By Louis Iannaco
AUSTIN, TEX.—Echoing a growing theme in industry circles, Christopher Capobianco, Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA) chairman, told the crowd gathered from March 7 to 11 for the organization’s 27th annual convention here, “I personally am choosing not to participate in the recession. I am planning my business for big growth and prosperous times ahead.”

Capobianco told FCNews that the people who came to Austin—contractor, manufacturer or distributor—did so in an effort to grow their businesses. “Good times or bad, they realize this is an event that helps improve their knowledge, professionalism and, inevitably, will increase their business. I feel a good mood here.”

It was with this optimism that the convention, with more than 70 people in attendance, convened. And while total attendees were down over last year’s meeting—by 20% or so— those who showed seemed to share Capobianco’s mindset of moving forward armed with new and innovative ideas to incorporate into their businesses. “We should work to grow our businesses,” he said. “And we are running our association in very much the same way.”

With that, the group did plenty of what meetings like this are designed for: networking, learning (about the newest installation products the industry has to offer), attending seminars and roundtable discussions, visiting with old friends and taking the time to make some new ones.

Learning from within

Perhaps more so now than in the past, using its own people to help itself and its members grow was a primary focus of this year’s event for FCICA. “Despite the economic downturn, we’re still going to make things happen this year using our internal resources,” said Kim Oderkirk, executive vice president.

One of those resources, Pam Bowe, technology consultant and services provider to the industry since 1999, gave a presentation on “What a Good Web Site Should Look Like.” The types of “deliverables on the Web site are something they don’t normally see,” she said of the members’ reactions to her presentation, “such as downloadable documentation, MSDS sheets, things focused more on their services, on what they can bring as a problem solver and solution provider. They like that it’s a different approach.

“We probably will be walking away from this meeting with the largest number of interested parties than any show we’ve ever gone to, which blows me away. Given the economy and this is a brand new group [to us], these guys are on it, and it’s not just the Web site aspect—it goes beyond that.”

She went on to say that although she was at the convention promoting a Web site program for FCICA members, her company provides a slew of technology services. “I’m executive director of fcB2B, and B2B software is another important topic.”

Acting on a desire from members to have an easier way to communicate with each other electronically in order to ask questions, make announcements, etc., FCICA has begun an online discussion group.

Yet another development coming to fruition for the group due to its members’ growing interest in technology is the creation of a new committee, which will officially begin in July. And, as a result of her expertise and relationship with the group, Bowe has been asked to participate on the committee to “encourage the use of technology, Web services and digital communications,” she said, “and to expand on these via proper software acquisitions, online forums, intelligent e-mail usage, protecting your domain—all the things we get really excited about.”

According to Carl Embrey, commercial sales manager for Apollo Distributing in Fairfield, N.J., “We’re an industry that has been slow to move toward technology, to embrace it. And our company needs to do more to encourage our customers to come on board.”

Embrey believes the fact that Bowe has a flooring background gives the group a head start. “The majority of Web developers would first have to learn about what we do first before they could understand what’s important to us. She brings that knowledge already. Although most members are contractors and we are one of only two distributors in the group, she knows where we fit into the food chain. That’s really important.”

Recycling

One roundtable discussion that was timely and pertinent dealt with “Recycling and Reclamation,” presented by Gerry Swift of Potomac Floor Covering of Dulles, Va.

“Reclamation and recycling is very important to the future of this industry,” said Anthony D’Antuono, Franklin Floors in Nutley, N.J. “I heard some interesting stories and got some good advice. I almost feel bad throwing out waste in the dumpster. I found out other members have similar problems and some have solutions. I’m going to research things a little more on how other companies handle this, and I’m going to try and capitalize on all the information I’ve learned.”

D’Antuono concluded that the FCICA conventions are about more than education. “My father always says, ‘If you surround yourself with good people you will always be successful.’ The bond of friendship I make with people from other companies through FCICA and this event is just incredible. This is also what I get out of this meeting and bring back to my business.”