The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) Inc. is teaming with a group of Carpet One retailers for an installation-training program to be held in the Sacramento, Calif., area Oct. 21-22. The event is part of a new series of educational installation programs that enable installers to work in small groups concentrating on skills training. The installers work in teams based on years in the trade to address specific situations of interest. The cost is $290 per installer with registration and payment due prior to the event.

Forbo Flooring said it will not exhibit at Surfaces next year "after many years as a steady exhibitor." The linoleum maker is shifting its focus to the builder market and has opted instead to promote its new Marmoleum click line at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Jan 11-14. "With the recent introduction of Marmoleum click, Forbo is planning to use its available resources to explore new markets," said the company in a statement announcing the decision to sit out Surfaces, which is set for the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Feb.1-3.

Edmond O. Dunahoo, a highly regarded figure in the flooring industry who founded the distribution company Tri-West Ltd., died Sept. 23 at age 78. In addition to establishing one of the top distributors in the western United States, he was the owner/president of several companies including Bay Beverage, Okaw Industries and Fiber Science.

William Kalar Clark, the former top executive at Azrock who is credited with bringing bold innovation to the commercial flooring market, died Sept. 25 at age 85. His career at Azrock spanned 45 years beginning with a sales rep position and culminating with his ascension to chairman and CEO.

Citing "unfortunate situations affecting the world's oil and energy supply," the synthetic material maker Colbond, said it plans to raise prices beginning the first of next year. As has been the case with other companies making similar price adjustments, Colbond said the move is the result of rising raw material, energy, and transportation costs. The company, whose products include high-grade backing for carpet, is headquartered in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and operates production facilities and sales offices throughout the world, including one in Asheville, N.C. A company spokesperson declined to specify the amount of the price hike.

Two major flooring manufacturers said they are increasing distribution in keys areas. In separate announcements, Armstrong Floor Products named Apollo Distributing Co. of Fairfield, NJ, to distribute the Hartco hardwood line in the metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. Also, Domco said its sheet flooring and accessories will be among the lines now offered by the newly established company Design Tech Commercial Distributing LLC, of Houston.

In a move designed to help consumers "more clearly understand what the floor they are purchasing will look like," The National Wood Flooring Association has developed five "appearance standards:" They are :

The simple tagline "Be creative" will be the centerpiece of a new advertising campaign being launched in support of the Tile of Spain brand. The campaign from the 220-member Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association of Spain (ASCER) is aimed at design professionals, architects and contractors. "The fresh approach speaks to the essence of Spain - her products, manufacturers, history and culture. In summary, it celebrates the creativity of Spain," said ASCER in announcing the new effort.

CCA Global Partners' recently redesigned website was among those honored with a standard of excellence "Webaward" from the Web Marketing Association. Judges commended the site, www.ccaglobal.com, as being organized, easy-to-navigate and attractive. They also noted that it clearly expresses the company's objectives and provides viewers with easy access to the company's history, brand information and events and activities.

As part of its ongoing "Decorate for the Cure" campaign to raise money for the fight against breast cancer, Mohawk said it is making available a special CD with songs of "love, hope, and inspiration." The all-original score featuring Kim Bracken is being offered to Mohawk dealers along with a specially made pop-up counter display. The CD is free and the display includes pre-addressed envelopes to encourage the dealer or customer to send a donation. Proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which is committed to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.