WFB EditorsNewsBuilder Confidence Levels at Highest Since October 2018Builder confidence in September reached a level of 68 on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The levels have remained in the mid- to upper 60s since May, and September’s levels are the highest since October 2018, according to NAHB. Builder confidence levels above 50 are considered indicators of a positive conditions.September 18, 2019NewsHousing Starts Jump 12.3% in AugustAugust housing starts increased 12.3% from July, growing to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.36 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.September 18, 2019NewsPro’s Partially Severed Hand Sewn Onto Groin After Chop Saw AccidentThe surgeon described the reconstruction of the flooring pro's severed hand as “the most complex I’ve ever had to deal with."September 18, 2019NewsOshkosh Designs Names Tom Skoglind National Sales ManagerOshkosh Designs (Winneconne, Wis.) announced the hiring of Tom Skoglind as national sales manager.September 18, 2019NewsWFB Briefs: NAFCD’s Labor Shortage Report; Housing Health Report; AFA Hosts Future Connections EventThe North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) released a report on the ongoing labor shortage in the industry, “Confronting the Labor Shortage: Strategies and Solutions for Distributors Facing a Growing Skills Gap.” The report, available only to NAFCD members, surveyed 190 distributors and found that 94% are struggling to find workers. The survey also found that distributors willing to hire based on “potential rather than actual experience” are seeing more success.September 18, 2019NewsDomotex USA 2020 Registration OpensRegistration for Domotex USA 2020 is now open.September 18, 2019NewsTrump Delays October Tariff Increase on Chinese Products by Two WeeksPresident Trump announced via Twitter that the U.S. would delay a planned tariff increase on $250 billion worth of Chinese products, including hardwood flooring, until Oct. 15.September 16, 2019NewsLumber Liquidators Founder Backs out of Buyout Talks, Sells Majority of SharesAfter proposing negotiations for a possible purchase or merger with Lumber Liquidators, Cabinets To Go Owner and former Lumber Liquidators CEO Tom Sullivan reversed course and sold 80% of his stake in the company at a profit, CNBC reports.September 16, 2019NewsPro Taken to Hospital After Genitals Caught in Belt SanderAn 18-year-old man was taken to the hospital after getting his pants and genitals caught in a belt sander while on a job site in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia, 7News Sydney reports.September 16, 2019NewsBona Announces Fall Product Knowledge EventsBona US (Englewood, Colo.) will hold free product knowledge events on the following dates. The events offer hands-on demonstrations and product discussions with Bona territory managers and are located at either a Bona distribution center or one of Bona’s Regional Training Centers (RTC).September 16, 2019Previous PagePage 193 of 982Next PageTop StoriesRetailThriving Through Innovation: See the Winners of the 2025 WFB Outstanding Retailer AwardsFrom reimagined showrooms and mobile studios to thoughtful mentorship, employee empowerment and social media marketing, these WFB Outstanding Retailers are proving that personalized service is key to long-term success.TechniquesUseful Advice When Dealing With Pine FlooringContractingHow I Do These Jobs: Refinishing DecksNewsRecognizing Wood Floor Contractors: Enter the 2025 Ultimate Wood Floor Guy/Gal ContestSponsor ContentSawdust in Our Veins
