I think we all need a break from some of the serious topics and it would be good to just list some of the great association resources that are out there. Maybe a few will even be resources you hadn't considered before. Let's start with some industry associations. I'll try to remember to look at more later when we need another break.
If you're in the wood flooring industry in the U.S., you are probably a member of the National Wood Flooring Association, the NWFA. The NWFA services all levels of the industry from the manufacturer to the contractor. Their publications are first-rate and there is one out there that can help you sell floors or install floors or buy floors or make floors-something for everyone. Spend some time on the two websites, the consumer site, www.woodfloors.org, and the member site, www.nwfa.org.
Check out the NHLA, the National Hardwood Lumber Association. But you're in flooring, you say, not lumber! Yes, but the U.S. hardwoods are a wonderful resource and knowing more about them will help you sell and use them better. Red oak flooring still rules the market, right? Check out their publications section for a great download on U.S. hardwood sustainability figures and back issues of their Hardwood Matters magazine.
The website of the IWPA, the International Wood Products Association, offers access to its excellent magazine International Wood and its articles featuring exotic flooring and information on international production issues. Highly recommended as a download and consumer handout would be "Assuring Legality, Protecting Wildlife." Also use their species guide and review their LKS (Lesser Known Species) information.
