The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the largest tile contractors association in the world, has announced the first recognized contractors inducted into the NTCA Five Star Program, who demonstrate a commitment to training, service, quality, superior job performance and safety. These contractors were judged by a panel of tile industry experts with criteria that has propelled them to the top of the industry.

Dan Welch
Welch Tile & Marble
13864 Eagle Ridge
Kent City, MI 49330
Ph: 616-675-4740
Fax: 616-675-4177
danwelchtile.com
www.welchtile.com

Matt Snell
Dalene Flooring
45 Nutmeg Road South
South Windsor, CT 06074
Ph: 860-289-4305
Fax: 860-289-3113
msnell@daleneflooring.com
www.daleneflooring.com

J. Mark Phillips
J.P. Phillips
601 Technology Drive, Ste 150
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Ph: 724-746-2424
Fax: 724-746-6545
mphillips@jpphillipsinc.com
www.jpphillipsinc.com

Frank Fazi
F. D. Berardino Tile Inc.
17551 Nine Mile Road
Eastpointe, MI 48021
Ph: 586-777-5932
Fax: 586-777-1637
fdberardinotile@aol.com

Each participant will receive a certificate, a Five Star Logo to place on their letterhead, and the choice of a variety of premium marketing pieces from the NTCA. The company name will also be listed on the NTCA member locater in a special place just for the Five Star Program, along with a direct link to the company’s website from NTCA's website, www.tile-assn.com. Participants will have the ability to market their companies to general contractors, builders, architects and home owners, setting themselves apart from the competition.

The Five Star program is open to all NTCA members. Initial criteria for consideration into the program include active membership with NTCA (three-year minimum), participation in the Profit Planning Survey, five years minimum in the tile contracting business, proof of ability to be bonded (if applicable), demonstration of active safety program, written copy of safety program, continuing education and training program, as well as proof of active participation in educational seminars and events such as Coverings, Total Solutions, and NTCA workshops.

“The NTCA Five Star Program was created by our Board of Directors as a way to recognize companies in our Association with a proven track record of excellence in our trade,” said Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA. “As the program grows in stature and reputation, the NTCA will market and promote their Five Star Members throughout the industry, creating a tangible marketing and sales benefit for those qualified companies that take the time to submit their firm for consideration. Our initial launch of the program has generated significant interest amongst our members, and we are committed to spreading the word about the quality of work and ethical business practices of our Five Star Members.”

NTCA is a non-profit trade association serving every segment of the industry, spearheading education for the professional installation of ceramic tile and allied products. For more information, please contact NTCA membership director Bob Brown at bob@tile-assn.com, via telephone at (601) 939-2071, or visit www.tile-assn.com.