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.

1Q Productivity Revised Up

Washington, DC, June 1, 2006--Productivity rose at an annual rate of 3.7% in the first quarter, stronger than the 3.2% gain reported earlier, the Labor Department said Thursday.

European Economy in Solid Turnaround

New York, NY, June 1, 2006--For the first time in six years, the gap between real Gross Domestic Product growth in the euro area and real GDP growth in the U.S. is expected to narrow in 2006.

Initial Jobless Claims Rise

Washington., DC, June 1, 2006--Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since October, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

BASF to Increase Styrene-Butadiene Latex Prices

Charlotte, NC., June 1, 2006 -- Effective June 19, 2006, or as contracts allow, BASF will raise prices by three cents per dry pound in the United States and Canada on all Styrofan carboxylated styrene-butadiene emulsion polymer products.

Hovnanian 2Q Earnings Off

Red Bank, NJ, May 31, 2006—Home builder Hovnanian Enterprises reported earnings for its fiscal second quarter that fell 2.3% from the year-earlier period.

Laticrete Celebrates 50 Years

Orlando, FL, May 31, 2006—Laticrete International celebrated its 50th anniversary as a producer of innovative tile and stone installation systems in grand style during Coverings 2006 in Orlando, Florida.

Costco’s 3Q Earnings Up

Issaquah, WA, May 31, 2006--Costco Wholesale Corp., reported third-quarter earnings that were up 12.3 percent, aided by higher sales and membership fees.

Free Carpet Installation Training Offered in Gulf

Biloxi, MS, May 31, 2006--Construction-related training is being offered tuition-free at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Jefferson Davis Campus. The 120-hour class is part of Project Retrain, a specialized training program that teaches skil

Chicago PMI Up Again

Chicago, IL, May 31, 2006--Business activity expanded in the Chicago region for the 37th consecutive month in May, the National Association of Purchasing Managers-Chicago said Wednesday.