CARE Holds Eighth Entrepreneur Meeting

Dalton, GA, Nov. 11, 2011 -- The Carpet America Recovery Effort held its eighth annual Entrepreneur Meeting Oct. 26 in Atlanta.

The meeting, which is designed to give entrepreneurs a chance to learn about and discuss issues in the carpet collection and processing communities, attracted 90 people from across the country.

Approximately 60% of attendees identified themselves as newcomers to the meeting and the carpet recycling industry.
 
Dee Cassell, president of The Reclamation Depot, gave a presentation called Carpet Recycling 101, outlining basic carpet collection methods and strategies.
 
Thomas Holland, CARE board member and president of Texas Carpet Recycling, introduced the new CARE Certified Collector program, and the additional benefits and services it offers to CARE members.
 
"The Certified Collector Program will increase visibility to those entrepreneurs involved in carpet recycling, while also introducing a credentialing process and code of conduct for all members to follow. It allows those looking for specific services or products related to carpet recycling to be easily matched with a quality provider in their area," Holland said.

Another feature of the Entrepreneurs' Meeting is the marketplace forum, which gives attendees the opportunity to describe their businesses and network with potential suppliers and partners.

The group also addressed legislation pending in several states, the availability of updated continuing education materials, and the special needs of the plastics industry for post-consumer carpet content.