WFB EditorsNewsRising Home Prices Push Housing Affordability to 10-Year LowThe continued increase of home prices across the U.S. pushed housing affordability to a 10-year low during the second quarter of 2018, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index.August 10, 2018NewsStricter Logging Policies ‘Devastate’ Myanmar Milling IndustryAs much as 80 percent of Burmese logging mills have shut down in the wake of stricter logging policies imposed by the Myanmar government, according to conservation news service Mongabay.August 10, 2018New ProductsBosch’s Cordless Wet/Dry VacuumBosch’s 18-volt cordless wet/dry vacuum cleaner uses high-power suction as well as a washable HEPA filter for tough job-site cleanup, the company says. The vacuum has sustained suction for up to 24 minutes when using an 18-volt 6.0 Ah battery and weighs 10.2 pounds.boschtools.comAugust 8, 2018NewsHome Prices Reach Record High Amid ‘Staggeringly Low’ Inventory LevelsThe national median existing single-family home price reached a new peak during the second quarter of 2018, rising 5.3 percent from the second quarter of 2017 to $269,000, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).August 8, 2018NewsINSTALL Unveils Programs to Address Labor Shortage, Aid Market ExpansionInternational Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL) introduced a program to help flooring installers expand to new territories, as well as programs designed to help with recruiting and retaining labor.August 8, 2018NewsConstruction Employment Hits 10-Year High in JulyConstruction employment reached a 10-year high in July as 19,000 jobs were added during the month and 303,000 jobs over the past year, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).August 8, 2018NewsTrade War with China ‘Top Issue’ at Hardwood Federation Fly-InThe Hardwood Federation announced that resolving the ongoing trade disputes between China and the U.S. will be a “top issue” for its Sept. 11–13 board meeting and fly-in in Washington D.C.August 8, 2018NewsAmazon Launches ‘Part Finder’ Image Search AppCustomers will be able to take a picture of a fastener, and Amazon will identify and send it.August 8, 2018News123,000 Tons of Logging-Era Debris to Be Removed from LakeAs many as 47 sawmills once operated along the banks of Michigan’s Muskegon Lake during the 1800s. As a result, the body of water was a perpetual dumping spot for the booming logging area’s mill debris.August 8, 2018NewsArmstrong Grows Profits 92 Percent in Q2 2018Armstrong Flooring (Lancaster, Pa.) increased its net income 92 percent in the second quarter of 2018, surging to $10.5 million in profit compared with $5.4 million during the same period in 2017.The second quarter report follows a 10 percent sales decline in the first quarter of 2018, during which Armstrong had a net income loss of $10.4 million. Armstrong initiated a series of price increases for its products in the spring following the decline. It also gave its distributors more responsibility in marketing, merchandising and sales of products in an effort to eliminate expenses. As a result of the restructuring, the company eliminated 70 jobs during the first quarter of 2018, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by the company.August 8, 2018Previous PagePage 276 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 ContentMisconceptions About Film-Forming Wood Floor Finishes
