Kansas City, Mo.—As the flooring industry gets deeper into the summer season,
that can only mean one thing—the International Certified Floorcovering
Installers Association (CFI) is getting ready for its annual convention. The
organization’s 11th edition, set this year for The Chattanoogan Hotel in
Chattanooga, Tenn., from July 28 to 31, will be a great combination of
education, networking and fun. “This is the convention you hear about all year
long,” said Jim Walker, CFI’s CEO, “the huge event that focuses on the
installer. Attended by industry personnel from all segments, the convention is
one of the biggest events in the installation life of the CFI. The ultimate in
pride and professionalism will be on display.”
The conference kicks off Wednesday morning, July 28, with mill tours of both
Mohawk and Shaw Industries. On Thursday morning, motivational speaker Dennis
Brown starts things off with his discussion, “Attitude Is Everything,” as he
conducts the annual Leadership Conference, which is once again sponsored by the
World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA). This half-day program is where today’s
CFI leaders and future leaders get together to share their knowledge. “To build
a company that lasts generations—one that thrives, not just survives—you need a
passionate, visionary owner who understands what to do to build leaders within
the company and customers outside it,” said Walker.
“At this year’s CFI/WFCA Leadership Conference, attendees will learn
strategies to build a company for the long haul without sacrificing your life or
your dreams. A learning-intensive session will give you tips on how to boost
your business and your life from good to great. It’s all about your attitude.”
In addition to the four-hour session during the Leadership Conference, Brown
will conduct the convention’s opening session. CFI will also present one day of
hands-on skill training followed by CFI certification. On Thursday afternoon,
the conference will feature educational seminars. That night, a welcome
reception and dinner featuring Brown is scheduled. Topics for the educational
seminars include: “Specification Writing - Using the CFI Name,” Moving Up To
Management,” “Armstrong Vinyl and Hardwood Courses,” “Patterned Carpet
Installation,” “Woven Carpet,” “Substrate Penetration,” “Estimating and
Measuring,” “Stair Upholstery Should Be Your Specialty,” and “The ‘Blue Book’ of
Carpet Installation Pricing.”
All courses are taught by industry professionals who are regarded as experts
in their field, noted Walker. On Friday morning, attendees will wake up to D.J.
Harrington, motivational speaker extraordinaire, and then will be offered more
educational seminars. In the afternoon, fun is on tap as attendees will depart
for Olympic Park in the Tennessee Mountains for a white water rafting adventure.
All attendees, including associate members, are invited to compete in this
event. “The bus ride in the Tennessee Mountains will be as enjoyable as the time
spent on the Ochoe River,” said Walker. “The scenery is beautiful. The day will
end with dinner at the hotel and the announcement of the team who recorded the
fastest time. The winning associate team will receive the two-page four-color
center space in The CFI Professional newsletter to ‘tell its story.’”
Saturday is Associates’ Day, with seminars beginning at 10 a.m. for
associates who sponsor the CFI convention jacket. Each CFI rafting team will
visit each booth for a 20-minute presentation, demonstration or
questions/answers presented by the jacket sponsors. “The CFI associates are very
much a part of the total CFI convention experience,” said Walker. “They bring to
the attendees a wealth of knowledge about product, technical and installation
information. They are the source for problem-solving and issues requiring
special concern.” Back by popular demand, he noted, the associates will provide
an abundance of information throughout the convention, but on Associates’ Day,
attendees will have the opportunity to visit each one individually.
“The generosity of the CFI associates provides the CFI installer with a
jacket that speaks of professionalism, pride and knowledge,” said Walker. “This
is your opportunity to say thank you in person.” The convention will conclude
with a Celebration Dinner on Saturday night. “Mill tours by Mohawk and Shaw,
seminars, workshops,” said Jon Namba, CFI’s president, “now this is education.
It’s all around you. Don’t let 2004 end without adding something that will
enhance your career.” “This is a busy, busy convention,” concluded Walker.
“Attendees will receive an emotionally charged, edu-cationally packed and
fun-loving experience when they step through the doors of The Chattanoogan for
the 11th CFI convention.” For more information or to register, call
816/231-4646. —Louis Iannaco
