JEFFERSON, IND.—Gilford Flooring, which covers both residential and commercial markets in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, hosted a two-day spring kick-off event recently at the Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in which over 100 customers throughout the four-state region attended.

“Preparing for Spring” began with an awards banquet that featured special guest speaker Randy Merritt, president of Shaw Industries, who gave his take on the “State of the Flooring Industry & Issues Facing Retailers.”

“He captivated every retailer in the audience,” said Gilford’s president Dennis Cook. “Our customers really enjoyed it. The topic, and certainly the message, was very well received.” Following Merritt’s speech, Gilford presented customers with its 2010 Gilford Advantage Partners (GAP) awards and 100K Club plaques. Numerous award recipients were in attendance.

“Business Enhancement Day” kicked-off the following day with a breakfast Q&A between customers and industry professionals titled, “Ask the Experts.”

Gilford’s panel of experts featured Merritt, Don Evans, vice president of Earthwerks representing luxury vinyl; Paul Stringer, vice president of Somerset on hardwood, and Derek Welbourn, CEO of Inhaus, discussing laminate.

Questions addressed various industry issues from potential anti-dumping legislation to new ways to compete with the big box stores. “’Ask the Experts’ was enlightening for each person in attendance,” said Cook. “Each panelist was happy to help.”

Preparing for Spring concluded with a huge sales event consisting of various flooring products and bargains. In addition, there was tremendous support from Gilford’s vendor partners, many of which were award recipients. Both John Bennett, owner of Bennett’s Carpets in Russell Springs, Ky., and Cook showcased new products.

The event was full of ways for Gilford customers to improve their business and learn new information about the products they are selling, concluded Cook. “It was a fun event and a success for all. We’re already in the process of scheduling our 2012 ‘Preparing for Spring’ event, so stay tuned.”

For more information on Gilford, call 812.288.7900.