American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) is dissolving and donating $135,000 to Georgia Northwestern Technical College on its way out.
The AFA Board of Directors voted to dissolve the organization due to pandemic-related revenue shortfalls and event cancellations, according to former executive director Stephanie Manis.
“AFA’s primary function since 1979 was to market the floor covering industry and provide services to the industry,” Manis said in a statement. “Upon the dissolution of AFA, we determined that the balance of cash after liquidation would be best used by local colleges to assist in training and recruiting students to help fill the employment gap and provide skilled talent to the industry.”
GNTC added a Flooring Production program in 2019 and recently launched a pilot program for flooring installation in partnership with the Floor Covering Education Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift from the American Floorcovering Alliance,” stated Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “This donation will support students who are being trained to be the professionals needed by the flooring industry. It’s a win-win for both GNTC and the industry.”
