Article Number : 683 |
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| Date | 11/15/2005 11:11:36 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=683 |
| Abstract | Mashantucket, Conn.—More than 150 people attended the 7th Annual Flooring Plus Convention held at the Foxwoods Casino & Resort here. The event, hosted by local distributor Belknap White Alcco, featured several prominent speakers... |
| Article | Mashantucket, Conn.—More than 150 people attended the 7th Annual Flooring Plus Convention held at the Foxwoods Casino & Resort here. The event, hosted by local distributor Belknap White Alcco, featured several prominent speakers. The convention’s keynote speaker, George Hedley, touched a chord with the crowd as he presented what he had learned when he started up his own company. “The response to this year’s convention programming was stronger than I‘ve ever seen,” said Ray Mancini, Jr., president and CEO of Belknap White Alcco. “There was real enthusiasm for Hedley’s message.” Curt Thompson, national sales manager for Wilsonart, also delivered a “strong presentation” on how to utilize the power of brands to meet consumer needs. “Flooring Plus offers a number of powerful marketing tools to assist dealers with marketing their business,” said Bob Spel-lmeyer, vice president of Belknap White Alcco. “In our presentation, ‘Where Will Katie Buy?’ we pointed out the importance of consistent advertising, effective Web site marketing, promoting consumer financing options, and the importance of making customers feel appreciated. “The message must have been well taken concerning Web site marketing,” he explained, “because Eric Appleby, our Flooring Plus national technical director, was busy for three solid hours helping dealers customize their Web sites and obtain domain names during the Product Showcase.” “There is no time for establishing a five-year plan, we’ve got to act now,” Charlie Parsons, executive director for Flooring Plus told the crowd. “We’ve got to be more aggressive promoters and pay closer attention to those conveniences consumers want us to offer.” A four-point plan outlined the importance of identifying the customers retailers want to attract, promoting consistently to that target group, establishing solid service, and finding ways to differentiate the business.” Bill White, president of traditional & commercial divisions for Belknap White Alcco, echoed the importance of independent retailers getting more aggressive. “Flooring Plus offers a variety of inexpensive ways to promote aggressively to to consumers. Some of our members are doing very well with our direct mail programs as an example.” Hampton Carpet Center of South Hampton, Mass., was named the Flooring Plus Retailer of the Year for 2005. Also during the convention, Lee Kitchen, Flooring & Appliance Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y.; Mid Hudson Floor & Wall Co. in Wappinger Falls, N.Y., and Christie Carpets of Rochester, N.Y., all received Outstanding Sales Performance Awards. For more on Flooring Plus and its programs, call 410/762-5607. —Louis Iannaco |