FLIP SIDE: Despite the depressing news that assaults us these days, some manufacturers and distributors are looking for bright spots in the dismal economic landscape, including new opportunities the stimulus package will generate and the growing potential for acquisitions this year... more

Emails of consequence rarely show up in your in box at 4:45 on a Friday afternoon. But March 20 was different. A press release stating that Mohawk and DuPont’s three-year quest to convince the Federal Trade Commission to establish a polyester subclass for its SmartStrand PTT fiber was finally granted... more

BEN-NIGN: Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke was optimistic in an interview last Sunday on “60 Minutes.” He said the recession “probably” will end this year and a recovery taking root next year if the government succeeds in shoring up the banking system, getting the banks to lend more freely, and getting the financial markets to work more normally. That’s encouraging because... more

QUOTABLE: In these difficult times when uncertainty rules the day and doubt holds us hostage, it’s refreshing, and reassuring, to hear words drenched in confidence that inspire us. A few days ago, I received an email from my good friend Mark Woods, president and CEO of Ideal Floorcovering in East Falmouth, Mass., and I was impressed by its uplifting message... more

Over the last few months I’ve had the fortune of talking to retailers who are holding their own right now. They admit it hasn’t been easy, but the decisions they’ve made are returning dividends. Who knows? Maybe there’s something here that can strike a chord with the masses... more

EXPLANATION: Commenting on Mohawk Industries’ disappointing fourth quarter results, Jeffrey Lorberbaum, chairman and CEO, said: “We are in an unprecedented time with the U.S. and world economies under great stress. Our category is suffering from the same issues as the entire economy, including increasing unemployment, falling consumer confidence, limited credit availability and declining business investment... more

I very much enjoy your articles, have read your books over and over and use your layout tool. I agree with your approach to sales. I have been in the sales part of this business for 10 years now after 20-plus years as a vinyl and carpet installation mechanic... more

I’ve been listening to an array of economists lately, and most agree it will take awhile before the biggest problems— mounting layoffs, housing bust, banking crisis and plunging confidence— start to rebound. No one can predict the exact week or month, but here are some indicators... more

By David Kern, Publisher - FloorBiz, Inc.

In the turbulent waters we find ourselves navigating today, survival depends greatly on the industry buoys and lighthouses throughout our journey which if used— can help us chart a successful course and perhaps avoid economic shipwreck. These navigational necessities help allay the paralyzing effects of fear and allow one to keep focused on the real objective of staying the course and safely reaching our destination... more

POWER PANEL: A highlight of the just-concluded Surfaces 2009 was the high voltage panel that opened the show. Considering the overall exhibition attendance was victimized by the economy, the panel drew more than 1,000 people, an anomaly defined by the high caliber of the speakers... more