$150K Raised for FCIF at Annual Golf Tournament

The 13th Annual Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament hosted by CCA Global Partners took place at Barnsley Gardens resort in Adairsville, Ga., earlier this year. Each year, the tournament brings together supporters from the floor covering industry and beyond for a round of golf to benefit the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF). The tournament raised $150,000 to help the FCIF in their dedication to financially assisting those who are or have been affiliated with the floor covering industry and experience catastrophic illnesses, severe disabilities or other life-altering hardships. “It is an honor for CCA to host this event each year,” said Howard Brodsky, chairman and co-CEO of CCA Global Partners. “It makes a significant impact on the amount of funds donated to the FCIF and it also helps us raise awareness for the organization.”

Palo Duro Hardwoods Acquired by Eugen Lägler

Palo Duro Hardwoods has announced its acquisition by Eugen Lägler GmbH, headquartered in Frauenzimmern, Germany. The deal was finalized October 1. Palo Duro, a wholesale distribution company, has been the exclusive North American importer and sales agent for Lägler since 1995, according to the company. Under the new business model, Palo Duro’s former vice president, Jeff Fairbanks, will serve as its president. A grand opening was held at Palo Duro’s headquarters on Nov. 12.

Ed Begley, Jr. Lights Up Times Square

Bostik recently launched a national press program featuring a video of actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. talking about the overall construction of his LEED Platinum home and why Bostik’s Ultra-Set SingleStep2 was an ideal choice for the project. The release appeared in hundreds of media outlets, both consumer and trade, including print and online. It could also be seen on the 20-plus story digital sign in the center of Times Square, which is viewed by nearly two million people each day. Ultra-Set SingleStep2 is a high performance adhesive, moisture control and sound reduction membrane all in one, featuring the company’s Axios Tri-Linking Polymer Technology.

Fishman Flooring Solutions Expands

Fishman Flooring Solutions has opened a branch in Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is the firm’s second expansion this year after its purchase of Cincinnati-based Tri-State Floor Covering Supplies. Fishman will inventory its full product line at the Myrtle Beach branch. All installation-related supplies, including tools, adhesives, floor preparation products, ceramic-setting materials, underlayments and cushion will be available, as will Johnsonite wall base and trims. The branch will also provide material receiving and storage for carpets and vinyl and pallets of flooring materials for local projects. The new branch will be managed by Ed McCumber, who has more than 30 years of experience in the flooring industry, most recently as a flooring installer in the Myrtle Beach area.

WFCA Seeking Hall of Fame Submissions

The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) is now accepting applications for nominations to the Floor Covering Industry Hall of Fame. To be considered as a candidate to join the distinguished list of luminaries, an individual must be nominated by a sponsor who will complete a thorough application process detailing the nominee’s work history, industry, trade, governmental and civic accomplishments. Nominees can come from any sector of the floor covering industry. Applications can be found by visiting www.wfca-pro.org/uploads/Editor/Docs/2015-HALL-OF-FAME-APPLICATION.pdf. Deadline for submitting completed Hall of Fame applications is Dec. 31. Nominations will be sent to a special committee for review and consideration, and will remain confidential. Following the selection process, an award presentation and formal induction ceremony will take place in 2016.

Two Contractors Join NTCA ‘Five Star’ Program

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) recently accepted two highly respected companies into its Five Star Contractor Program: De Anza Tile of Fremont, Calif., and Grazzini Brothers Company of Eagan, Minn. NTCA Members who reach Five Star Company Recognition status must complete a comprehensive application involving a rigorous peer-approval process. Applicants must show a proven track record of success in tile and stone installation, business management and a strong commitment to training, service, quality, safety, fiscal responsibility and superior job performance.

ISSA Hygieia Network Opens Membership

ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has announced the opening of membership to the ISSA Hygieia Network, a women’s forum with the mission of advancing and retaining female professionals in all sectors and at all levels of seniority and experience within the global cleaning community. This worldwide community will provide members with ongoing education, networking opportunities, professional development and industry recognition. ISSA members interested in joining the ISSA Hygieia Network can sign up online at www.issa.com/hygieia free of charge for one year through Dec. 31.

Nail Gun Depot Now Carries Stabila Products

Nail Gun Depot (nailgundepot.com), an international e-commerce retailer of power tools, fasteners and other construction supplies, has announced it will now carry a full online inventory of Stabila products. New items from the German manufacturer include precision construction levels and laser measuring devices. The partnership will allow contractors and other industry professionals to shop a full online inventory of Stabila items, bringing several additional product lines to Nail Gun Depot’s customers. Among other benefits, Nail Gun Depot will also join the ranks as a Stabila “Certified Level Distributor.”

INSTALL Expands Reach through Industry Partnerships

Three new flooring contractors have now achieved the status of INSTALL (International Standards and Training Alliance) Warranty Contractor (IWC). INSTALL is the North American alliance of flooring mills, manufacturers, consultants, associations, contractors and installers. The newest IWCs are American Floor Covering of Avon, Ind.; Tri-State Flooring, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Weiffenbach Marble & Tile Co., Clayton, Ohio. Additionally, INSTALL has named Lonseal Flooring as an Alliance Partner in its mission to improve installation training and certification standards across the floorcovering industry. Lonseal joins the more than 120 other mills and manufacturers who have endorsed the INSTALL training and certification program. Currently, there are more than 500 companies associated with the INSTALL program by virtue of having INSTALL certified installers among their labor force.

Wagner Meters Intros Service Temperature Correction Table

Wagner Meters has introduced a new tool developed especially for contractors, flooring installers and others in the concrete industry that enables them to predict the relative humidity (RH) of a concrete floor slab at service conditions—even before those service conditions are met, according to the company. The Service Temperature Correction Table is a valuable, scientifically sound, predictive tool developed by CTLGroup, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Portland Cement Association. It’s now being made available for contractors and others to use free of charge, courtesy of a special arrangement between Wagner Meters and CTLGroup.

Find out more at www.wagnermeters.com/rhtemp.

Sound Seal Announces Key Website Upgrades

Sound Seal, a leading manufacturer of acoustical and noise control products, has re-vamped both the primary website for the company, soundseal.com, as well as the website for the INC division, industrialnoisecontrol.com. The website upgrades allow for a better overall user experience with simple and friendly navigation along with quick and easy access to detailed and organized technical information. Both sites are now mobile responsive, allowing the company’s audience the convenience and ease of use from any tablet or smartphone device.

Lynn Wholesale Flooring Adds Third D.C. Metro Location

Lynn Wholesale Flooring (LWF), a D.C. area flooring distributor specializing in hardwood for more than 40 years, has opened its third location in the D.C. metro area. LWF provides high-quality solid and engineered hardwood flooring, decorative wood moldings, installation and refinishing supplies as well as other hard surface flooring to flooring retailers throughout the D.C. region. Located at 9161 Arbuckle Drive, Gaithersburg, Md., the company’s newest showroom and warehouse join LWF’s locations in Beltsville, Md., and Springfield, Va.

Turbo Announces Partnership with Gerflor

Turbo Heat Welding Tools has announced a partnership with Gerflor Flooring. This partnership will allow for tools to evolve as the flooring materials do, the companies said. “We have established ourselves as one of the most innovative flooring tools companies around the world by continuously developing and improving on our flooring tools alongside flooring material manufacturers,” said a Turbo representative. “For that reason, Turbo is proud to align with Gerflor to work together to provide solutions and products on a higher standard.”

LUXE Linear Drains Announces Project Photo Contest

LUXE Linear Drains has announced a project photo contest for 2015. Taking and submitting a picture of a new shower featuring a LUXE linear drain will help one person win a $250 American Express gift card. Additionally, up to 10 finalists will be selected to win $50 American Express gift cards. Only high-resolution images in .jpg format will be accepted. Participants can submit their photo and contestant information through the Photo Contest tab on the LUXE website (www.lineardrains.com/photo-contest), or send photos to sales@luxelineardrains.com along with name, address, telephone number and valid email address. There are no restrictions on who may enter. All entries must be received by Dec. 31. Winners will be notified by Jan. 31, 2016.

FCICA Chairman Receives CIM Designation

FCICA, the Flooring Contractors Association, has announced that FCICA chairman, Mike Newberry, along with James Bissler and Bruce Reeve, have all received their Certified Installation Manager (CIM) designation. The Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Program is an online certification program that provides training tools and assessment for qualified professionals within the commercial flooring industry to enhance their core skill set, experience and knowledge base, which are necessary to successfully manage commercial flooring installation projects. Individuals that reach this level of expertise will be easily distinguished by their achievement of the Certified Installation Manager (CIM) designation. Visit fcica.com/training-program to become a CIM and learn the important skills required to hold that position, regardless of affiliations.

Carpet Recycling Made Simple with How-To Guides

The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) released two new how-to guides for recycling scrap carpet and used mattresses to help state and local government officials address the multi-million dollar challenge of managing these bulky products safely, responsibly and cost-effectively. Scrap carpet poses a looming threat with Americans discarding nearly 3.9 million tons of carpet and rugs each year and recycling only about 7.5 percent, according to PSI. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the guides lay out key steps to reduce waste and set the stage for successful product stewardship programs. In May, Connecticut became the first state to implement legislation that requires manufacturers to manage, and consumers to fund, recycling programs. “Currently, the cost of recycling or disposing of these products falls on government and taxpayers, and that is not sustainable. The burden needs to be shifted to manufacturers and consumers for these valuable materials to enter the circular economy,” said Scott Cassel, PSI’s chief executive officer and founder.

Coverings 2016 Seeks Submissions for CID Awards

Coverings is seeking the finest expertise in craftsmanship, creativity and innovative use of materials in tile and stone projects for its 2016 Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards. The CID Awards, sponsored by TileLetter and Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, honor projects that showcase exceptionally creative designs and demonstrate technical mastery in the use of tile and stone in residential, commercial, international and sustainable projects. The free submission process is open to architects, designers, builders, contractors, distributors, retailers, installers and other professionals who embody excellence in design and installation skills. New to the CID Awards program for 2016 is the “Scouting Shot” category, which offers outstanding projects with amateur photography the opportunity to be professionally photographed. The winning project in this category will receive a complimentary professional photo shoot prior to the show, which will be displayed at the Opening Night Celebration on April 18, along with all other winning projects. Installers and designers of the Grand Prize winning projects will each receive $2,000 and a one-night hotel stay in Chicago. Visit coverings.com/CID to submit a project.

DSSG Announces Preferred Suppliers

The Decorative Surface Solutions Group (DSSG) has announced the first wave of Preferred Suppliers who have signed on to support the network. The DSSG’s mission is to closely connect suppliers with premier contractors across several decorative flooring channels to achieve market leading growth through collective sourcing programs and national marketing services. The DSSG is focused on the rapidly expanding architectural concrete and decorative flooring solutions that include polished concrete, concrete topping slabs, terrazzo, epoxies and other hybrid flooring choices. The initial roster of Supplier Partners include Aggretex, Ardex, Blastrac, B.R. Funsten & Co., Ermator, Brickform, Capital Planning Partners, Diamatic, Epic Insurance, Fidelity Capital, Hubbell, Jon Don, Procrete Resources, Prosoco, QC Construction Products, Scanmaskin, Schonox, Solomon Colors, SpecChem, Specified Surfaces and Tom Duffy Co.

Makita Joins Forces with Univision’s Fernández

Makita U.S.A. said it will continue marketing to Hispanic contractors through a new partnership with Univision co-host Félix Fernández. Fernández, a recognized voice in Spanish language sports media and former goalkeeper on the Mexican National Team, joins Makita as a brand ambassador and spokesman. The partnership increases Makita’s already high visibility among Hispanic contractors—Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of the Mexican National Soccer Team (MNT) and the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS). Makita’s focus on the Hispanic contractor is best demonstrated in the ongoing “Build Your Dreams” initiative. The campaign links the best-in-class performance of Makita Tools with increased efficiency on the job site, and the potential for contractors to spend more time off the job site to focus on dreams and aspirations centered on home and family.

NAWIC Installs 2015-2016 National President and New Board Members

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) installed Riki F. Lovejoy, CBT, CIT, as its 61st national president during NAWIC’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 4. NAWIC also installed the following officers: President Connie M. Leipard, CIT, Central Missouri Chapter; vice president Stephanie K. Crane, CIT, Greater Birmingham, Ala., Chapter; Treasurer Jennifer M. Swinney, CBT, CDS, CIT, San Antonio, Texas, Chapter; Secretary Diane I. Mike, CBT, Fort Worth, Texas, Chapter; and immediate past president Sandy K. Field, CBT, CIT, Houston Chapter. In addition to the officers, the NAWIC board is comprised of a national director from the association’s eight regions. New directors installed include Ruth Fritts, Boise Chapter, as director of the Pacific Northwest region; Lorie Lythgoe, Richmond, Va., Chapter, as director of the South Atlantic region; Dena Rowland, Fort Worth, Texas, Chapter, as director of the South Central region; and Angelia McElroy, CIT, Tampa, Fla., Chapter, as director of the Southeast region.

InstaFloor Creates Animation for InstaLay System

InstaFloor has created a new animated video, which gives detailed step-by-step fitting instructions for installing luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) on InstaLay 25 hg and 30 hg. The InstaLay flooring installation system, with its unique self-adhesive membrane, is an increasingly popular method of fitting LVTs due to the ease and speed of installation. It is simply loose laid onto the subfloor or over the existing flooring and the LVT is positioned and pressed into place, making it quick, clean and easy to work with, according to the company.

View the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0lNzs0Vcz0.
 

New Hires and Promotions

FCICA introduces Cally Klimczak as communication coordinator, where she will be responsible for social media, press and marketing and overall FCICA communications. Klimczak joins FCICA with a background in communication and public relations.

Kristin Fritts is H.B. Fuller’s new marketing director. In her new role, Fritts will use her knowledge to oversee marketing efforts of wholesale and retail flooring. Fritts has worked with H.B. Fuller Construction Products since 2007.

Keene Building Products’ announces Alyssa Balzano as its new financial manager. Balzano has four years of experience in collecting, analyzing and summarizing financial and account information and trends.

Lackmond Products has appointed Westin Moe as regional sales manager, where he will oversee the company’s sales and business development. Moe has been with Lackmond since 2010, working with operations and inside sales. He most recently held the position of director of customer service.

Bob Mertz has also been named a regional sales manager for Lackmond. He will oversee the company’s sales and business development in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest. Mertz comes to Lackmond with more than 25 years of experience in sales and sales management.

Distributor Appointments

WJ Grosvenor & Co. has partnered with HPS Schönox to carry the full line of Schönox subfloor products. With locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, WJ Grosvenor will distribute Schönox moisture mitigation systems and primers, patching and smoothing products, floor leveling compounds, adhesives and waterproofing materials.

Koster American Corp., specializing in moisture control, waterproofing and floor coating systems, has announced an exclusive distributorship with Water Mitigation Concepts. Early this year, the company began distributing Koster products in California’s San Diego and Imperial Counties. Water Mitigation Concepts has now expanded into the Los Angeles market, and is the only authorized distributor of Koster products in L.A. and San Diego.

Pallmann has announced several new distributors: A-American Flooring, based in Chicago; Gehl Flooring, based in Butler, Wis.; Floors Northwest, based in Minneapolis; and Summit Hardwood Flooring, based in Prior Lake, Minn.

Upcoming Events

TISE 2016 – Las Vegas, Jan. 19-22. www.tisewest.com

World of Concrete 2016 – Las Vegas, Feb. 1-5. www.worldofconcrete.com

FCICA Convention 2016 – Palm Coast, Fla., March 5-9. www.fcica.com

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