Australia Now Carries the CFI Banner

Patrick Norris, representing the National Furnishing Industry Association of Australia sponsored by the national government, and Jim Walker, executive director/CEO of CFI, agreed to work together to further the cause of professional flooring installation. Flooring installers who complete the requirements set forth by the Australian programs that will coincide with the CFI standards will be recognized as CFI Certified Installers. Patrick stated, "This is a great day for Australia. We have watched your progress. It is not our intention to reinvent the wheel, but to implement the successful programs of CFI."

CFI is proud to welcome the country of Australia as an associate member representing the installation community. This is a great day for CFI. The CFI training programs, certification process, decals, shirts and certificates will be displayed throughout the continent. Working together, new ideas will be created to increase the awareness professional installation.

CFI Hard Surface Division Drawing Held at Surfaces

With the recent introduction of the CFI Hard Surface Division, the drawing for the first installer numbers was long anticipated at Surfaces. Tim Provence, director of installation for Armstrong, was the lucky winner of #1. However, Tim stated, "Wayne Johnston is my mentor. He taught me what I know today and I want him to have #1." Wayne Johnston is the technical services director of Pergo. It was through their efforts that the CFI Hard Surface Division came into being. Presently to be accepted into the CFI program, an installer must complete the Armstrong Certified Installer Program, The Pergo Endorsed Installer Program, programs through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and the new addition of the Kahrs Wood Installation Program. It is the goal of CFI that when installers worldwide are identified with the CFI logo, it stands for professionalism, integrity and quality flooring installation.

Roberts/QEP to Sponsor CFI Pattern Matching Workshop

This will be the first workshop of this type. An intensive training workshop dedicated entirely to matching patterns will be held in Kansas City, Missouri on June 2-3 and June 4-5. Jim Walker, CEO/executive director of CFI, Jon Namba, technical director of WFCA, and Ed Braile, CFI' technical director, will demonstrate new techniques as well as how to identify and locate patterns, seam, powerstretch and match patterned goods. CFI Master Installers who specialize in the commercial arena will conduct the training in groups of six to seven. Manufacturer representatives will explain manufacturing systems, correcting of individual patterns and what can be expected to occur when working with a pattern. Space is limited. The cost is $500, which includes a hot breakfast buffet and lunch. Manufacturer representatives are anxiously awaiting the names of those who complete the workshop to assist with patterned installations throughout the nation. Roberts/QEP will sponsor the event and introduce the new pattern adjustor tool. Fifty of the new tools and the new Roberts Senior Powerstretcher will be offered as door prizes.

CFI has established standards for pattern matching to match any pattern that is within the manufacturer’s stated tolerances by using the correct tools and techniques. This workshop establishes proficiency in the art of pattern matching. Cost will increase after May 2nd. Registration forms are available from cfiguy@earthlink.net or (816) 231-4646.

CFI Inspector Course

Jim Walker, director, will be conducting the CFI Installation for the inspector/retailer course in Kansas City, Mo. April 14-15. The two-day course provides industry associates who work with Installers the opportunity to identify installation problems that may occur. The cost is $395, but is discounted to $295 for CFI and WFCA associates. Registration forms are available from cfiguy@earthlink.net or (816) 231-4646.

CFI Certification Schedule

Mohawk, DuPont and Carpet One, distributors and retailers have scheduled numerous national training workshops and CFI Certification events. Check the website for the current schedule. Also, contact Barrett Hagood, Mohawk at (800)241-4494 or Bob Hutter at CCA Global (603) 626-0333. CFI will present over 50 events this year to promote the qualified installers. Get involved!

CFI 10th Convention – Your Key to Success

The 10th Anniversary CFI Convention will be held in Kansas City, Mo., August 14-16. Industry associates worldwide will be attending this year for an educational opportunity unequalled in floorcovering. Installation contests include rug carving, vinyl, wood and laminate creations. The Installers will display their masterpieces at the Convention. Representatives of the firms that are sponsoring the competition are the judges. Festool is sponsoring a trip for two to Germany to the Domatex Show, to the Festool manufacturing facility and a visit of the country. Armstrong is the sponsor of the vinyl competition and the winner receives a fishing trip for two. National Carpet Equipment is donating their new flooring stripper valued at thousands of dollars.

Manufacturers are sponsoring four-wheelers, trips and many exciting prizes. The cost is $340 if registered prior to July 4. Read more in the next issue.