Prophet 21, a specialist in technology for distributors, has scheduled meetings in 36 North American cities beginning in March to showcase its CommerceCenter software package.

In a move that the company says is tied to a scarcity of PVC resin in the United States, Tarkett Commercial said it will increase the price of its commercial vinyl composition tile (VCT) products and some commercial sheet vinyl by 5 to 7 percent beginning Feb. 1. The news follows a similar announcement from Armstrong.

Mannington Commercial has become the third major floor covering supplier to recently announce a price hike due to the rising cost of raw materials. The company said it is implementing a 4 to 6 percent increase on vinyl composition tile (VCT) products, effective with all orders shipped on or after Feb. 28.

The stain- and soil-resistance properties of Stainmaster area rugs are making a strong showing at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, according to Invista, the company that provides Stainmaster fiber to rug mills. During the Jan. 20-23 exhibit held at the AmericasMart-Atlanta, three major rug mills are collectively unveiling 36 new styles manufactured using Invista's premium nylon.

Vowing to "transform this market," Sport Court International, a producer of sports and residential court flooring systems, and Connor Sports Flooring Corp., a specialist in hardwood sports flooring, said they have merged to create Connor Sport Court International. In a joint statement the companies said the deal will "redefine the marketplace by diversifying and expanding the combined product lines and distribution channels of both companies."

Citing the steady increase in the cost of raw material used in its tile and sheet products, Armstrong Floor Products said it will increase the price on certain products. Included will be a 4 to 6 percent increase on commercial vinyl composition tile and select residential sheet products, as well as a 15 percent increase on certain sheet products. The increases take effect beginning February 1, 2005.

Tech expert to offer two demonstrations for ‘those who understand what B2B is all about, and those who can barely turn on a computer,' Admission is free.

WFCA enters into exclusive partnership with National Floor Trends Magazine (NFT) and BNP Media Market Research Div. to collect and disseminate information to help floor covering retailers enhance customer satisfaction through 'best practices.'

StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative said it has merged with The Invironmentalists Commercial Services Network to create "a stronger and more unified industry that will benefit customers." The combined group will have 137 firms and 230 locations nationwide and continue to be known as StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative.

Gary Howard of Gil's Carpet, Martinez, Calif., will travel to Surfaces in first class style courtesy of a new program aimed at encouraging more participation among distributors. Still up for grabs is a $25,000 prize for the distributor that signs up the most attendees.