AFA (American Floorcovering Alliance, Inc.) recently held its annual membership meeting at the Holiday Inn, Dalton, Georgia.

David Pope, BB&T, outgoing president, welcomed the members and invited guests to the event.  Mr. Pope stated that he had enjoyed his term as president and would continue to offer his support to the association.   He then introduced the 2009-2010 newly elected AFA President, Elichai Hoenig, Prime Tex Technology, Inc.

Mr. Hoenig spoke about the direction he deemed necessary for the future of the industry and AFA.  AFA needs to add programs that would maintain our membership base and add value to attract new members.  The goal is to enhance the membership with know-how; seminars/training; and transfer of technology to American manufacturers.  He then introduced David Pennington, Mayor of the City of Dalton.

Mayor Pennington expressed his thanks to AFA & the industry for the opportunity to speak to them. He expressed the need to take advantage of all of the resources offered in our area that would keep our manufacturing base competitive.  The mayor told the group that he was always available to offer assistance with whatever was required.

Mr. Hoenig thanked the Mayor, and then introduced Wanda Ellis, Executive Director, to present the annual Membership Awards.  Awards for 10+ Years went to Dye Systems and Fletcher International, 20+ Years - Supreme Carpets,  and 7 members were recognized for 30 years of membership with paperweights:  BB&T, Brown Industries, Carpet Crafts, Global Textile Services, Northwest Carpets, Rogers Finishing (AdBac), and Shaheen Carpets.  David Hudgins, President of Carpet Crafts, was presented with the Member of the Year Award.