Start planning now to attend the industry’s flooring installation 15th CFI Convention in Kansas City, Missouri! The most educational installation event in 2008! The excitement begins with the WFCA-sponsored Leadership Conference, learning about the manufacturer’s numerous products, the Associate-sponsored Convention Jacket and an abundance of prizes, the many installation workshops featuring various floor surfaces, motivating speakers, networking, meeting with your friends and the opportunity to be involved in the always-exciting CFI Associate FUN event.

According to Jon Namba, Executive Director, “CFI is celebrating 15 years of enhancing the value of quality flooring installation; CFI is celebrating 15 years of training, identifying and certifying the most knowledgeable and skilled flooring installers in the world; CFI is celebrating 15 years of building industry partnerships and proclaiming 15 years of friendships that are strong and meaningful with the well-known CFI SPIRIT! The 2008 CFI Jacket Sponsors present their products and technical assistance in a format that welcomes questions and input from the attendees. A highlight of the weekend; The Associate Seminars, a highlight of the Convention, provide information to improve the bottom line and introduce a variety of products, tools and installation supplies. This information provides the opportunity for members to share with others nationwide. CFI is very appreciative of the influence and involvement of the associate members.”

Every CFI Convention has information, demonstrations and new tools and techniques that keep everyone on the “cutting edge” of what’s “in” for the installation industry. Don’t miss this! From the time you set foot in the doorway to success until the time of your departure, the camaraderie among old friends and new ones fills the area. Everyone is included for a weekend of enhancing the skills that are necessary to improve installation, business and presentation skills. CFI offers something for everyone! Don’t miss the star-studded gala that focuses on every member and associate of CFI who made the dream a reality.

Convention #15 Promises the Latest in Educational Seminars

The information is presented by speakers who present the latest technical, educational and skills workshops that provide the opportunity to get “involved” with products and techniques. The CFI Convention #15 is a “MUST ATTEND” event.

Leon Harrison, CFI President, “The Leadership Conference sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association under the direction of Christopher Davis is the only event of its kind in the industry that focuses on the true value of being a leader in both business and personal life. It is the beginning of a conference that includes numerous skills workshops and seminars that are designed to provide information that improves our business in the coming year. Each year, we are fortunate to have an enjoyable time with our friends and return home with information that definitely has an impact on our businesses, as well as our lives. The Convention only lasts 3 days, but during that short time, it is an event that provides knowledge and skill improvement and a social atmosphere that is reflective of the CFI belief that, “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

“The Associates’ Sponsored Fun Event is always an exciting time and this year will prove to be one of the best to celebrate 15 years of making a difference in the industry. It is designed to challenge each of us into becoming more than we believe possible,” said Roy Davison, CFI Vice-President. “Many of the members will reflect on the importance of CFI in their business and personal lives. Fifteen years is an important milestone in the life of all organizations.
During this time, CFI has established presence on 6 continents with the logo immediately recognized worldwide. Over 30,000 installers have received the training following the CFI Proven Methods of Carpet Installation. We embarked on a program that covers all flooring surfaces last year which has met with great success. CFI also added the in-depth programs for the sales associate certification in “selling” flooring installation in all surfaces, following the standards set by the National Wood Flooring Association, the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and associate manufacturers... With the support of the WFCA, it is our plan to double this number in the next 15 years.”

Robert Varden, CFI Secretary, “The prestigious Charles R. Gress Award has been awarded 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 CFI 50+ Jackets are presented as recognition for an effort that includes volunteering at a minimum of 50 events. The 25-event participation pins are awarded each year and many members have received a minimum of 5 pins. CFI members are the backbone of the organization that continues to expand throughout the world. Today, when speaking to others in foreign countries, they ask me, “Are you a CFI member?” CFI has definitely had an impact on the world of flooring installation.”

The L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award, given in honor of Patrick Fell, is awarded annually to the chapters that are influential in their communities to improve the quality of flooring installation. Bob Wagner, President of L. Fishman, “For the 4th year, L. Fishman will donate $1,000.00 to assist CFI Chapters in promoting installation excellence.

As an associate member firm, 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.” The DelMarVA chapter members who represent Delaware, Maryland and Virginia won first place for each of the past three years. However, the competition has grown with a challenge from other CFI Chapters this year.

“Business advancement is always a focus of the organization and returning again this year will be 7 speakers who will share their success stories. CFI has grown from an organization of individual installers to members representing as many as 12 large workrooms nationwide. Fifteen years has made a difference and this is the focus of the Convention,” shared Daris Mulkin, Co-Chairman of the CFI Certification Committee. “The Certification and Chapter Committees will hold annual meetings. There will also be an opportunity to take the Master-II written test in preparation for the three-day skill test in October.”

CEO, Jim Walker, “It is amazing to reflect on where the pathway has taken CFI during the past 15 years; the loss of several great leaders and the major influx of new, energetic members. Our goals were set high. We have not achieved all that we set out to do, but CFI has definitely made a difference for the professional flooring installers and will continue to do so. We invite everyone involved in the flooring community to visit the heartland this summer and become a part of a proud, exciting and enthusiastic group of people who represent all segments of the flooring industry. For education, motivation, networking and a time to enjoy being with friends, who share the same interests, don’t miss the 15th CFI Convention.”

CFI Convention Returns To Kansas City – the founding home of CFI

The CFI Convention returns to the Hilton Hotel located close to the Kansas City International Airport, which is conveniently located within 15-20 miles for travel to many family fun attractions, such as: Worlds of Fun® Theme Park, Oceans of Fun ® Water Park, Truman Sports Complex, home of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, the Riverboat Casinos, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City Speedway-Nascar Track, Cabela’s, Bass Pro and the Harley Davidson Motor Company. A complimentary 24-hour shuttle is available for the 8-minute trip to Kansas City’s newest shopping and entertainment district, Zona Rosa (www.ZonaRosa.com). There is a complimentary shuttle from the airport and free parking for those who drive. Reservations can be made at www.hiltonkci.com or by calling (800) 525.6322 and request the CFI rate.

WFCA Membership is a Must

The World Floor Covering Association is the largest sponsor of CFI training and education. Throughout the year, CFI is afforded an abundance of opportunities to provide flooring installation training because of WFCA’s investment in education. It just doesn’t stop! While making the travel arrangements, hotel reservations and planning for the vacation time, don’t forget to join the WFCA. Don’t miss the valuable information that helps your business to operate smoothly and profitable. WFCA holds the key to opportunities that are rewards of membership. Joining the WFCA also provides you with a $500.00 scholarship for education, because all CFI training fees are 100% covered by your investment. Join through CFI and receive $500 in return; another exciting opportunity for CFI members and guests. Contact the CFI office for assistance.

For more information, please contact Jane Walker at (816) 231.4646 or at jwcarpet@earthlink.net. See you July 31st in Kansas City, Missouri for the CFI Convention #15.