, scheduled for June 15-17, 2006 because "Brazil has grown to be the largest manufacturer and exporter of granite to the United States and the demand for Brazilian material continues to grow each year."

The National Wood Flooring Association has begun accepting entries for its 2006 Wood Floor of the Year Contest. The trade organization said the competition, now in its 16th year, was developed to encourage and recognize innovative design and craftsmanship in wood flooring installations. The deadline is February 1, 2006. and winning entries are selected by NWFA members.

Mannington has introduced an interactive web-based design tool that boasts one feature sure to appeal to consumers: the service is free of charge. The company describes its new "Virtual Decorator" feature as a "customizable tool designed to help consumers 'see' what their finished room will look like by experimenting with different wall and floor combinations." The feature can be accessed directly at: http://VirtualDecorator.Mannington.com, or through the main Mannington residential flooring site at: www.mannington.com/residentia.

The trend toward more bold and dramatic colors in residential carpeting is getting some help from Invista's Stainmaster brand. The web site www.Stainmaster.com now includes a "Color Point of View" online tool that is designed to give consumers the same information many pros use to create a home décor. In the process, it is hoped that carpet buyers will unearth a shade that fits his or her personal tastes and home décor style.

Furthering its quest to become "a total flooring company," Mohawk Industries said it has agreed to acquire the maker of the popular laminate flooring brand, Quick-Step, for about $2.6 billion. The move to buy the Belgium-based company, Unilin Holding NV, comes three years after Mohawk became a top player in ceramic flooring by paying $1.8 billion to acquire Dal-Tile.

In move to strengthen its distribution network in three mid-America states, resilient floor maker Flexco said it has added Western Trade Supply as its newest distributor. The 21-year old Fort Collins, Colo.-based company will distribute Flexco's cove base, stair treads and accessories throughout northern Colorado, southern Wyoming and southeast Nebraska.