Article Number : 4239 |
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| Date | 2/27/2009 10:11:16 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4239 |
| Abstract | 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... |
| Article | 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. The topic was, “Prevailing Through the Current Crises: An Industry Wake-Up Call!” The panel included Reiner Blair, CEO of Mapei; Ralph Boe, president and CEO of Beaulieu of America; Tom Davis, president and CEO of Mannington Mills; Tom Lape, president of Mohawk Residential; Randy Merritt, president of Shaw Industries, and Frank Ready, CEO of Armstrong North American Floor Products. And the moderator was Gerri Willis, CNN anchor of “Open House” and personal finance editor of “CNN Business News”. This was a dream panel and perfect to deliver the wake-up call. FEEDBACK: An exit poll revealed the audience was “enormously impressed” and found the panel “encouraging but realistic” and “they showed no panic; they gave me a sense of stability.” The speakers handled the questions skillfully and sensitively and the audience responded with rapt attention and appeared to be totally absorbed in the proceedings. Not only was the audience rewarded, but so was the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF). Hanley Wood, owner of Surfaces, donated the proceeds from the event to the FCIF, a noble gesture, particularly in these dire times. Keith Campbell, chairman of Mannington Mills and chairman of the FCIF, opened the session with welcoming remarks and a brief discussion of the Foundation and its mission. STATS: Campbell explained the structure and purpose of the FCIF and revealed its startling accomplishments. Last year, a half million dollars in grants went to recipients, which fluctuated between 26 and 40. He said this year more applicants are expected to apply and the Foundation will need even greater support to assist the additional beneficiaries. He appealed to the audience: “Everyone in the industry must work together to help our colleagues.” He urged them to make personal donations and when they return home, sponsor affairs for the benefit of the FCIF. He explained how unique the Foundation is: “This is unprecedented in the annals of fundraising. Actually, 98% of all money raised goes to recipients—98%! And the reason for that is the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) manages the Foundation pro bono, eliminating a major expense.” THEY HEAR: As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the WFCA held drawings and gave $1,000 to each of 50 winners. One of the winners was Arnold Graff of Montauk Carpet & Rug and president and treasurer of the Long Island Floor Covering Association (LIFCA). Presented with the $1,000, Graff immediately donated 10% to the FCIF. A class act. But that’s to be expected, for two weeks earlier his LIFCA held its own 50th Anniversary Gala and raised $2,000 for the FCIF. WE TRY: At Surfaces, Floor Covering News offered its own stimulus package to industry retailers. In our booth, we invited dealers to play the slot machines and vie for prizes. The action took place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and a hit on the one-arm bandit won the player either $25 or $100. No, not cash. Cash in Vegas is like steroids in a locker room— gone with the wind! In order to help the economy, we gave retailers their winnings in gift certificates. Rather than blow the cash in the casino, they took the certificates home with them and spread them among several local merchants. That is an effective stimulus package and a perfect example of the “trickle up theory” of economics. We are the Patriotic Publication. |