MILESTONE: StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this month at its annual convention in Phoenix. The occasion also marked the official farewell to Lori Dowling, president and CEO of StarNet, who will actually retire on May 15. Dowling served with distinction for nine years and will leave the group in its best position ever in terms of membership and finances. When she joined StarNet, the group was recovering from a difficult period, and she skillfully, tenaciously restored its confidence and credibility, bringing it to the pinnacle of the commercial flooring market. It was fitting that her final meeting was in Phoenix—the bird that rose from the ashes to start a new, successful life. In her farewell, she credited StarNet members and its board of directors for the outstanding accomplishments and phenomenal growth during her tenure. Modesty cannot obscure her achievements nor diminish her contributions.

MOVING ON: The StarNet membership showed its gratitude to the departing CEO, presenting her with a week-long ski trip with her family anywhere in the world. And so, one chapter ended and another began. The convention also was the first public welcome to Jeanne Matson, Dowling’s successor as president and CEO. Matson, whose business experience is impeccable, joined StarNet in January and has been meeting members, vendors and associates and getting familiar with programs and procedures. The Matson Era has begun and StarNet’s ascent continues.

TAX FACTS: The 2007 income tax season is behind us—except for late filers—and we have breathed that proverbial sigh of relief and resignation. Writing that hefty check to the Internal Revenue Service wasn’t easy. My fingers rebelled, they cramped up and refused to hold the pen and my tears drenched the check. So, I went to my computer to research where tax dollars came from. According to a recent report in Fortune magazine, 20% of Americans with the highest earnings took in 52% of total income but paid 83% of America’s income taxes. The top 10% paid 70% of total income taxes. Well, I felt better and I sent off the check, saluted the flag and felt as though I paid off the national debt.

FAST FORWARD: Shaw Industries has made the Fast Co. “Fast 50” list for 2007, which promotes “profit-driven solutions for what ails the planet.” The publication cites companies for best practices, vision and creativity in the business community. Vance Bell, Shaw’s CEO, said his company is “honored to be part of the ‘Fast 50’ for 2007, a recognition that resonates throughout our entire organization. The environmental initiatives for which we were recognized define the direction of Shaw. We seek cradle-to-cradle solutions, products and processes that are designed to use the same building blocks over and over, leaving nothing to waste.” Shaw’s collection network reclaims carpet that has reached the end of its useful life and, through its Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility, recycles old carpet into new carpet, endlessly.

KUDOS: I just received the first issue of the Chicago Floorcovering Association’s redesigned newsletter, a slick 16-page professional presentation of news, commentary, educational articles and personal information. The publication is printed on heavy, glossy stock replete with four-color photos and attractive layouts. It is reader-friendly and is sure to increase readership and inspire interest in the association and its activities. Cynthia Bernardi is the editor of the blockbuster periodical, and the newsletter committee includes Todd Leonard, Pat O’Keefe and Sarah Collins. Congratulations to all.