Members of the Long Island Floor Covering Association (LIFCA) met on Nov. 9 for a seminar on carpet cleaning and to elect their 2011 executive board.  Hosted by LIFCA Board member Brian Kornet of Fabra-Cleen, the seminar that Kornet facilitated focused on different cleaning methods for wall to wall carpets and area rugs.  He also demonstrated techniques and chemicals available for spot cleaning and suggested that retailers “private label” spot cleaning products to give away to new carpet buyers. These kits, available from several sources, not only give customers the right product for their particular carpet but also keep the retailer’s name and contact information in front of their customers.

The business meeting was led by LIFCA president Joe Bianculli of Floor Masters Carpet in Floral Park.

“One of the most valuable tools any business person has at their disposal is a network of contacts and a source of education on products, practices and regulations that pertain to that person’s industry,” Bianculli told the group, “and since 1959, The LIFCA has been that tool for countless members of our industry including retailers, flooring contractors, distributors, manufacturers, inspectors and installers.” He explained that the 52-year-old trade association has gone through various cycles of activity and inactivity over the course of their history and that “LIFCA is on the rebound thanks to the enthusiasm from new board members who want to see things happen and give back to the industry.”

In 2010, LIFCA hosted more educational events than they have for at least 15 years, including seminars on marketing in a slow economy, a joint meeting with the New York Rug Cleaners Institute that focused on ceramic tile maintenance, and two certification classes on the new EPA Regulations on lead paint.

Bianculli thanked long time LIFCA bare member Richard Snow for his service to the association. Snow is relocating to Northern Georgia in early 2011. Biancullli welcomed  new board member Michael Orlando of Diamond Platinum Rugs and praised him for “stepping up to help this organization move forward.”

The 2011 LIFCA Bard includes Bianculli as President, Treasurer Arnold Graff, Trustees Alan Hutt and Arden Socolov, Directors Stephen Rockfeld, Sal Calamia and Barbara Napolitano and Attorney-At -Large Martin Silver.  The 2011 Board will be installed at LIFCA's next meeting in February 9.

Originally incorporated as The Long Island Floor Covering Club in 1958, LIFCA was formed for the purposes of “the improvement, betterment and advancement of the interests and welfare of the members of the floor covering industry working or residing in the geographical area of Long Island  in the state of New York.” They are based in Patchogue, Long Island. For more information visit www.lifca.com.