Article Number : 5134 |
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| Date | 12/11/2009 9:26:02 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5134 |
| Abstract | GREEN POWER: If you want an indication of how big the green movement is getting, look no further than the skyrocketing growth and pull of the annual Greenbuild exhibition and conference. Beyond the sheer number of attendees and... |
| Article | GREEN POWER: If you want an indication of how big the green movement is getting, look no further than the skyrocketing growth and pull of the annual Greenbuild exhibition and conference. Beyond the sheer number of attendees and exhibitors who have been flocking to the show even during this recession is the list of keynote speakers that have headlined the event in the last three years. In 2007 it was former President Bill Clinton; last year it was Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights advocate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and at the most recent event earlier this month it was Nobel Laureate, best selling author and Oscar winner and, by the way, former Vice President, Al Gore. No word yet on who next year’s speaker will be, but considering it will be in Chicago… ROI: When it comes to industry trade shows there’s none bigger than Surfaces, and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) is giving members the ability attend this important event at a greatly reduced cost. Its trade scholarship program offers members up to $500 per year to apply toward tuition for industry-related training, programs and seminars. Surfaces falls under this umbrella and Chris Davis, president and CEO, said WFCA members can use the trade scholarship to help offset some of the costs to attend the industry’s leading event. “Surfaces is where flooring professionals from around the world gather for three days to get business done. It is where the latest trends, technology and innovation come together and allow participants to preparefor the upcoming year.” To learn more about the trade scholarships and how you can apply for one to attend Surfaces, call 800.624.6880 or email wfca@wfca.org. GOLD STANDARD: One of the happenings at Surfaces 2010 will be the naming of WFCA’s Gold Standard Retailer of the Year award. WFCA is accepting nominations until Dec. 31. The sole winner is rewarded with a $5,000 cash prize, a feature on WFCA’s Web site and in its national advertising campaign, and a custom designed gold seal for his business entrance. With only one winner chosen per year, this allows a member to really stand out in his community and market area. Ike Gulesserian of San Leandro, Calif., was the recipient in the program’s inaugural year. GLASS CEILING: The citizens of New Jersey have spoken and Mannington Mills was chosen as the 2009 Company of the Year in the South Jersey chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners’ (NAWBO) Glass Ceiling Awards. The honor is given to those who have “demonstrated leadership roles in their profession and have served as mentors and role models for women in business.” Recipients are nominated by members of the community, and final selections are made by NAWBO. Betsy Amoroso, Mannington’s director of corporate communications, said the award is validation the company is “doing the right thing.” And that’s what being a successful leader does. MORE HONORS: Across the country, Bentley Prince Street was the Gold medal recipient for being one of California’s healthiest employers. The Fit Business Awards are given by the state’s Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness and seek to increase awareness among employers by promoting the positive connection between employee health and the return on investment. The carpet mill was honored for a number of in-house programs and resources for employees, including giving every associate access to a personal nutrition, fitness and wellness plan; a 3,000 square foot, fully-staffed state-of-the-art gym; “Lunch and Learn” workshops and more. “When employees are healthy, they are happier and more productive on the job,” said state senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), chair of the Task Force. |