Ed Metcalf, special advisor for LATICRETE North America, is the 2021 recipient of the National Tile Contractors Association Joe A. Tarver Service to the Industry Award. Metcalf has been with LATICRETE North America for more than 35 years and served as President from 2005 until June of this year.

In his role as President, Metcalf has supported the NTCA in numerous ways. He served two terms as a manufacturer representative on the NTCA Board of Directors. Under his direction, LATICRETE has played a leading role in supporting NTCA training and education initiatives throughout the country.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition, as Joe Tarver was one of my idols in this industry when I began my career,” said Metcalf. “Having my name associated with Joe is very humbling and rewarding.”

Joe Tarver served as NTCA Executive Director from 1972-2002. Under his direction the NTCA launched national and regional training programs and became known internationally for its role in promoting the proper installation of ceramic tile.

“I cannot think of a single time when LATICRETE did not support a major initiative that we asked them for help with in my almost 20-year career with the association,” said current NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga. “Ed Metcalf is primarily responsible for much of this support, and it has been an honor to work with him on so many levels. His leadership and contributions to both LATICRETE and our industry will be felt for many years to come.”

The NTCA Joe A. Tarver Service to the Industry Award is given annually at COVERINGS in a special awards presentation. Metcalf joins previous honorees in this special club, which also includes the late Henry Rothberg, founder of LATICRETE International.

NTCA is a leading trade association in the ceramic tile industry with more than 1500 members, representing thousands of tile and stone installers. www.tile-assn.com.