WOODBURY, N.Y.—On June 25, 1958, a group of retailers from the local region dedicated to honesty and integrity in their businesses, joined together for “the improvement, betterment and advancement of the interests and welfare of the members of the floor covering industry working or residing in the geographical area of Long Island in the state of New York.”

Thus was born the Long Island Floor Covering Club. On Dec. 29, 1992, the organization officially changed to its current name, the Long Island Floor Covering Association (LIFCA).

Over its 50-year history, 23 people have held the Presidential gavel. And, nearly three dozen retailers can claim histories at least as long as the LIFCA. Some, such as G. Fried Carpet, have been in business since the 1800s.

To pay tribute to its history and to honor those dealers who have been in business for at least 50 years, nearly 200 people packed the Woodbury Country Club to take part in the association’s 50th anniversary dinner celebration with proceeds being donated to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation. Arnold Graff, LIFCA president, said the organization will present a $2,000 check to the non-profit at Surfaces.