Article Number : 1794 |
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| Date | 2/28/2007 8:38:01 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1794 |
| Abstract | TRIBUTE: At Surfaces 2006, Howard Olansky marked his 50th year as a quintessential journalist and his legion of friends and admirers held a luncheon in his honor and donated the proceeds to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF)... |
| Article | TRIBUTE: At Surfaces 2006, Howard Olansky marked his 50th year as a quintessential journalist and his legion of friends and admirers held a luncheon in his honor and donated the proceeds to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF). Howard insisted the money go to the cause that was so dear to his heart. In December, he passed away and his colleagues at National Floor Trends honored him again at Surfaces 2007 and again benefitted the FCIF, as Howard would have instructed. They created a commemorative pin with the simple legend, “In Memory of Howard Olansky, 1928-2006.” The pin was presented to anyone who would make a contribution of $10 or more to the FCIF. It was a noble gesture for a noble cause. NEW INITIATIVES: Dana Teague, Surfaces’ new show director, gave us a glimpse of some of the plans on the drawing board for the industry’s biggest show. She said they will be putting greater emphasis on the green wave. “There’s more green ahead for Surfaces, more than ever before,” she said. There might be a Green Pavilion, a Green Mile Aisle or a Lean on Green section. Teague also said there are plans to attract exhibitors in related fields, other than flooring, to allow retailers to broaden their product mix. Surfaces will promote the show to manufacturers of products that will be of interest to flooring dealers, compatible with his merchandise and with the potential to increase his volume and profits. Surfaces 2008 is off and running. MADE IN CHINA: There was an SRO crowd at the China Wood International (CWI) press conference at Surfaces 2007. The attendance at the meeting was so strong they had to use two meeting rooms to accommodate the throng—and there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. CWI’s mission was to educate the audience on the Chinese wood and laminate industry and the mission was accomplished. It was noted that China’s total production of wood and laminate products was 500M square meters, 40% of which is exported, mostly to the United States. Now, some of China’s leading companies want to bring their own brands to this country and the press conference helped promote that goal. ALL NEW: The NAFCD has a new face, a new body and a new beginning. The group changed its name to the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors in order to more accurately reflect the true scope of its activity. National was replaced by North American to include members from Canada and Mexico, however, the initials NAFCD remain unchanged. The group also launched a publication, Strategy, to keep its members informed of its activities, plans and educational benefits. And its inaugural issue’s front page headlined another new accomplishment. “First-ever NAFCD Distributor Marketplace Wins Over Industry,” which was held during its 35th annual meeting in October. The NAFCD is once again a vibrant, aggressive, productive organization. Bravo. INTERESTING: Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer, is contemplating divesting itself of its wholesale division, HD Supply, because of its low profits. The unit sells lumber to construction companies and furniture to hotels. Its annual sales are $12B, approximately 12% of Home Depot’s total. Advisors to the company indicate that the unit could sell for as much as $13B, which isn’t too shabby since Home Depot paid about $8B to acquire the 38 companies in HD Supply. This decision, brought about by pressure from shareholders, unravels the plan of former CEO, Robert Nardelli, who intended to get 20% of revenue from the division by 2010. At only 12%, it was felt the goal was unattainable. That’s the way of the corporate world. |