Issue Date:4/19/2010
EPA's Lead Law to Take Effect This Week The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule will take effect April 22. Wood flooring contractors working in a home or child-occupied facility built before 1978 must be certified by the EPA or their local state for lead-safe work practices. More information on the EPA's requirements for contractors can be found at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.
Manufacturer News Dekora USA (Cedar Grove, N.J.) is currently seeking distributors and select dealers across the U.S. and Canada. Interested parties should e-mail Stephanie Haynes at [email protected].
Distributor News The Bahr Co. (Romeoville, Ill.) has been named a distributor for Robina Floors' (Atlanta) Heritage, Vogue and Classic Series engineered wood collections in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
Vega World Supply (Newark, N.J.) has been named a distributor of UFloor Systems Inc.'s (Aurora, Colo.) full product range in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Blake-Stevens Wood Flooring Inc. (Pewaukee, Wis.) has wrapped up its Winter Sanding and Finishing Techniques Schools, put on by 30-year industry veteran Tom Blakeman of Blake Stevens; 25 students graduated from the two-day schools held in January, February and March. For information on future schools, call Blakeman at 800/322-4088.
People News Leitz Tooling Systems (Grand Rapids, Mich.) has appointed Bill Cariano president of operations in the U.S. and Canada. Leitz Tooling Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leitz GmbH & Co. KG (Oberkochen, Germany).
Dekora USA has named Mike Litchkowski to oversee its sales and marketing in the U.S.; Litchkowski formerly worked with Kentucky/Koetter Wood Floors. Litchkowski's main responsibilities include adding new distributors and dealers to Dekora's network. Litchkowski can be reached at 201/888-1462 or [email protected].
By the Numbers
Tradeshow News The World Flooring Forum, held March 22-23 in Shanghai, China, drew 500 attendees from 10 countries. Organizers of the forum strove to deepen understanding and cooperation among government, floor covering associations and floor covering companies, according to an event release. The NWFA was represented by Ex-Officio Director Mark Elwell of Bamboo Flooring Hawaii LLC (Honolulu), who told attendees the U.S., after experiencing a 30 percent increase in property sales in the second part of 2009, will see long-term, steady growth.Mark Your Calendar Long Floor (Chesapeake, Va.) will host "Bonalution" April 23 from 8 a.m. to noon at its Chesapeake branch at 2133 Smith Ave. This free event will highlight the latest in Bona product innovations, and lunch will follow presentations. For more information, call Chris Williams at 757/420-8755.
Blake-Stevens Wood Flooring Inc. will offer a workshop on UZIN adhesives, sealers and levelers on April 27 in Appleton, Wis.; April 28 in Madison, Wis.; and April 29 in Pewaukee, Wis. All workshops will take place from 3-6 p.m. Topics will include concrete testing, substrate sealing and adhesive, leveling, and a Magic Oil demo. Food and beverages will be served. For more information, call 800/322-4088.
Lon Musolf Distributing Inc. (Vadnais Heights, Minn.) will host "Bonalution" April 28 at its headquarters from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include product demos, prizes and product deals; lunch will be provided. For more information, e-mail Liz Grohn Andert at [email protected]. Also, Lon Musolf is holding an EPA lead certification class May 5 in St. Paul. The eight-hour class costs $275 and space is limited. To register, e-mail Andert or call 651/484-3020.
Job Watch Long Floor (Beltsville, Md.) is seeking applicants for an inside sales position at its Beltsville branch; the applicant should be aggressive and self-motivated. Job responsibilities include building profitable relationships, managing the sales order process, working with outside sales representatives and preparing price quotes, among several others. Excellent telephone sales personality, ability to multi-task, basic computer skills, and flooring experience are required. Interested individuals should send a résumé to [email protected]. No phone calls or recruiters please.
UFloor Systems Inc. is seeking qualified sales representatives for a number of regional markets around the country for both its hardwood and commercial flooring divisions. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of five years' sales experience in either the hardwood or commercial flooring sectors. Interested candidates should submit their résumés or CVs to [email protected] or mail this information to: Attn: Sales Manager, UFloor Systems Inc., 14705 E. 33rd Place, Unit D, Aurora, CO 80011.
David Zarzour is seeking a sales or marketing position in the coatings or related industries. Zarzour most recently was marketing manager with Waterlox Coatings Corporation. His experience includes all aspects of sales and marketing, E-business—including e-mail marketing—and copy writing, focusing on distributors and contractors in the wood flooring industry. Zarzour is based in Cleveland and is willing to travel. He can be reached at [email protected].
NWFA Member Services NWFA members can save on vehicle rental services with Hertz. Whether your company needs vehicle rentals for individual business trips or fleet services for your entire crew, Hertz has a solution to fit your needs. For more information about how you can save on all your company's vehicle rental needs, call Lindsey Chilcutt at 888/318-8806 or 703/683-9262.
