NAFCD Releases List of Initiatives for 2009

Chicago, IL, Jan. 2, 2009-- The Board of Directors of the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) recently released its 2009 key initiatives for the organization.

Among those initiatives include: membership retention and recruitment, strengthening NAFCD's value proposition, a green initiative, educational programming, and advocacy of industry issues.

"Our Board and staff will be working very closely together in defining and developing a value proposition for all of our members," said Jack Lindenschmidt, NAFCD's 2009 president.

"Given that, our committees and board are working on strategies to maximize participation in our conference program, providing research on what manufacturers need from distributors and what retailers want from distributors and driving the value of distribution through NAFCD."

As part of its ongoing strategy, NAFCD will enhance its networking and round table discussion at its meetings, conference calls and educational programs.

NAFCD said its Green Initiative will develop a leadership position among the distribution channel, partly by providing information and advocacy on the Lacey Act and supporting other industry groups or member companies with green opportunities and helping members develop their own green story and market statement.

NAFCD's 2009 education focus will be on logistics, efficiency and cost savings with a special focus on health care solutions and survival practices during these recessionary times. "Mergers and consolidations are inevitable," said education chair David Williams.

"We need to help our members survive and yes, thrive through the coming year."

NAFCD has also begun researching of co-locating its annual meeting with related industry groups as a way of both strengthening its programs and reducing costs associated with conducting large events.

NAFCD is also studying industry issues.

"From the legislative and regulatory side, there are a number of issues facing the industry that require our active participation," says Maurice Desmarais, NAFCD's executive vice president.

"New statutes like the Employee Freedom Choice Act could have a significant impact on our member firms. NAFCD will help members understand the implications of these new regulations and statutes and how to properly address them."