The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has posted the carpet industry 2002 Sustainability Report on the CRI website (www.carpet-rug.org).

The Washington State Floor Covering Association (WSFCA) will hold an Installation Trades Expo 1 to 6 p.m. April 7 at the Renton Community Center.

Coming off one of the housing market's best years in history in 2003, the nation's home builders expect to stay nearly as busy next year as rock-solid market fundamentals continue to bolster demand for new homes and apartments nationwide, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Coverings has announced the call for entries to the 2004 PRISM Stone in Architecture Awards, honoring outstanding examples of architectural achievement in the use of natural stone.

Coverings, the annual showcase for ceramic tile and natural stone floor coverings, announced the launch today of its newly refurbished Web site at www.coverings.com.

Solutia Inc., a leading manufacturer and provider of performance films, specialty chemicals and an integrated family of nylon products, announced today that it and 14 of its United States subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Some issues weighing on the floor covering industry include industry consolidation, consumer awareness/spending, big boxes, and installer recruitment.

Freudenberg Building Systems Inc., maker of nora Rubber Flooring, has launched a new Web site.

Single-family housing starts rose to a record high in November, the Commerce Department reported.

Tarkett USA has announced that all installers who successfully complete Tarkett's Elite Installer program will be automatically offered the opportunity to join Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI).