Wesley Chapel, Florida - The Carpet America Recovery Effort ( CARE) recognized leaders in the field of carpet recycling at the organization's eleventh Annual Conference held April 24 through April 26 at the Saddlebrook Resort here. Sean Ragiel, CARE board member and founder of CarpetCycle was named Person of the Year and Columbia Recycling Earned the Recycler of the Year award.

A native of New Jersey, Sean Ragiel founded CarpetCycle in 1999. CarpetCycle crews go into commercial buildings from Boston to Washington DC to salvage carpet and other building materials for recycling and landfill diversion prior to remodeling and during demolition processes. He recently expanded into Toronto, Canada.

Sean is a current member of the CARE board of directors and has been a member of CARE since its creation. He has attended every annual conference. "I can't think of anyone who exhibits more enthusiasm for this industry and entrepreneurial spirit than Sean," said Dr. Robert Peoples, Executive Director of CARE. "He has been one of our staunchest supporters."

Columbia Recyclers, based in Dalton, Georgia, was named CARE Recycler of the Year. "Columbia has been a major factor in carpet recycling for many years. They have been enormously successful, growing their business, expanding their technology and making a big impact of keeping post-consumer carpet out of landfills across the U.S. It is very fitting that they be recognized by their peers with this prestigious award,"