There is a reason why the Connecticut Floor Covering Association (CFCA) has seen an increase in participation of its annual Awards Night by 55% over the last two years and why it is expecting over 200 people to come out to Hartford on May 19 for its State of the Industry Dinner. Yes, good food and drinks help, and yes, having an environmental theme with Shaw’s president Randy Merritt headlining the industry dinner certainly helps, but for this dedicated group of dealers, distributors and mill reps, it has to do with heart and spirit.

You could see it, hear it, even touch it during the evening’s festivities, which I had the privilege to attend. And it all starts with the current and past board, which includes a healthy mixture of retailers, and distributor, mill and supplier reps. Jon Thierfeld, past president, is one of those whose passion for the industry and group runs through his blood. “Everyone takes their job on the board very seriously and works hard to gets things accomplished,” he said.

And accomplish things they do. From scholarships to any family member graduating high school or undergrad to fundraisers, to various educational functions and activities, CFCA does what it can to give back to the members and the industry as well as its local community.

Perhaps William D’Adamo of North Haven Tile Carpet One Floor & Home, and receipient of CFCA’s Lifetime Achievement award said it best: “I’m happy to be among industry colleagues who have come together to strengthen their own business, the industry and to make life better.”

I bring up CFCA’s big heart with a reason. In addition to covering its Awards Night, I was honored to represent FCNews on stage as we were presented a “Special Award” of thanks for our continued support of the association.

While I and the rest of the staff extend a big thank you and heartfelt appreciation for the recognition, the fact is, FCNews has always had a close relationship with industry organizations and associations. Hence our tagline, “The publication more retailers prefer.”

The evidence speaks for itself: Over a decade ago we partnered with the World Floor Covering Association for our Awards of Excellence program, and Al Wahnon, our founder and editor, has not only been at the inaugural meetings of various groups over the course of his career, he is a lifetime member the Chicago, Long Island and Floor Covering Installation Contractors associations, and the NAFCD authors and sponsors our “Distributors’ Perspective” column.

All of this is not to discount the great work that many associations do to better the industry. From educational events, fundraisers, golf outings and more by the Arizona, San Diego, Maryland/Virginia and other retail associations, to the conventions, certified events and general news items of the CFI, INSTALL, IICRC, you can be sure FCNews has and will continue to document these.