Nationwide housing starts declined 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 571,000 units in August, according to figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department recently.

The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) will offer two sessions exclusively for NAFCD members at the 2011 Distributor Marketplace, Nov. 8-10 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Mohawk recently participated in Real Simple Nights, hosted by Real Simple, the popular consumer magazine for women. The cocktail party was recently held at an upscale Chicago mall.

Wanke Cascade President James "Jim" W. Johnson, died Sept. 18 after a short battle with cancer. He was 57.

Smith & Fong Co., the manufacturer of Plyboo, now offers its bamboo flooring options online to purchase with PlybooDirect at www.plyboodirect.com.

Flooring Answers will presents “Introduction to Substrate/Subfloor Inspection (ISSI)” a certification developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Harald Joachim Joos has been named the new chairman of the Pfleiderer Supervisory Board. Additionally, Florian Kawohl has been appointed as a member of the board.

Mohawk said its 2011 Mohawk Anniversary Sale will feature enticing customer incentives and never-seen-before offerings, including three, all-new SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet styles introduced exclusively for this event.

Mohawk announced that a call center in Greensboro is closing and plans to move the 76 positions out of state.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. Jonathan Reckford, president and ceo of Habitat for Humanity International, will give a major address at Harvard University.