KANSAS CITY, MO.—The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) is gearing up for its 16th anniversary celebration here from Aug. 20 to 22.

The World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA) sponsored Leadership Summit kicks off the convention on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner for attendees. Seminars are scheduled to enhance installation techniques, business and presentation skills. The installation workshops feature “hands-on” participation in the various flooring surfaces, best business practices, the commercial installation marketplace, patent application, finished concrete flooring and the consequences of moisture and alkalinity.

Said Roy Davison, CFI president, “At the Leadership Summit, CFI members get to attend the only event in the industry that focuses on the true value of being a leader in both business and personal life. The summit is the beginning of a weekend of skills workshops and seminars designed to provide information that will impact our business decisions for the coming year.”

According to Jon Namba, executive director, “CFI is celebrating 16 years of building industry partnerships and the presence of the CFI name throughout the world. CFI has grown from a grass roots organization to one immediately recognizable worldwide. Our convention is an opportunity to gain information, meet new friends and discuss new products with CFI associate members.”

A highlight of every CFI convention are the associate seminars presented in small group sessions that provide information to improve the bottom line, as well as introduce the members to a variety of products, tools and installation supplies, Namba noted.

Noted Robert Varden, CFI’s vice president, “The Associates’ Sponsored Fun Event provides an opportunity to display our competitive spirits and is always an exciting time for everyone. This has been a busy year with the training partnerships CFI has established. Over 36,000 installers have received training in all flooring surfaces following manufacturer specifications and the CFI proven methods of flooring installation. CFI also added the sales associate technical certification in ‘selling’ flooring installation in all surfaces, following the standards set by the NWFA, Armstrong, CTEF and associate manufacturers.”

CFI CEO Jim Walker concluded, “Those who use the tools of membership continue to be successful in their businesses even in difficult economic times.”

Reservations to the Kansas City Airport Expo Convention Center and attached Holiday Inn Airport Hotel can be made by calling 816.801.8400 to request the CFI rate of $89.

For more information on the CFI or the convention, call 816.231.4646.