The Conference Board reported that the Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators was flat in January, following three consecutive monthly increases.

Construction of new homes and apartments rose in January to the highest level in 16 years, the Commerce Department announced.

TOLI and Gulf Enterprises Inc. will present "Everything you need to know about installing TOLI -- Training for Installers, Salespeople, Inspectors, and Specifiers," 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17 at Heritage Supply (a division of Gulf Enterprises Inc.) in Jefferson, La.

Milliken Carpet has named April "Milliken Month," with enhanced merchandising and marketing support, promotional materials and sponsored savings on broadloom and area rugs.

TileDealer.org was launched at this year's Surfaces show in Las Vegas.

Interface Inc. announced that it intends to release its fourth quarter and year-end 2002 results on Wednesday, Feb. 19, after the close of the market.

Mats Inc. has launched a new web site at www.matsinc.com, designed to provide instant access to on-line design and spec tools for architects, designers and building managers.

The Commerce Department reported that companies boosted inventories by 0.6 percent in December, the largest amount in three months.

DuPont scientists have recently utilized corn -- instead of conventional petroleum-based processes -- to produce the company's latest polymer platform for use in clothing, carpets and automobile interiors.

Mike Melkonian and Dick Hillman of Advance Floors, and Gene Podell of Carpetland garnered Retailer of the Year awards from Alliance Flooring.