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.

Commercial Loan Originations Up 17.3% in 2Q

Washington, DC August 30, 2006--During the second quarter of 2006 commercial and multifamily mortgage bankers' loan originations increased 17.3 percent compared to the same quarter last year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Median Household Income Rises

Washington, DC, August 30, 2006--The median income of American households rose by an inflation-adjusted 1.1% last year after falling five years in a row, the Census Bureau said in its annual report on the well-being of Americans.

Moody's Ups Lowe's Credit Rating

New York, NY, August 30, 2006--Moody's Investors Service upgraded the senior unsecured rating of home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos. Inc. to "A1," and affirmed its "Prime-1" commercial paper rating with a stable outlook.

3M Picks Quaker For Scotchgard Relaunch

Fall River, MA, August 30, 2006—Quaker Fabric Corp., and 3M say they have joined forces to relaunch 3M's Scotchgard fabric protector in the residential upholstery and contract, and outdoor fabric markets.

ADP: Private Sector Adds 107,000 Jobs

New York, NY, August 30, 2006--According to the ADP Employer Services employment report, private employers added 107,000 jobs in August. The number was close to expectations.

ServiceMaster May Move HQ to Memphis

Downers Grove, IL, August 30, 2006--ServiceMaster Co., is considering relocating its headquarters to Memphis from Downers Grove to be closer to the company’s major business divisions, according to Crain’s.

NAACP, NAHB Release Housing Report

Washington, DC, August 30, 2006--A joint housing policy report on ways to expand housing opportunity for minority households was released today by the NAACP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Small Business Owners Like Being Small

Asbury Park, NJ, August 28, 2006--Nearly 67% of owners of businesses with five or fewer employees are quite happy to have their companies remain small and 61% don't expect to work for anyone else before they retire.

FEMA and AIA Address Katrina Rebuilding Issues

Washington, DC, August 25, 2006--As the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, there is movement at both the federal and local level that aims to assist displaced Gulf Coast residents.