Issue Date:4/8/2002
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Issue Date:4/8/2002
Hardwood Floors E-News
From Hardwood Floors magazine and NWFA
Monday, April 8, 2002
Issue 182
Next issue published April 29
Deadline for items April 25
Send news to [email protected]
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Eighty Attend NOFMA/NWFA Professional Installation School
The 46th NOFMA/NWFA Professional Installation School was held March 23-27. Eighty students attended the five-day school in Memphis, Tenn. Instructors and monitors included: John Bast III, Lanham Hardwood Flooring; John Blesing, Blesing's Flooring; Daniel Boone, Goodwin Heart Pine; Justin Boone, Boone Flooring; Bruce Brooks, Stanley-Bostitch; Don Conner, Harris-Tarkett; Bill Costello, Dura Seal, div. of Minwax; Charles Dixon, Hardwood Floors by Charles; Galen Fitzel and Jim Schumacher, 3M Co.; Ken Flanagan, Precision Technology LLC; David Ford, Capella Hardwood Flooring; Greg Fuller, Harvester; Bob Goldstein, Floor Style Products; Dick Hammond and Wayne Lee, Alto U.S.; Woody Hilscher, BonaKemi USA; Stan Lawson, Powernail Company; Ron Leslein, Piedmont Hardwood Flooring; Mark Long, Global Market Partners; Michael Longshore, A&M Enterprises; Sheila McSwain, McSwain Hardwood Floor Co.; Glen Miller, Bobby Millner, Mickey Moore, Warren Spradlin, Rusty Swindoll and David Vinson, NOFMA; Tony Miraldi, Somerset Hardwood Flooring; Curtis Richard, Primatech; Paul Ruiz, Glitsa American; Steve Seabaugh, NWFA; Brent Sorbet, Basic Coatings; Janet Sullivan, Lenmar; Daron Thrower, Cumberland Lumber and Manufacturing; Kim Wahlgren, Hardwood Floors Magazine; and Hank Williams, Porta-Nails.
The Wood Flooring Industry Heads to Orlando for NWFA Convention
The NWFA 2002 Education Conference and Wood Flooring Expo is slated for next week, April 18-20, in Orlando, Fla., at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center (formerly Opryland Hotel Florida). This year's show promises to be bigger than ever, with the current exhibitor list at 296 companies, with more than 475 booths. More than 3,000 attendees are expected. Additionally, this year's convention will feature three different keynote speakers at the start of each day: James Brown of FOX NFL and NBA fame will kick off the show on April 18, Pat Williams, senior vice president of the Orlando Magic, will speak on April 19, and Susan O'Malley, president of the Washington Wizards basketball team, will close the show on April 20. The Education Conference also includes a full slate of educational seminars geared toward all business types throughout the show.
By the Numbers
New home sales rose 5.3 percent in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 875,000 units, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The rate is now about the same as it was prior to Sept. 11. Regionally, the Northeast and Midwest reported declines of 10.1 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, while the South and West posted respective gains of 9.9 percent and 6.7 percent. The National Association of Home Builders' forecasts indicate that total new home sales in 2002 should nearly equal 2001's record-setting sales of 906,000 units.
The value of construction during February 2002 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $879.4 billion, 1 percent above the revised January estimate of $869.7 billion, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau. The figure also represents a 1 percent increase over February 2001. Spending on new residential housing units was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $293.4 billion in February, 3 percent above the revised January estimate of $286.2 billion.
People News
Armstrong World Industries (Lancaster, Pa.) is realigning the management of its wood sales and marketing groups. In addition to the previously announced hire of Michael J. Badar as vice president of Armstrong Wood Products, Joe Thompson is now vice president of marketing for wood flooring. Thompson was formerly vice president of e-business at Armstrong after rising through the ranks at Triangle Pacific. Additionally, Melvin Burkhardt has been named to the newly created position of general manager, new business development, in which he will be responsible for expanding the Wood Products Division. Burkhardt was previously national sales manager for Bruce Hardwood Floors. Also, Drew Hash is now general manager of North American sales for Armstrong Wood Products. Hash will assume responsibility for all Armstrong wood flooring brands.
Finitec Hardwood Products (St. Lambert de Levis, Quebec) and Acousti-Tech announce the appointment of Brigitte Bernard as account manager. Bernard was most recently with Primatech. She can be reached at 888/838-4449 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Mullican Flooring (Johnson City, Tenn.) announces the hire of Julie C. Mitchell as customer service representative. Mitchell has extensive experience in customer service.
At Goodfellow (Delson, Quebec), Mike Gagne has assumed the role of national product manager for its flooring division. Gagne will report to Tom Gormley and relocate to Delson this summer. Gagne will maintain his responsibilities as vice president of Goodfellow Distribution U.S.A. Also at Goodfellow, Micah Robinson is now the sales manager for HFD Goodfellow, a division of Goodfellow in Seattle. Robinson will report to Nace Henshel.
Anderson Floor Co. (Milwaukee) announces the promotion of Gloria Morden to its sales force. Morden has been with Anderson for four years. Additionally, the company recognizes Jeff Minerley for 15 years of service.
Manufacturer News
National Coatings (Jacksonville, Ark.), maker of Polo*Plaz floor finishes, is constructing three new buildings on its campus. The new buildings-research and development, additional warehouse and training, and maintenance-bring the total number to seven. Additionally, the company is pursuing the acquisition of additional property adjacent to its current site to allow for continued growth.
Bamboo manufacturer TimberGrass (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) was recently recognized by the Kitsap Regional Economic Development Council with the council's "Companies to Watch" award. Among the award criteria are the company's place in an industry with promise for future growth, business practices that lead to employment growth and business practices contributing to sustaining a clean, desirable environment.
Job Watch
Augusta Lumber (Waynesboro, Va.), is searching for an experienced salesperson to manage its national sales program. Qualified candidates must enjoy the challenge of selling, be willing to travel and bring new ideas to the company's marketing program. The position reports directly to the CEO, has the potential for significant growth and is compensated based upon performance. Candidates should fax or e-mail a rÈsumÈ and cover letter to 540/946-9168 or [email protected].
Wood Flooring International (Philadelphia) is seeking to fill two positions. The company is looking for an inside salesperson to service WFI's existing distribution customer base. Experience is required. Also, a position is open for an inside truckload salesperson. Candidates should be experienced in truckload sales of red oak strip to distribution. Candidates should e-mail a rÈsumÈ to [email protected].
Shelman USA (Red Bank, N.J.), European manufacturer of solid African flooring with a U.S. office in New Jersey, is seeking a person to assist in running the U.S. operation. Candidates should have experience in wood flooring sales, running sales departments, distribution and marketing. RÈsumÈs should be sent to Shelman USA, 65 Mechanic St., Suite 104, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or [email protected].