Article Number : 4819 |
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| Date | 9/9/2009 8:14:08 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4819 |
| Abstract | Given that I’ve been slow to embark on this new age of Twittering, which I will do soon as promised, I figured I’d take another... |
| Article | Given that I’ve been slow to embark on this new age of Twittering, which I will do soon as promised, I figured I’d take another practice run here. Thought No. 1 for the day: The Mohawk marketing team deserves kudos for its Ricko the Rhino promotion (see story on page 1). Carpeting a zoo animal’s space with SmartStrand carpet was not only creative, but the company got more mileage out of it than it could ever have envisioned. Ricko has a Facebook page, where he befriended 1,923 people. There are blogs. There are Webcam followers. There was local TV coverage. Yes, it was schtick, but in an era of unimaginative promotions or their absence altogether, this one gets high marks. Thought No. 2: I surely hope this HIRE Act is eventually signed into law. Already introduced in the House, the bipartisan bill is expected to create or save 352,000 jobs in retail, manufacturing and contractor services; generate $18 billion in after-tax income and boost home valuations by $58 billion to $76 billion. Just to refresh your memories, the HIRE Act would create a tax deduction of up to $2,000 for consumers who purchase qualified building products and home furnishings. The idea is that the bill would re-attract many households into the market that would otherwise forego spending in 2009 and 2010. That would stimulate the manufacturing market for these products, improve the flow of capital, help low and middle-income taxpayers, and directly protect American manufacturing, retail and contractor jobs. Thought No. 3: I’m interested to see how this Congoleum patent on the DuraCeramic technology (FCNews, Aug. 17/24) impacts the industry. Armstrong has already struck back by filing a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Federal Court requesting the patent be declared invalid. Armstrong said the suit came in response to comments Congoleum is making in the marketplace and to obtain clarity around its position. I have a feeling this is long from over. Thought No. 4: Got a phone call from my friend Dennis Mohn the other day. The former Domco and Alloc executive, most recently president of Award, is now a free agent. Dennis has both sales and marketing experience on his resume, both at the manufacturer and distributor level. My hope is that he lands someplace where he can put his talent to good use. Thought No. 5: By now I’m sure you have seen the second edition of our “Retailer’s Guide to Selling Hardwood Flooring.” This is just another way FCNews looks to help the retailer and retail salesperson with meaningful editorial that provides value. I’ll let the guide speak for itself, but I wanted to make two points. First, I wanted to thank the 17 companies that lent their support, from both an advertising and editorial standpoint. I also wanted to thank the National Wood Flooring Association for all their help. Second, extra copies are available either in bulk or single copies. Last time around, manufacturers and distributors were requesting copies by the hundreds. This time we stocked up! |