CFI - WFCA Installation Training Initiative Gainin

Kansas City, MO, October 14, 2005--The focus of CFI and the World Floor Covering Association toward installation training has increased the interest from dealers, contractors and installation professionals. Held in Kennesaw, Georgia at William Bird Distributors, the course is designed for those who inspect carpet installation and was attended by those representing many segments of the Industry. Bill Hannigan, Mohawk regional claims director says, “The information that was shared certainly better equips those who work with claims to be prepared to address and solve carpet installation problems.” The course will be presented in Dallas, Texas on October 18-19 and in Kent, Washington, on October 27-28, again sponsored by T & A Supply. Carpet installers who are searching for a manner in which to identify their skills are participating in the CFI Master-II Test October 13 –15 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The three-day skills and technical course is comprised of numerous requirements to obtain the highest level of CFI Certification. The team of certifiers is Robert Varden, co-chairman of the Certification Committee, Jon Namba, immediate past president, and Master-II installers Daris Mulkin, Tony Buckhardt and Michael Buckhardt. On October 21-22, the Sacramento Floor Covering Association and the World Floor Covering Association are sponsoring a CFI Certification at Xpress Global in Gold River, California. The Carpet One Dealers of Region #803 will also sponsor a carpet skills training event. There are over 40 installers registered for the training courses. On November 10-11, the Woven and Patterned Carpet Workshop will be conducted in Kansas City, MO. The intensive two-day skills involvement course provides a more thorough understanding of the problems that face the installers who work with this type of product. Bruce Gentry and Mack Sheriff of Mohawk Commercial will be a part of the team. Jim Walker, Jon Namba, Robert Varden, Ed Braile, Bob Gillespie and Roy Davison will share their expertise and provide instruction. The modules in which the installers will be matching patterns, constructing seams and working with the woven and patterned goods are 24 x 48 feet. The entire course is presented in a hands-on environment. Gentry says, “This course is a must for installers who work with residential or commercial woven or patterned carpets. Mohawk has participated in the two courses prior to this and found installers who can service our company when problems arise because of the skills they learn.” In December the team will travel to Phoenix, Arizona to present an installation workshop for the management personnel of S C Design, one of the largest design firms servicing several states. This is the second course of this type in which the employees have participated to learn about carpet installation and how to solve problems in the field. January 6-7, the team will conduct a carpet installation-training course in Gunnison, Colorado sponsored by Quick Draw Carpets. This is the third course of this type for the Colorado area in the past few months. The installers are enthusiastic to learn the newer methods and enhance their skills to work with the more difficult products. January 13-14, the San Diego Floor Covering Association will sponsor a CFI Certification Course. Gary Bedrosian, president, “We find that the more the professional installers have the opportunity to learn about their trade, the confidence levels grow and the customers are better served.” In February, the CFI Team will travel again to South Africa as guests of Belgotex Carpet. Numerous installation workshops are scheduled with installers and sales representatives. Belgotex, an associate member of CFI sent Allan deWit, director of Technical Services to the CFI Convention in August where he shared the experiences of flooring installers in that part of the world.

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