GLOBAL SUMMIT: CCA Global Partners put on quite a show in Colorado when it brought all its divisions together—15 at last count. The week-long showcase saw 2,100 members and 700 vendors take part in numerous business and entertainment activities. Each division was given its own time for what would normally be their summer convention. But coming together in a show of strength and unity was the focus and could be seen during Mountain Madness, when members and suppliers mixed it up in a frenzy of buying activity that left both sides pleased with the results. This was the first time CCA has held such an event and to its credit it went off without a hitch.

NIGHTLINE EMCEE: Midway through the Global Summit, veteran broadcast journalist Forrest Sawyer hosted a full day of speakers that featured an outstanding lineup of professionals. As master of ceremonies, Sawyer shared some of his insights with the large crowd and engaged in real-time dialogues with each of the featured guest speakers before they took to the stage. The captivated audience laughed and cried as the speakers related humorous and heartfelt stories while providing numerous insights to improve their business.

McCALL-ING CFI: At CFI’s recent convention, motivational humorist Jack McCall enthralled the audience during the group’s Leadership Conference. Using a combination of humor and sentimentally, he touched on a number of subjects centered around the theme of life. In this case how today’s world is moving so rapidly, that we need to maintain a focus on the truly important things, such as family and friends, and that it is OK to take a break and recharge the batteries. “We have a tendency to sprint,” he said, “but sprinters never win, they run out of gas.” The point? Don’t let yourself burn out. “It’s important to rest.” And, always remember to laugh and give of yourself—grace as McCall calls it—to those who need it the most. He ended with sound advice: “Think of every day as a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”

MASTERS: Two CFI members joined a very exclusive club and their feats were recognized at the conference. Servet Dag of Burke, Va., and Ken Brown of Dalton achieved their Master II status, the highest level of certification one can receive. They join an elite group of 32 others who have proven what it takes to be among the best. Prove is the operative word here. To become a Master II, one must pass a three-day test, spending 12 to 15 hours a day on it. This doesn’t even count the pre-qualification written test as well as a letter stating why you should take part in it, nor the fact you need a minimum of 10 years experience. As CFI’s new executive director Jon Namba said, “They are not just coming in for a cup of coffee, but do come out of it with their chest held high.” So, the next time you need carpet installed correctly, you know who the masters are.

CFI ON FCIF: The CFI members once again showed the true spirit of giving and are to be commended for it. Last year the group raised $8,000 to be divided between the Floor Covering Industry Foundation, the non-profit organization which assists industry personnel who have been stricken by devastating circumstances, and the George Buckhardt Foundation, which was established in his memory by son Tony to help an installer in need. This time around, the grand total was $11,000, meaning each group will receive $5,500. A great job for two truly great causes.

DOG DAYS: Residential retail sales for July and August appear to be spotty at best. Reports from across the country, with the exception of the Southwest, indicate sales are down 3% to 8% for these two months. It has also been reported that carpet shipments in dollars for August will be down for the first time in many years. The housing market has also been on a downturn with no end in sight. Put all of this together and on goes the caution light. But let’s not panic, the industry is very resilient in tough economic times and it will weather this storm.