IMPACT: Many financial experts believe the economic meltdown in 2008 was precipitated in part by the collapse of the housing market. A snapshot of new housing last year, by the U.S. Census Bureau, showed the average single-family house completed had 2,534 square feet, 779 more than in 1978. If the added footage has walls, it has floors, and that bodes well for our retailers. Also, 36% of new single-family homes completed had four or more bedrooms, a 10% increase from 20 years ago. And here’s a winner: 27% of new single-family homes sold had three or more bathrooms, which more than doubled the rate in 1988—a bonanza for ceramic dealers.

IMPROVING: Homeowners seem to be emerging from the doldrums of last year and looking forward to making home improvements that were put on hold in 2008. A recent survey showed homeowners are gaining confidence in the economy and planning projects at home. More than half of the 35% who postponed improvements said they will do them this year. The study revealed a definite trend in that direction in the first quarter of 2009 and indicated it is likely to continue through the year. The report noted a 26% increase in carpet and upholstery cleaning is planned. The survey didn’t inquire about intentions of purchasing new flooring in 2009, but it had to be on many homeowners’ lists— and on their minds.

FRANCHISING: Here’s some great news for the franchise groups in our industry. Rep. Aaron Shock (R-Ill.) and Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) have introduced the Help Veterans Own Franchises Act. The congressmen want to help military veterans transition back into civilian life as easily as possible and see the franchise opportunity as a way of achieving financial independence on the way to the American dream. They say more than 900,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. are responsible for 21 million jobs and generate $2.3 trillion in economic output. If this bill is enacted into law, it would be good for the returning GIs, men and women, and good for the economy. If it happened after World War II, I couldda been a contender, I couldda been Phil Guiterrez. I couldda been Howard Brodsky. I couldda been Ron Dunn. I couldda been somebody.

FLYING HIGH: In the fall of 2007, Delta Airlines launched an aircraft recycling program in partnership with Mohawk Aviation Carpet in Atlanta. Would you believe the effort had recycled 84,400 pounds of worn carpet in just over one year. Then, in June 2008, Salt Lake City implemented an aircraft carpet recycling program and 10,480 pounds of the floor covering were sent to a local cement kiln as an alternative fuel. The Delta programs have recycled a total of 18,976 square yards of carpet, which is equal to 3.9 acres of land. Delta knows how to get a project off the ground.

WFCA WINDFALL: The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has budgeted $200,000 for its Trade Scholarship Program for the 2009/2010 fiscal year. The initiative covers business-related education and training approved by the WFCA. “Regular Member” firms may apply for up to an annual maximum cumulative total of $500. Approved programs qualify for up to 50% of course/tuition registration fees, and programs offered by the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) qualify for up to 100% of course/tuition registration. Funds for this program are allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. Applications must be received by the WFCA at least 30 days in advance of an approved program, but not more than 60 days in advance. For an application or additional information: email wfca@wfca.org or phone 800.624.6880 or fax 714.978.6066. Happy schooling.