LAS VEGAS—Surfaces 2009 was the backdrop for the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA) to kick off its year-long 50th anniversary celebration.

To mark the occasion the organization expanded its booth space by 56% and served cake and refreshments continuously over the three-day event. The booth was a constant magnet of attraction as WFCA gave away 50 $1,000 cash prizes to show attendees and also announced Ike Gulesserian of San Leandro, Calif., as the winner of its first Gold Standard Retailer award ( FCNews, Dec. 22/29).

Along with receiving a $5,000 cash prize and a custom designed gold seal for his business entrance, Gulesserian will be featured on WFCA’s Web site. and in its national advertising campaign.

Because WFCA will honor just one member annually with the Gold Seal, Chris Davis, the association’s president and CEO, called it one of those programs that allows a member “to really stand out in his community and market area,” adding it’s part of the organization’s strategy of developing brand recognition at the consumer level.

Davis said Surfaces offered “the perfect platform” to launch its celebration as well as expand awareness about the various member benefits the association provides. “Market conditions are such that companies are actively looking for ways to strengthen their bottom line and bolster their businesses, and we have just the solution for them.”

For more information about the WFCA, call 800.624.6880.