Fishman Flooring Solutions has introduced Fishman Carpet Tile and Fishman Sports Flooring, the first two private-label flooring brands in the company’s history.

Featuring a polypropylene fiber system and European modular backing, Fishman Carpet Tile is designed for the small business market and offered in three different styles. Fishman Sports Flooring is a line of impact-resistant, recycled composition flooring for sports and multi-functional spaces, such as weight rooms, fitness and workout centers, golf pro shops and locker rooms.

“We’re confident that linking the highly reputable Fishman brand to our private label carpet tile and sports flooring lines will underscore the value these products will have for our customers in terms of extraordinary product performance at competitive pricing,” said Bob Wagner, president of Fishman Flooring.

Hanley Wood Sells Exhibitions Business

Hanley Wood announced it is selling its exhibitions business—including the International Surface Event, World of Concrete, JLC Live and Greenbuild—to Informa, a UK-based publishing and events company. The exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas under the continued leadership of Rick McConnell as president, Informa Exhibitions US, Construction and Real Estate.

“Since 2000, Hanley Wood Exhibitions has led the industry as a best-in-class producer of tremendously vital and successful events,” said Peter Goldstone, Hanley Wood’s CEO. “Informa recognized the power and value of the trade show business we’ve built over the years. Informa has an exciting, long-term strategic vision for the exhibitions business and how it fits within its international operations and its existing portfolio of construction and real estate events. It will be a great home for its customers and employees.”

According to Goldstone, this partnership agreement will allow Hanley Wood Media to maintain its role as the official media and information provider for the various events.

NAC Continues Classic Vehicles Calendar

NAC Products’ 2015 calendar, “Classic Vehicles from the Flooring Industry,” continues a tradition started with the 2013 NAC calendar that was designed to celebrate the company’s 30^th anniversary, and recognizes people throughout the flooring industry who have classic vehicles.

“After the success of the first two calendars and the tremendous response we received about it from people inside and outside of the industry, we knew we had to step up the design this year,” said Brian Petit, vice president of operations. “This project has been a lot of fun, and to see the wide variety of vehicles from people throughout the flooring industry shows that collecting classic vehicles is a hobby that is not going away any time soon.”

The calendar also highlights a different NAC product offering each month and includes the dates of many industry-related tradeshows.

Goldberg Awarded NTCA Ring of Honor

Richard Goldberg, president of Avon, Conn.’s Professional Consultants International, was recently the recipient of the National Tile Contractors Association’s (NTCA) Ring of Honor award.

The Ring of Honor award is given to individuals who have impacted the industry through active participation, devotion and support of the NTCA programs and initiatives, the NTCA said. Goldberg has devoted over 33 years in the architectural and construction industry as a technical and forensic architect.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the NTCA for my contributions to the organization and humbled to be in the company of all the past distinguished Ring of Honor recipients,” said Goldberg. “Membership in the NTCA is demonstration that a tile contractor possess the highest level of skill, dedication to quality, and most important, understanding of the important centuries’ old legacy of the art and science of ceramic and stone tile. I am proud to be part of the NTCA’s tireless efforts to improve the tile trades through education and training programs, and truly grateful to be the NTCA Ring of Honor recipient.”

Floor Educational Guild Announces Resilient Class

The Floor Educational Guild will host a resilient class at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton, Ga., March 25-27. According to Sonny Callaham of Royal Adhesives & Sealants and a Guild committee adviser, “I truly believe this is something our industry has needed for a long time, and I am convinced we will have so many people wanting to attend that we will have to repeat the class again soon. Right now we are looking at about 500 people who can attend, and it will be first-come, first-served.”

Boasting in-depth discussion of wood and concrete substrates, concrete backer units, moisture testing and mitigation, underlayments, adhesives, specifications, installation procedures, and seam treatment and maintenance, the three-day event is also being supported by FCICA and the National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors (NICFI).

Presenters are at press time set to include Virginia Tech professors, concrete engineers/consultants, hard-surface flooring professionals and representatives from USG, Delmhorst, Royal, Wagner Meters, H.B. Fuller Construction Products, Ardex, Roppe, Nora, Johnsonite and Tarkett Sports.

For more information, visit www.flooringinspectorsguild.org.

New ASTM Concrete Standard Proposed

A proposed new ASTM International standard, ASTM WK47030, would help professionals evaluate concrete floor systems to receive resilient flooring. Once ASTM WK47030 has been approved, it can be specified in construction documents or contracts as a way to require such third-party testing.

ASTM WK47030 will cover the evaluation of a concrete slab system that is intended to be covered with resilient flooring. It features a review of concrete floor slab design and construction documents to ensure compatibility with specified floor covering and adhesive manufacturers’ requirements.

“The intent of this practice is to collect all pertinent data and expose conflict before a failure happens,” said ASTM member George Donnelly of George Donnelly Testing and Inspections. Donnelly further noted depending on when the review required by ASTM WK47030 is conducted, the results could affect design criteria before construction, eliminating conflicts that would cause problems later.

“The ultimate intent of WK47030 is that someone, regardless of where they’re in design or construction, can have all pertinent data and documents in a comprehensive document that notes any and all discrepancies or conflicts between what the concrete contractor has been assigned to do versus the needs of a floor covering system,” said Donnelly.

USG Products Used in Fashion Show

USG Corp. teamed with Georgetown architectural design firm EYP for the Cosmo Couture fashion show in Arlington, Va. The fundraising event, which benefited My Sister’s Place—an organization dedicated to eradicating domestic violence and supporting survivors of domestic violence—joined 25 teams of manufacturers and designers to create wearable fashion made entirely from building materials.

The design theme for the event paid tribute to the U.S. presidents. Each design team randomly selected one of the 44 U.S. presidents and USG/EYP drew Woodrow Wilson. USG/EYP’s garment was inspired by the period in which president Wilson served.

“It’s a unique event that not only reinforces the ties between the architecture, design and building communities, but benefits a cause USG strongly believes in,” said Jennifer Hamner, USG Architectural sales representative.

According to Hamner, USG products used in creating the garment included Durock Shower and Tile Membrane and an assortment of perforated metals, specialty metal ceiling grid and accessory clips.

PSTC Launches Educational Website

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council’s (PSTC) new educational website, thinktape.org, is dedicated to increasing knowledge of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) tape usage in a range of industries. The website includes a resource center of technical information, video segments, an online glossary of terms, and other portals.

“One of PSTC’s goals is to increase awareness of pressure sensitive tape used in applications and industries as the preferred method of bonding,” said Greg Yull, president of PSTC. “ThinkTape.org provides an online destination point for those who don’t know about the power of pressure sensitive tape and for those looking for innovative solutions for protection, sealing, and bonding in their specific industry.”

FCLC Approves New Logo

The Floor Covering Leadership Council (FCLC) has approved a logo.

“The logo represents various aspects of flooring including tile, carpet, resilient, stone and wood,” said Kim Oderkirk, chairwoman of FCLC’s communication and cooperation committee. “We also wanted the name to be written out and avoid simply using the letters FCLC, as there are so many acronyms currently being used in the flooring industry. The new logo is a great representation of this organization.”

FCLC is currently made up of 14 associations that are dedicated to flooring. The council’s purpose is to identify issues and develop solutions that lead to the success of the floor covering industry and its professionals.

FCICA Continues Support of INSTALL

The Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA) has announced its continued support of the Installation Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL). INSTALL has been a member of FCICA since 1997 and according to Gerry Swift, FCICA chairman, it has helped carry out the association’s mission and vision for the commercial floor covering industry.

“As the Flooring Contractors Association, we recognize the importance of maintaining standards and specifications, as well as uniform training, which all leads to quality craftsmanship,” Swift said. “FCICA emphasizes installation management education and training and is glad our members have a connection to INSTALL to seek out such opportunities.”

USGBC Extends LEED 2009

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has extended the date LEED users can register projects under the LEED 2009 green building rating system to Oct. 31, 2016. According to the council, the extension gives LEED users and members of the green building industry additional time to prepare for LEED v4, the latest version of LEED, which features increased rigor and multiple updates.

“When USGBC launched LEED v4 last year, we set out with one goal in mind: to raise the bar in a way that challenges the building industry to reach higher than ever before,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. “However, the market has requested additional time to prepare for LEED v4, so we are responding.”

PFS, NWFA Host Two-Day Training Event 

Philadelphia Floor Store (PFS) partnered with the National Wood Floor Association (NWFA) for two days of educational workshops at the PFS showroom in Conshohocken, Pa. The sold-out training seminars provided hardwood floor contractors a chance to sharpen their technical skills and network with fellow hardwood floor industry experts.

“It was great to see such a large turnout,” said Joe Glavin, PFS co-owner and national sales manager. “Our hardwood contractors are some of the most knowledgeable in the business; as such they know how important it is to continually upgrade and enhance their technical skills. The NWFA made sure they got what they came for. The hands-on, interactive learning experience educated everyone in attendance. The PFS Team certainly learned a few new things in the process.”

Attendees received hands-on experience in applying different products to hardwood floors, including dyes, cures, stains and finishes; machine maintenance training; and routine jobsite maintenance. Qualified attendees earned certificates, as well as credits toward NWFA degree and certification programs.

Vermont Natural Coatings, Norton Partner

Vermont Natural Coatings and Norton, a brand of Saint-Gobain, have collaborated to develop a North American distribution network for PolyWhey professional wood floor finishes. The patented PolyWhey floor finishes include a full line of high-performance sealers, commercial and residential topcoats and sport floor formulas that will be marketed under the Norton | Vermont Natural Coatings co-brand.

“Exceeding durability, performance and environmental standards, we believe PolyWhey is the future of professional hardwood coatings,” said Dave Mansfield, market manager of Saint-Gobain. The PolyWhey line features whey protein, which delivers a durable, safe, premium finish, according to the company.

Distributor Appointments

Belknap White has expanded Armstrong Floor Products’ residential market footprint into Southern Connecticut, Metro New York and Northern New Jersey. In addition to the Armstrong and Bruce wood offerings, residential sheet, residential tile, laminate—as well as all sundries supporting these categories—have been added.

Upcoming Events

2015 INSTALL Conference – Las Vegas, Jan. 18-20. www.installfloors.org

The International Surface Event  – Las Vegas, Jan. 20-23. www.tisewest.com

World of Concrete 2015 – Las Vegas. Feb. 2-6. www.worldofconcrete.com

FCICA Convention 2015 – San Diego, March 1-4. www.fcica.com

International Wood Products Assoc 2015 – Las Vegas, March 18-20. www.iwpawood.org

Floor Educational Guild Resilient Class – Dalton, Ga., March 25-27. www.flooringinspectorsguild.org

For more industry events and training, visit www.fcimag.com and click the Calendar of Events link under the Resources tab.

Sound Seal Acquires Industrial Noise Control

Sound Seal has acquired Industrial Noise Control (INC), enhancing Sound Seal’s noise control product offering to its distribution partners and expanding the company’s sales pipeline to additional markets. INC will become a division of Sound Seal and continue to offer its noise control system products. Additionally, INC’s manufacturing, sales and customer service teams will remain in North Aurora, Ill.

“As an expert in acoustics and noise control products, Sound Seal understands what it takes to produce high-quality solutions for a variety of environments, ranging from sensitive interior spaces to rugged, exposed sites,” said Joe Lupone, CEO of Sound Seal. “INC’s history of customer satisfaction and solutions engineering for a broad range of high-performing noise control products and systems, combined with Sound Seal’s proven products and manufacturing capabilities, will enable both organizations to thrive.”

Dixie Forms New Division, Discontinues Carousel

The Dixie Group has formed Masland Hospitality, which will be led by Elizabeth Moore, vice president of the new company. With Dixie’s recent acquisition of the assets of Burtco, a comprehensive offering of products will be available from Masland for the hospitality market.

According to Moore, the product portfolio will include large-scale public space patterns utilizing CYP technology, a complete guest room offering, modular carpet and area rug capabilities.

This news follows the announcement of Dixie electing to discontinue its Carousel custom manufacturing line of products. Dixie anticipates it will complete all customer orders “by the end of the second quarter.”

New Products Announced at LoxcreeNnMeeting

Loxcreen Flooring Group’s annual North American sales meeting, held in St. Louis, featured educational sessions and product demonstrations by Loxcreen product specialists and installers. According to the company, the purpose of the two-day meeting was to further expand on the technical aspects of its products.

“The sales and service teams understand that more technical and practical installation knowledge on these products will help service all customers both existing and new,” said Steven LaGrou, vice president of sales and marketing for the professional distribution channel. “It is our hope that we have given the team the educational and marketing tools they need to inform flooring, ceramic and shower/bath distributors of the benefits in using our products.”

The Loxcreen sales meeting closed with announcements of new products. Included is another component to the company’s growing ProVa line, ProVa Shower Niches, and a new Square Ceramic Tile Edge profile which will be used to protect the outer edge of tiled walls and backsplashes and add a more contemporary look when finished with the sleek square edge, the company noted.

New Hires and Promotions

Compotite Corp. announces its new management team.  Alan Hutchins has joined the company as vice president of business development and Mark MacDonald is now vice president of sales and marketing.

Keene Building Products has named Chuck Soeder senior vice president. Soeder will continue his current role as president of Cansto Coatings, as well as overall responsibilities for Dependable, both sister companies of Keene. In his expanded role, Soeder will be responsible for Keene outside regional sales managers.

Dominic Di Cenzo has been promoted to Laticrete’s strategic accounts group as a national key accounts specialist. In this role, Di Cenzo will report to John Striednig, Laticrete’s strategic accounts group director, and serve the northeast territory which encompasses New England, the Mid Atlantic and Midwestern states.

Bob Baumeister is Penetron Specialty Products’ (PSP) new product specialist. In this role, Baumeister is responsible for sales in the southeast U.S. and assisting with on-site technical support for projects across North America.

IICRC, FCICA Announce Partnership

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA)—allowing both organizations to combine their expertise and openly collaborate in providing best practices and awareness in the floor covering industry.

Through the memorandum, IICRC and FCICA will work together to raise awareness of their collective industries and maintain an open dialogue in the sharing of industry knowledge and resources. As part of the agreement, both organizations will also cross-promote their educational programs and cooperate on expanding internationally.

“Partnering with an organization like the FCICA allows the Institute to take a step forward and reach a new audience,” said Tony Wheelwright, chairman of IICRC. “This is a great opportunity and we are excited to see what this partnership brings to the future of our combined industries.”

Kim Oderkirk, FCICA’s executive vice president added, “We plan to educate our membership on IICRC and work together on commercial flooring issues like maintenance. In addition, IICRC will recognize FCICA’s education sessions and webinars as continuing education credits for IICRC certifications.”

INSTALL Adds Five Partner Companis

The International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL) has added five new partner companies to its network: Ecore Commercial Flooring, Instafloor, Metroflor, Koster American and Loba-Wakol.

INSTALL partners participate in ongoing curriculum reviews by designating technical and/or educational representatives to work with INSTALL instructors to revise and refine the INSTALL curriculum. According to the organization, this ensures that future floor covering professionals are trained according to the needs of today’s marketplace. This partnership further ensures that INSTALL professionals are equipped with the skills that are necessary to install floor covering products properly and efficiently.

INSTALL offers a comprehensive training and certification program for its floor covering installers and a marketing program for its alliance members. Additionally, it offers an added value warranty on labor provided by INSTALL Certified Contractors.