September’s surprise attack on the United States, and our nation’s subsequent and ongoing military response to terrorists worldwide, has left an anxious American populace in a profound state of malaise. Suddenly, that trip to the auto dealership, or to the shopping mall, or to the specialty floor covering store is no longer at the top of the consumer’s agenda.
Fellow Americans, we are living through an extraordinary time in history. Only now am I emerging from the shock and disbelief that swept over me, and so many of my countrymen and industry brethren, in the wake of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
In the first major gathering of its membership since the buying group was acquired by Carpet Co-op of America and merged with its Amercia's Carpet Gallery subsidiary, hundreds of Flooring America retailer affiliates convened in Dallas last month to be brought up to speed on the various products and programs now available to them under the new organizational structure.
For the better part of the past two decades, the DuPont Antron Design Award competition has recognized the efforts of those who, through the innovative use of carpet made with DuPont Antron Legacy nylon, manage to set exemplary new standards of creativity in commercial interior design.
Former NFL great Joe Theismann kicked off today’s NWFA Convention session with a 90-minute talk about the commitment and mindset required of anyone, be he a football player or wood floor professional, who strives to be the best in his field of endeavor.
The inaugural day of the National Wood Flooring Association’s 16th annual convention was largely one of getting settled in. Wood flooring professionals from across the country converged on this desert resort town throughout the day.
For some months now, NFT has been hosting a mixer of sorts for flooring industry professionals. Although this unique opportunity was established for the retailers, contractors, distributors, manufacturers, and design specialists who form the core of the magazine’s readership, no one has been barred from participating. The conversation is frequently helpful, often insightful, sometimes critical -— and always lively.
Attendees of Surfaces 2001 were among the first in the industry to get up-close looks at the latest products the laminate floor segment has to offer. Time will tell whether some of the newest advances in laminate technology and styling will catch on in the U.S. marketplace. However, one aspect of this year’s product launches is undeniable: glueless laminate floors have arrived in force —- and it looks like they may be here for the long haul.