Team picture. The WFCA-sponsored Leadership Conference kick’s off CFI’s convention.

Kansas City, Mo.—Aug. 23 to 25 are the dates for the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association’s (CFI) 14th annual convention here. This year’s theme, “Business is all about Change, Challenge and Choice,” is set to focus on improving business skills.

The event offers education, excitement and enthusiasm, according to Jon Namba, executive director. “We guarantee there is something exciting waiting here for everyone,” he said.

The WFCA-sponsored Leadership Conference kicks off the convention. Other highlights include learning about the manufacturers’ numerous products, the announcement of the recipients of the Gress Award and L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award, the associate-sponsored convention jacket, installation workshops featuring various floor surfaces and networking opportunities.

“The 2007 CFI jacket sponsors present their products and technical assistance in a new format,” Namba said. “This is a highlight of the weekend bringing first-hand to the attendees information that improves their bottom line and introduces them to a variety of products, tools and installation supplies. Every year we continuously gain an enormous amount of information to take to our areas and share with the local installation professionals.”

The skills courses include: “Hands-on with Tile Transitions” by Andy Acher of Schulter; “Ceramic Tile Installation and Substrate Preparation” by Dave Gobis of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation along with Namba; “The CFI Business Skills Workshop,” where CFI installers will share their success stories for financial growth and security; “New Flooring Ideas and Installation” by Tim Provence of Armstrong, and “Exciting Rubber Products” by Don Styka and Dick Schmidt.

“The educational seminars provide the opportunity to become some of the most knowledgeable installers in the field,” said Leon Harrison, president, CFI.

The prestigious Charles R. Gress Award has been presented annually since 1996 in honor of CFI Certified Installer #355 from Cumberland, Ohio, who gave above and beyond his talents, time and funds to further the cause of the CFI and professional installation. The tradition continues in 2007.

The L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award, in honor of Pat Fell, is given annually to the chapter that presents the most educational events to improve the quality of flooring installation. For the third year, L. Fishman will donate $1,000 to assist a CFI chapter in promoting installation excellence. “As a company, we believe in CFI’s commitment to installation excellence, and through the Pat Fell Chapter Achievement Award we pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding employee and encourage his dream of education and knowledge through the local chapter,” said Bob Wagner, president of L. Fishman. Last year the first place award was presented to the DelMarVa chapter of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The convention will take place at The Hilton Hotel located just three miles from the Kansas City International Airport. For more information, call 816.231.4646.