TALK TURKEY: FCNews’ Matt Spieler returned from a trade mission to Turkey last month (his story starts on page 1) and he was impressed and excited by what he saw of the Turkish ceramic industry during the week-long junket... more

SAUL-UTE: Julian Saul’s retirement from Shaw Industries was surprising, not that he did it but when he did it. He had an illustrious career in the carpet industry and leaves behind an enviable record of leadership and accomplishment... more

WELCOME: Of all the subscriptions we have ever received, the one that came in last week was the strangest, probably the most distant, and surely the most honored. The new subscriber is —ready for this—Lt. Donald Callaghan, 402nd CA BN HHC, Tikrit, Iraq... more

I have been selling floor coverings for 10 years now. Before that I was in paint, wallcoverings and window coverings. I have no formal education in sales except what I can glean from Hunter Douglas. They hire the best and it is always worthwhile to attend one of their all-day seminars... more

I always enjoy Kelly’s articles in Floor Covering News but the timing on this one really hit me (FCNews, March 20/27)... more

By Jen Richmond

Manchester, N.H.—The women of Flooring America are leading by example. As successful business owners and managers, they are changing the way women are perceived... more

BEING FRANK: That’s Frank Hearst, who has been the Northeast United States and Canadian regional manager for Columbia Flooring for the past eight years. He has just resigned from that position to accept the post of northern regional manager for Scandian Wood Floors... more

ON TRACK: In line with its strategy to expand its presence in the contractor supply business, The Home Depot has acquired Cox Lumber Co. of St. Petersburg, Fla., which posted sales of $396 million in 2005... more

Lew’s column “Think Before You Start” (FCNews, March 20/27), was excellent. I would like to include this in my discussions with contractors in my area. This is a great article and fits a circumstance that I have right now pertaining to putting wood in a house without heat... more

SURPRISE: At the recent StarNet convention, Lori Dowling, the consummate association director, made the startling announcement that she is in her final year of service and plans to retire in April of 2007... more