(Kansas City, MO) Education is the key! The excitement begins for the fall schedule of CFI – Armstrong – WFCA training with 21 vinyl installers who attended the 2-day training in Fort Wayne, IN October 8-9, 2010. The intensive course was sponsored by Carpet Cushions and Supplies. With materials donated by Armstrong, the installers were commissioned with work orders to achieve the requirements of the Armstrong Certified Installer. Training and certification were available in both residential and commercial applications.

The course was taught by Tim Provence, Manager, AFP Field Installation Services for Armstrong products. His expertise in the resilient field ranks among the finest in the world and he shared this wealth of knowledge in all aspects of vinyl installation. Tim is known throughout the world for his knowledge and skill and has taught several classes for the Japanese Flooring Union. His style of training affords every committed installer the opportunity to achieve the desired results and to become certified to the Armstrong Certified Installer level. This information includes numerous benefits and is available at www.floorexpert.com.

CFI Master-II installers, Bob Gillespie, Tony Buckhardt and Michael Buckhardt, also shared installation techniques. Gillespie who was responsible for the Armstrong Commercial Certification which was earned by 8 installers said, “This is a very difficult undertaking, but also very rewarding when the achievement is awarded. The installers worked very diligently and were committed to excellence in the display of their skills. During the certification, no assistance is available and it is essential that they arrive prepared. This group was one of the most ambitious and talented we have worked with in this type of training.

Rich Tordoff, representative from Sinclair Equipment and Kent Meier of Taylor Tools were on hand to provide technical information concerning their equipment which the attendees had the opportunity to work with during the two days. Rich stated, “This is more than I expected. These installers must be willing to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to earn their certifications. We appreciate the opportunity to assist with tools that make the job go smoother.”

Carpet Cushions and Supplies is well known for their involvement in installation training. Tony Buckhardt, manager of the Fort Wayne location said, “We believe the motto that “to earn more, one must learn more.” We stress the importance of education at every opportunity. CCS will be instrumental in offering this course in Indianapolis and again in Milwaukee. Another course is scheduled for Louisville, KY and in the Detroit, Michigan area.

CCS has also scheduled ceramic and wood training, which are two-day, hands-on training and certification events. CCS is here to assist the installers in our area to become the best in their trade. At this event, installers attended from several states. We have constructed the training modules that incorporate all the different requirements for each flooring surface. This class was exceptional in the fact that the interest and excitement to move up in their skill level was on display by all in attendance. We appreciate the involvement of Armstrong and their support of training and the installation segment of the industry.”

Tim Provence said, “Armstrong is very supportive of training and we always are willing to do more. The organization and preparedness of the CFI Team and the installers who attended was more than appreciated. Armstrong believes strongly that flooring installers must be trained to work with our products.”

“There are numerous courses offered by CFI that will be here in this part of the nation during the next few months. We urge installers to get involved. Now, more than ever, it is essential to be the best in our trade. During my 17 years with CFI, I have watched the interest in education become more meaningful. It was certainly proven at this event by the installers. We strive as an organization to teach to industry and manufacturer’s standards and prepare our instructors in this manner.

The World Floor Covering Association made it possible through the scholarship program for a majority of those who attended. The WFCA program is one that should be of interest to every installer and dealer in this country. Nowhere can one receive the type of support that is available for training through WFCA. This information is available on the CFI website, www.CFIinstallers.com. We encourage everyone to get involved and attend as many educational events as possible during the coming months.”

“We worked long hours to achieve the desired results, but not one installer complained. Starting at 8:00am on the first day and finishing at 6:30pm and starting the next morning at 7:30 and concluding the two-day event at 6:30pm. One knows that the interest and excitement to become more skilled and knowledgeable is high when this happens. CCS is always willing to schedule training and certification when called upon to do so. I can be reached at (260) 410-0802 for information.

Dave Garden, owner of Installation Services of Michigan recently hosted a carpet training and certification program at his facility in Sterling Heights, MI. The firm has a reputation is a leading advocate of educational training, hosting laminate, wood and carpet training events. Dave can be contacted at (586) 826.9447 for information concerning programs in the Michigan area.

Ben Boatwright, Director and Western Division Trainer for Romanoff Flooring Company, representing over 500 installers has scheduled numerous workshops during the past year and into next year to provide the type of training that keeps their company in the forefront of installation skill and knowledge. “Covering the southeastern portion of the nation, we know it is absolutely critical to provide our customers with what is expected at the time of the sale. RFS is committed to being on the cutting edge in this industry and we find that the one element that maintains this for our company is training.”

“The CFI Woven and Patterned Carpet Workshop will be presented November 9-10, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. This course is unequalled in the industry for installation professionals who work with patterns and woven carpet. The 2-day, intensive hands-on training is designed for both commercial and residential contractors. Working in oversize modules, the attendees are faced with problems that surface on the jobsite to develop solutions. This course is also open for inspectors, cleaners and sales associates to participate without the hands-on involvement. The class size is limited, so it is important to register early,” said Jim Walker, CEO.

“Through our partners in education such as Armstrong, the National Wood Flooring Association, the North American Laminate Flooring Association and Duo-Fast, installers have the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge,” said Ed Braile, Chairman of the Certification Committee. “The programs are constantly updated and presented with the latest, factual information. Working with our partners, those who successfully pass the courses have the opportunity to receive several certifications by attending only one event which saves them time and dollars. CFI is always interested in working with others in the industry to present programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of the flooring installers and sales associates.”

The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, CFI is the industry’s well-known training and certification body. Over 40,000 associates have been involved in CFI programs since 1993 in the United States and throughout the world. The CFI logo is displayed worldwide which stands for pride, responsibility, integrity, dependability and education. For more information contact the CFI office at (816) 231.4646 or visit the website, www.CFIinstallers.com. Programs can be specialized for individual firms or as a group through a dealer, distributor or manufacturer.