CFI Convention Calls for Change, Challenge, Choice

Kansas, City, MO, August 30, 2007—The 14^th Annual Certified Floorcovering Installers (CFI) Convention was held here the week of August 23, with the theme of Change, Challenge, Choice. The association presented the latest in educational and technical flooring information and brought together flooring installers, dealers, manufacturers, distributors, inspectors and others friends from across the world.

The seminar presenters for the four educational sessions were Andy Acker and Corey Stevens of the Schluter Systems, Tim Provence and Rick Herr of Armstrong, Don Styka and Dick Schmidt of Johnsonite, and Dave Gobis and Scott Carothers (CTEF), Jon Namba (CFI), Keith Moore and Dennis Sandell, (MAPEI) and Donny Brasher and Mike Wagner from (ARDEX).

Fred Chastain awarded the 50+ Award CFI Leather Jacket to Tony Buckhardt (IN). Chastain jokingly suggested that the jacket value is over $30,000 based on the amount of volunteer time and expense involved. It is awarded to recognize the sharing of training and certification methods with the installation community. Twenty-nine members have received the jacket, volunteering from 50 to 250 events during the past 14 years.

Jim Walker (250), Kelly Huddleston (54), Dick Schmidt (75), Tony Buckhardt (50), John McHale (168), Jon Namba (137), Suzy Namba (55), Jerry Miller (80), Michael Hetts (52) and Karen Mulkin (115) received the 25-event pin awarded for reaching another level of 25-events in which they participated during the past year.

The product and technical workshops were presented by the CFI associate members. Many new products were introduced this year by wood manufacturers, carpet backing systems and tool manufacturers.ony Buckhardt (IN), Dan Louis (IL), Ray Knapp (SD) and Glenn Olsen (NY). Seats expiring in 2009 are Ben Boatwright (TN), Jodi BlueJacket (TX), Craig Bloom (KS), Tom Cudney (NE), James Mullins (GA), Charles Pruitt (OK), Jim Schnasa (AZ), Bobby Schurman (CO) and Danny Sherman (GA). Seats expiring in 2010 are Jim Lee (TX) and Joe Sidor (MT).

Current Board of Directors seat expiring in 2008 are Tony Buckhardt (IN), Dan Louis (IL), Ray Knapp (SD) and Glenn Olsen (NY). Seats expiring in 2009 are Ben Boatwright (TN), Jodi BlueJacket (TX), Craig Bloom (KS), Tom Cudney (NE), James Mullins (GA), Charles Pruitt (OK), Jim Schnasa (AZ), Bobby Schurman (CO) and Danny Sherman (GA). Seats expiring in 2010 are Jim Lee (TX) and Joe Sidor (MT).

New committees added for 2007-2008 are the Recognition and Awards chaired by Glenn Olsen (NY) with Cynthia Aufiero (NJ) and Tony Buckhardt (IN). The Training Committee chairman is Ray Knapp (SD) and members are George Johnson (MD), Adam Olsen (NY), Gary Bedrosian (CA), Fred Chastain (GA), Jim Lee , John Sherry (OK) and Charles Parsley (CO). The International Committee Chairman is Ben Boatwright and members are Dean Barker (NW), Henry Garcia (CA), Suzie Harrison (AZ), Robert Luna (TX), Steve Ortiz (AZ), Jesus Rosas (CA) and Allan de Wit of South Africa.

President Leon Harrison said, “We can’t possibly thank everyone who has made CFI what it is today. CFI has the best associates in the industry who are always here to keep us current on new products and systems and support us with technical information. When we return home, we are asking our local distributors for products that they have not received. CFI members are on the cutting edge.”

Related Topics:Schluter®-Systems, Armstrong Flooring