Total jobless claims dropped sharply for the second consecutive week to its lowest in nearly two years, the Labor Deparment reported recently.

Consumer spending went up 0.4 percent last month, the biggest increase in three months, the Commerce Department reported recently.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which has declined for five straight months, rebounded in November.

The economy moved ahead at a 4 percent annual rate in the summer, a stronger performance than previously thought, the Commerce Department reported today.

Sales of existing single-family homes rose to unusually high levels last month, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Flooring America spokesperson Cathy Rigby selected Mary Johnson of Miami as the first Grand Prize Winner of the national Ugliest Floors Contest.

The Bostik Findley Flooring Group has launched its new website at www.bostikfindley-us.com.

The Commerce Department reported recently that housing starts dropped 11.4 percent in October from September, which had hit a 16-year high.

The CFI (Certified Floor Covering Installers) has added a Hard Surface Membership Division for installers.

Funeral services were held yesterday for Paul D’huyvetter, 59 who died suddenly Friday, Nov. 15, at his office. He was senior vice president of Oriental Weavers USA and widely recognized as one of the leading executives in the U.S. rug industry.