March 16, 2011—Svend Hovmand, president of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, and Kemp Harr discuss from the Coverings 2011 show the most recent updates to the TCNA Handbook, the most comprehensive guide for tile contractors and tile specifiers. Listen to the interview to hear what's included in the new guide and how the organization hopes to have 1,000 certified installers by the end of the year.
March 15, 2011—Donato Grosser, a consultant with the Italian ceramic tile trade association, and Kemp Harr discuss the recovery of the U.S. consumption of tile following the recession. Listen to the interview to hear Donato give his prediction that the market may grow 15% this year.
March 14, 2011—John Baugh, Managing Director with Stifel Nicolaus, and Kemp Harr discuss the fourth quarter results for Mohawk, Armstrong and Interface. Listen to the interview to hear John's outlook on each company's performance and how it relates to current market conditions.
March 10, 2011—Frank Hurd, COO with the CRI, and Kemp Harr discuss the congressional meetings held this week to proactively address legislative issues that are important to the carpet industry. Listen to the interview to hear who attended these meetings and what was discussed. At the end of the interview we also discuss the progress that's been made to implement California AB 2398 on July 1st.
March 9, 2011—Gary Asbury, Co-President of Professional Testing, and Kemp Harr discuss a recent peer review validation of the XRF test method that CRI uses to test vacuum cleaners and hot water extraction equipment as part of its Seal of Approval process. Listen to the interview to hear Gary talk about X-ray fluorescence testing, where it is used, and what this peer review means to the industry.
March 7, 2011—Jonathan Train, Product Manager with Swiff-Train and Spokesperson for the Alliance for Free Choice and Jobs in Flooring (AFCJF), talks about the recent deadline extension on the Anti-Dumping ruling for Chinese sourced engineered hardwood flooring. Listen to the interview to hear the background on this debate and where it stands today.
March 4, 2011—Keith Campbell, Chairman with Mannington Mills, and Kemp Harr discuss today's launch of Mannington's "Make Some Noise" campaign designed to promote the fact that most of its products are made in the U.S. Listen to the interview to hear how Mannington plans to use social media and the Internet to promote this message. Go to www.ManningtonMakesNoise.com to see this creative message around keeping Americans employed.
March 3, 2011—Ron Lee, Executive Director of the Resource Commercial Flooring Network, and Kemp Harr discuss the business condition improvements his members are seeing in the marketplace. Listen to the interview to hear the highlights of their meeting in San Francisco and more details around business conditions within this group of commercial flooring contractors.
March 2, 2011—Jennifer Hoff, Executive Director with NTP who hosts the Coverings Show, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlighted speakers and programs for the upcoming Coverings Expo in Las Vegas in mid-March. Listen to the interview to hear what Jennifer thinks are the most important events to see.
March 1, 2011—Glenn King, VP of Marketing for Beaulieu Commercial, and Kemp Harr discuss recent organization changes and strategy that have resulted in marketshare gain for Beaulieu's "nimble" commercial carpet business. Listen to the interview to hear more about this and about Glenn's background in the industry.