It was a year that started like the previous two—filled with hope that the country would climb out of its worst economic climate since WWII. Unfortunately, it never happened and 2009 turned into one of the toughest years the industry has ever seen, with every category and every level of the selling chain experiencing record declines for a third straight year.

Despite all the gloom, there were bright spots—new products and innovations; a continued push by the industry to maintain its leadership role in the green building movement; promotions and mergers, and more.

Starting on page six (in the print edition), Floor Covering News relives 2009 by taking a look back at the year’s biggest newsmakers and stories.