FLY AWAY: In these times when almost all the news is depressing, there is a modicum of cheer to be had from the recent announcements by the airlines that they are starting to reduce or eliminate fuel surcharges, bringing down ticket prices. Analysts say that the combination of plummeting oil prices and weak traffic will prompt substantial reductions in airfares next year. Indications are that average fares in 2009 should fall between 7% and 10% and possibly as much as 12%. Being a very mobile industry, this budgetary benefit bodes well for Surfaces, conventions, sales meetings and any event that requires air travel. Once again, we can call them Friendly Skies.

DSC+CRI=CEU: Let me explain: Dalton State College (DSC) and the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) are working together to make the CRI’s collection of Continuing Education Units (CEU) available online. The courses will be accessed through the CRI Web site, but hosted by DSC as part of its online learning program. The CRI developed its CEU program to educate the A&D community on the benefits of carpet. The CRI project marks the first time the College has offered non-credit courses online. For more information contact Pat Jennings at 706.428.2123 or email pjennings@ carpet-rug.org.

AWARDS: Outstanding and visionary use of tile and stone in architecture and design will be recognized at Coverings 2009 with the annual presentation of the Spectrum and Prism Awards. The competitions are open to domestic and international projects that best represent a mastery of the materials, overall creativity and imagination, plus installation competency. The Spectrum Award is for ceramic tile in seven categories with prize money totaling $12,000. The Prism Award is for natural stone and is presented in eight categories with $11,000 in prizes. For entry forms go to www.coverings.comawards. The deadline for submission is Friday, Jan. 30, and the awards ceremony will be held on the Wednesday evening during Coverings 2009, April 21 to 24, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.

CLEAN FIRST: Before Americans start decorating for the holiday season, many will first clean their carpets and floors. According to the Yellow Pages Association (YPA), “Carpet/Rug Cleaners” ranks 22nd out of more than 4,000 headings and generates 88 million references annually. As the weather gets colder, homeowners spend more time indoors and, as a result, become more aware of their indoor environment. And with the current economic downturn, they are inclined to spruce up what they have rather than undertake a large investment. Retailers who have a cleaning operation can profit from the holiday clean up and those who don’t, can think about getting into the business.

TWIST: Armstrong World Industries will host a Product Showroom at Surfaces 2009 in Las Vegas. The showroom will be open to show attendees Feb. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, Frank Ready, executive vice president of Armstrong World Industries and CEO of Armstrong Floor Products will sit on a panel of industry executives at Surfaces Opening General Session on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Titled “Prevailing Through the Current Crisis—An Industry Wake-Up Call,” the panel will address how floor covering professionals might weather the most volatile economy the nation has faced in decades. On the panel with Ready are Ralph Boe, president and CEO, Beaulieu of America; Tom Davis, president and CEO of Mannington Mills; Tom Lape, president of Mohawk Residential, and Randy Merritt, president of Shaw Industries. The moderator will be Gerri Willis, anchor of CNN’s weekend business program, “Open House” and personal finance editor for CNN Business News, CNN International, Headline News and several other prominent projects. The panel is a “must see!”