Dallas—Surfaces, the global event where everything new happens, is introducing an exciting new contest for its upcoming show, Jan. 29 to 31: “Innovative Retailer 2003.” The contest is designed to showcase the best ideas for retailer innovation in the floor covering industry. Dealers across the country are being asked to submit their best ideas for growing profit, reducing expenses and more efficient business operations. Entries should be sent to www.SurfacesExpo.com by Dec. 13. The retailer with the best idea will win:

• A trip to Surfaces 2003, which includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations;
• Full registration to exhibits and the Conference Program, and
• A $2,500 cash stipend. Retailers with the second- and third-place ideas will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and $500, respectively. All Ideas Count “Although there are only three prize winners, all retailers will benefit from this contest,” said Michelle Troop, senior show director for Hanley-Wood Exhibitions, the market’s owner. “The top 100 ideas submitted will be available for all Surfaces 2003 attendees.

Using an access code, attendees can enter the Surfaces Web site after the show and print or download the ideas.” To get the code, all attendees have to do is stop by one of the following booths during Surfaces 2003: Armstrong World Industries, Mannington Mills, Mohawk Industries or Shaw Industries. The Innovative Retailer 2003 contest is open to floor covering retailers who register for Surfaces 2003 by Dec. 13. One entry per person will be accepted and all ideas must be submitted online at www. SurfacesExpo.com. Mail-in or faxed entries will not be accepted for the contest.

To ensure the ideas are seen from a full industry perspective, representatives from Floor Covering News, as well as a number of other industry publications and organizations will make up the judging committee. In addition to FCNews, the committee representatives will come from the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), National Floor Trends and Floor Covering Weekly. “Retailers are always looking for new information on how to make their businesses more successful,” Troop said. “This contest will give them plenty of exciting new ideas to incorporate into their operations. “In addition,” she concluded, “it lets everyone win—either with prizes of cash and trips to Surfaces, or through ideas that will improve their profitability or productivity.” For information on attending, exhibiting or anything else involving Surfaces 2003, call 972/536-6336.