Today's Flooring News

Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.

Second-Home Survey Shows Solid Market

Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--A new survey of second-home owners by the National Association of Realtors shows baby boomers continue to dominate the market, and a growing number of second homes--more than one in ten are owned by minorities.

Trade Gap Narrows in March

Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--The trade deficit narrowed by 5.6% in March to $62.0 billion, the Commerce Department said Friday.

Consumer Sentiment Off in May

Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--Consumer sentiment dropped in May on rising gasoline prices and a softening labor market, according to media reports Friday of proprietary research.

AmericasMart, ORIA Host Charity Rug Auction

Atlanta, GA, May 12, 2006--For more than a decade, The Oriental Rug Importers Association and its members have been financially committed to a variety of philanthropic support initiatives and charities worldwide.

Small-Business Health Plan Bill Blocked

Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--The controversial Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2006 failed to muster enough votes in a Senatorial procedural step, provoking criticism from Todd Stottlemyer, president and CEO of the Nat

Consumer Sentiment Off in May

Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--Consumer sentiment dropped in May on rising gasoline prices and a softening labor market, according to media reports Friday of proprietary research.

Fast Company to Get 2006 IIDA Star Award

Chicago, IL, May 12, 2006--The International Interior Design Association has said Fast Company magazine will be awarded the 2006 IIDA Star Award at the IIDA 12th Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Carlyle Group Puts $27.5M in China Flooring

Shanghai, China, May 11, 2006--The Carlyle Group is investing $27.5 million to buy new shares in Shanghai Anxin Flooring Co Ltd., China's largest manufacturer and distributor of solid wood flooring,

Business Inventories Up in March

Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--Business inventories rose a larger-than-expected 0.7 percent in March as automotive and building material stocks climbed sharply, a government report showed on Thursday.

Jobless Claims Off Last Week

Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--First-time claims for state unemployment benefits filed last week were off 1,000 to 324,000.