WESTMINSTER, MD.—While business is tough at all levels, members of the Maryland and Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association (MNVFCA) made sure to thank those who turn their products into beautiful floors for their customers—installers— last month as part of the organization’s annual holiday party.

“Everyone had a great time,” said Roland Thompson, MNVFCA’s president. “I especially want to thank the companies that helped make this happen— they all out did themselves in this hard times.” Among the contributors, he cited L.Fishman, “as in other years really came forward with gifts”; Duo-Fast, “was new this year and, man, they really shined on what they gave;” Armstrong, “also new this year;” Mapei, “not only gave again, but their rep, Gary, came and showed his support,” GW Enterprise, “Gary Goodrich has been sending us things for many years, and again he came through,” SeamMaster, Pro Knees, Better Tools, QEP/Roberts, Kool Glide, Seamer Down and CFI, “each went above the call to make this a great event.”

Thompson certainly was not boasting, as many of the 51 people in attendance praised the event.

“I was happy to see all the installers, owners, and distributor reps that were able to attend this year,” said Jeff Taylor of Carpet Gallery in Hagerstown, Md. “The [companies] are to be commended for all the great gifts they provided for the party; it was truly like Christmas. Our chapter was truly blessed this year.”

Jerry Bush, general manager of Stroup Flooring America in Frederick, Md., thought “this was the best get together yet. The suppliers response for giveaways was better than ever. Having been an installer and now a retailer, I greatly appreciate what you do with these get-togethers to bring installers and salespeople together. I know the installers enjoyed themselves as much as I did.”

Scott Ballard of Virginia Hardwood Floors in Winchester, Va., added, “The gifts provided by the vendors show their generosity in a down market and were appreciated by all of us. We all had a great time and appreciate all the efforts from everyone to put this together.”

Finally, Mark Kinzer of Kinzers Carpet & Flooring said, “Being in the trade now for almost 30 years it was good to see some old friends as well as the younger guys showing great interest in CFI. I would also like to thank the vendors that helped to make the party a great success—their contributions and generosity are greatly appreciated.”

For more information about MNVFCA, call 877.709.6732.