CFI is conducting more events in the first quarter of this year than at any time since the organization started in 1993.   The most trainings ever were in 1994 and 2011 is on target to beat the record.  

“With courses available in carpet, ceramic, laminate, wood and vinyl, CFI meets the needs of installers and flooring associates to enhance their skills and knowledge, said Robert Varden, president of CFI.  “Working with our partners, NALFA, NWFA and Armstrong for the installers and flooring associates to gain additional training and certification, CFI offers a program that is unequalled in the industry.”

The two-day, hands-on, intensive training is conducted by a team of CFI trainers certified and highly skilled in each surface.  Installers and sales associates benefit from the latest information that is readily available and the opportunity to be in constant contact during the year with the CFI technical staff.  

“In today’s world, customers are highly concerned about the appearance and the attitude of the installers, as well as their skills and must feel a sense of security and safety with those who enter their homes and businesses.  No longer should a dealer be willing to provide an installation that does not meet these needs.  CFI courses also focus on these topics during training. It is the goal of CFI that every installer provides the ultimate in customer satisfaction and provides quality workmanship in the surfaces for which they are certified,” said Jim Walker, ceo.

The Second Annual Installer Day sponsored by ProSource of Milwaukee and hosted by Jeff Bernstein is leading the nation in the number of installers participating in a week-long educational event.  Tuesday, January 18, is an opportunity for all installers to be involved in the latest educational information provided by industry experts in their fields.  

“The day begins on Tuesday with breakfast and the welcome address by the keynote speaker, Jim Walker of CFI, said Jeff Bernstein, vice president of ProSource.  “A series of workshops and seminars follow with industry experts providing the latest information.  These include Gary Schwebenmeyer and Rita Bockrath of Duo-Fast showing the new Jet-Tac solution for installation on concrete; Joe Cea of Congoleum demonstrating the Air-Step Sheet Vinyl Installation; Joe Fuller who will demonstrate the Avaire Tile Floating Floor System; Kirk Grossnickle sharing the latest in Bostik floor preparation, adhesives and mastics; Robert Varden of Seam Master/Koolglide and Zevi Kozohar of Kane Carpet demonstrating the installation of woven carpet; Kip Lewald and Ryan Christianson of DalTile with the proper installation techniques of thinsets, grouts, waterproofing and products for manufactured stone; Tim Provence of Armstrong demonstrating the installation and repair of glass-backed vinyl and floating LVT Planks and Blake Steffy of Pam Fastening Technology demonstrating the fast-setting adhesive system.”

This is an action-packed, educational event that should not be missed by any installer in the area.  In fact, installers are flying in from the State of Washington, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Michigan and Minnesota.

“Working with CFI, the Mohawk University is also added additional events to the 2011 calendar to provide the CFI Residential Carpet Certification,” said Evelyn Sevilla of Mohawk University.  “Events are scheduled for Georgia, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Detailed information is available by contacting the University at (706) 272-4980 and by email to Mohawk_university@mohawkind.com.”  

The opportunities for training are numerous;  CFI training in various flooring skills is scheduled soon for Missouri, Indiana, Washington, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, Kentucky, California, South Carolina, Kansas and Nevada in the next few weeks. Additional events can be scheduled by contacting CFI at (816) 231-4646 or by email at CFIguy@earthlink.net or by visiting the CFI web site, www.CFIinstallers.com.