WHAT’S UP?: Almost everything. Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex has increased prices on its specialty polymers twice in the last four months and expects to announce a further adjustment in the next few weeks. The latest increase, which will be effective on May 1, was necessary because of the “unprecedented pace of escalation of costs for raw materials and energy.” At the same time, Omnova Solutions announced an increase of $.05 per dry pound on styrene butadiene latex for carpet, effective April 28. The company cited “the continued dramatic increase in raw material costs.” You don’t need a crystal ball to see carpet prices going up in the not-too-distant future, adding to the concerns of an economy in crisis.

OMEN: Union Pacific Corp., the largest U.S. railroad, expects shipments of industrial material to decline this year because of the slowing of the economy. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., the second largest U.S. railroad, agrees with the assessment since it is “already seeing a drop in shipments,” citing the declining dollar and weakened consumer confidence and spending. Union Pacific says lumber loads were down 25% in the first quarter and cement was down 10%. That could not bode well for the hardwood flooring business and the cement shortfall could be tough on Tony Soprano. Keeping a business afloat is one thing; keeping a body afloat is another.

TAKE A LESSON: An international consortium of leading United Kingdom and European carpet manufacturers together with Carpetright, the U.K.’s largest carpet retail group, and Headlam, the largest distribution assemblage in the country, plan to launch an extensive generic promotional campaign to provide a boost to the carpet market. The operation will be active for two years and will cost the sponsors £6 million. The program will include an assortment of elements, such as outdoor, magazine, online and television advertising and various public relations activities. The campaign targets consumers who are actively considering home improvements and those interested in home interiors media advice and information. The unprecedented promotion will hit the marketplace in September and go forward, focusing on the busiest selling months of the year.

50TH: I can’t believe a half century has passed. The Long Island Floor Covering Association is planning a gala event in October to celebrate its 50th anniversary. As I ponder the event I am transported back to the very beginning… a kid out of college covering his first story. I watched the history unfold, the magic embracing this group of young flooring adventurers— orris Hirsh, Armand Marano, Jack Berk, Alan Hutt, Joe Rosa, Lou Mashioff and Joe Miller. Long Island was bustling in those days and the club was born in a golden era and flourished for many years as the industry grew and its members were swept along with the good times. The Association was a memory factory, and I have a generous portion of the wonderful times we had that I look at now and then. Congratulations are in order.

ON THE SUBJECT: Speaking of associations, last week a very nice thing happened to us on the way to the forum. Well, it wasn’t really a forum, it was actually a meeting. It was a meeting of the Connecticut Floor Covering Association (CFCA), and we were surprised and delighted when Jon Thierfeld of Leggett & Platt, past president of CFCA and master of ceremonies, presented a plaque to Floor Covering News for its support of the association. Matt Spieler, senior executive editor, attended the meeting and accepted the tribute. We are profoundly grateful for the award and thank the CFCA for its kindness.