Environmental Design + Construction, sister publication to NFT and its collaborator on the magazine's annual Sustainable Flooring special sections, has won a Best Sustainable Practice Award for Special Achievement in Communications from the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC).

Privately-held Bissell Homecare Inc., known for the development of America's early carpet sweeper, has entered into an agreement to purchase the Woolite Rug and Upholstery business from Playtex Products. The conditional transaction, which is subject to satisfying regulatory requirements, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Q.E.P. Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the shares of P.R.C.I. SA (PRCI), a French manufacturer and distributor of flooring and specialty tools to wholesale and retail markets.

Mannington Mills will institute price increases across several residential and commercial hardwood and vinyl flooring product lines.

Armstrong will initiate an average 8 percent price increase on its vinyl composition tile commercial products, and a 3 to 5 percent increase on its commercial vinyl sheet products, effective on Oct. 11. And as of Nov. 1, the company will institute a 3 to 5 percent increase on its residential sheet products.

Leonardo Academy's Cleaner and Greener program has announced that Milliken & Co. meets its stringent standards for certification.

Prefinished hardwood moulding manufacturer Artistic Finishes Inc. has revealed details of its proposed plant expansion and recent capital equipment investments including a state-of-the-art moulding facility and improvements to the existing production line.

CCA Global Partners will be hosting its second annual Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) charity golf event Sept. 30 at the Marriott Evergreen Resort and Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Ga.

The Dixie Group has reported that its manufacturing and distribution facilities in Saraland and Atmore, Ala., were not significantly damaged by Hurricane Ivan. The company added that revenue has been exceptionally strong during the third quarter 2004.

Inside Edge Commercial Interior Services, a recently formed company whose personnel oversee the processes needed for retailers to buy their commercial flooring products directly from the manufacturer and their installation and maintenance services directly from local providers, has added four key executives to its senior team.