COLUMN A: The fact that China is emerging as a major market in world industry is evident by the rapid growth of manufacturing facilities in the country. Its just concluded floor covering exhibition (see Matt Spieler’s story on page 1) was a resounding success, in exhibitors, show area and attendance. Here’s something to think about: Currently, China has more than 5,000 solid wood floor manufacturing companies with a total annual output of 200 million square meters, almost triple that of 2004. There are about 300 mills making laminate flooring, which produced 33 million square meters in 2005. And there are about 200 manufacturers making more than 4 million square meters of bamboo flooring a year. China’s flooring businesses are expanding so swiftly that they attract visitors to their shows from all over the world. Its importance to the commercial world is undeniable and growing.

COLUMN B: To support its burgeoning economy and increasing trade activity, China has the fastest growing aviation market in the world. The plan is to bring in 100 new airliners and 1,000 new pilots every year for the next five years to accommodate rising demand. And while you are in China attending a market—or vacationing—getting around will soon be easier, faster and inexpensive. Work is about to start on a long-awaited second Magnetic Levitation line that will make train travel even more accessible and reach into new areas. The new line will whisk passengers to their destinations at speeds of up to 430 kmph and will link airport terminals with major cities. To give you an idea of the speed and efficiency of the trains, the taxi ride from the airport to the exhibition hall takes 35 minutes; by train the trip is 8 minutes. We could use a Magnetic Levitation line in New York.

FAREWELL: This is the first time in the 20-history of Floor Covering News that Warren Tyler’s column, Salesmanship, does not appear. Tyler had a vast and loyal audience of retailers who were guided and taught by him to do business professionally, intelligently and profitably. He was a uniquely skilled marketer and merchandiser, and a gifted educator. He is a celebrated speaker and has appeared before tens of thousands of retailers around the country. His commentary will be missed by our readers, but he will not be absent from the industry. He has, with grace and dignity, accepted a position with National Floor Trends, where he will continue to write a column among his other duties. Warren needed to broaden his horizons and his new employer publishes magazines in many diverse fields, which will allow him access and opportunity. He takes with him our warmest wishes and, above all, our friendship.

SUN SHINES: Devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Sun Interiors, a commercial flooring contractor and StarNet member, received a grant as part of the Smart Business Reboot program. Launched by CDW Corp. and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the program encourages companies around the nation to contribute to the Small Business Disaster Relief Fund, which provides grants to help rebuild in the wake of calamitous destruction. Based in Metarie, La., Sun Interiors was one of the first recipients of grant money and donated labor. Said Carl Franzella, co-owner of Sun: “We had flood waters rising to our roof, leaving behind stains and a hefty financial burden…It’s been a long road since Katrina, but we are so thankful for all the help we have received.” Sun has been in the New Orleans metropolitan area for more than 30 years and Franzella says, “By the end of April we hope to be back in our facility.” He also expressed his gratitude to StarNet’s board of directors and members for their caring, concern and contributions.