CRI Elects 2022 Board at Annual Meeting

Dalton, GA, November 11, 2021-The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) held its annual meeting on November 10. The yearly gathering included an update on the industry, the announcement of the board of directors roster for 2022 (below), and recognized volunteers for service to the institute.

CRI board chairman and Shaw Industries’ executive chairman Vance Bell announced Jim Williams of Mohawk Industries as the 2021 recipient of the Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award. The award was established by Milliken & Company in 1998 to honor the late Dr. Joe Smrekar who volunteered on many CRI committees. CRI staff members choose the recipient of the annual award.

Other honorees recognized for their service to CRI at the 2021 meeting included Vance Bell, Rick Hooper, and Stephen Morton.

CRI President Joe Yarbrough also gave a report on CRI and industry activities from the past year. He outlined the work done in government affairs, technical, and communication and noted that 2021 has been a favorable year for CRI. However, the industry continues to be encumbered by labor and supply chain issues.

In positive news for the organization, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), no longer recommends the removal of carpet in reducing allergens and asthma.

Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New York and Oregon are five states that continue to debate extended producer responsibility legislations but no bills where passed in 2021.

The board of directors election was held, and the nominated slate was approved

Board 2022

Richard French, Bentley Mills

Dan Frierson, The Dixie Group

Robert E. Shaw, Engineered Floors

Tom Pendley, Mannington

Jim McCallum, Milliken & Co.

Curt Hutchins, Mohawk Industries

Tim Baucom, Shaw Industries

Tim White, Tarkett

Franco Rossi, Aquafil USA

Marc Ammen, Universal Fibers

Chip Howalt, Textile Rubber & Chemical Company

Board Officers 2022

Tom Pendley, chairman

Curt Hutchins, vice chairman

Becky Boley, treasurer

Joe Yarbrough, CRI president

Elena Medlin, CRI secretary

Policy Committee 2022

Dan Frierson, The Dixie Group

Robert E. Shaw, Engineered Floors

Tom Pendley, Mannington

Jim McCallum, Milliken & Co.

Curt Hutchins, Mohawk Industries

Tim Baucom, Shaw Industries

Chip Howalt, Textile Rubber & Chemical Company

Recognition

Stephen Morton – leader promotion panel

Jim Williams – leader product standards and performance panel

Rick Hooper – leader Extended Producer Responsibility panel

Vance Bell – outgoing chairman

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