Article Number : 1184 |
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| Date | 7/10/2006 10:06:05 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1184 |
| Abstract | 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... |
| Article | 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. On the sub form he wrote that he was a manager of a retail operation. Here’s a young man serving his country in wartime and is concerned about his business back home. So what better way to keep abreast of events in the industry than to read Floor Covering News. We can help a retailer in many ways, but we’re not bullet-proof. So, take care of yourself, Lt. Callaghan, good luck and God speed. LET’S TALK: Coverings, the country’s premier tile and stone show, has put out a call for people who are interested in speaking at its 2007 event, which will be held in Chicago. If you have ideas you’d like to share on marketing, selling, installing, creating or evaluating tile and/or stone products, your industry colleagues would love to hear them. More than 32,000 industry professionals are expected to attend Coverings 2007 from April 17 to 20 and a green building component will be added to the conference program, so speakers on that important topic are encouraged to apply. If you are interested, visit www.coverings .com/call_for_papers_form.html. The deadline is Monday, July 31. All submissions will be reviewed by a committee of experts from six industry associations. LET’S ACT: In an effort to increase the ranks of trained installers and accord them recognition and professional benefits, Armstrong has issued a “Call to Action” to those qualified to achieve the coveted certification status. To date, more than 6,000 installers have gained the advantage of Armstrong’s Certified Installer Program and that has resulted in fewer claims —an incredible .004%. Sponsoring retailers/contractors using Armstrong Certified Installers receive exclusive benefits, such as a listing on the manufacturer’s Web site, from which it recommends a customer to a retailer every two minutes. The advantages of the program are many, including intense training and technical support across flooring categories, financial incentives during and after training, and proven methods of raising consumer confidence and ensuring her satisfaction. For program information and installation courses, visit www.floorexpert .com/installer training or call 800/356-9301, ext. 5376. COME ALONG: The National Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) has a landmark event planned for its Oct. 1921 conclave. It will be its 35th Annual Meeting and its first Trade Show included in the event. In its line-up of speakers are Chris Davis, president and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, Dr. Albert Bates, chairman of the Profit Planning Group, and other prominent professionals. The list of exhibitors at the inaugural Distributor Marketplace is growing and promises to be up to capacity by showtime. To register for the event, go to www.nafcd.org/ pdf/NAFCD35thAnnualMeeting and get the registration form. To exhibit, call Brad Putz at 312/673-5994. PASS-ALONG: Here’s a stunning piece of information from a Customer Dissatisfaction Study by the Verde Group and Baker Retailing Initiative at Wharton: “More than 50% of Americans report that a negative shopping experience of a friend or colleague will prevent them from setting foot in a store altogether.” That’s something to think about, not that the thought is new but the intensity is alarming. The study found that as the shopping problems get repeated, they often get embellished and actually become up to five times more damaging to customer retention than the initial negative experience itself. The antidote: Get it right the first time. |