July 24, 2009—Due to a recent article in Buildings Magazine that questioned whether modular carpet was a truly sustainable product, Jeff West, Director of Sustainability with Shaw, and Kemp Harr discuss this topic. Listen to the interview to hear some of the inaccuracies of this article and the green benefits of modular versus broadloom (approx 8 min)
July 23, 2009—David Knight, President and CEO of Teragren, and Kemp Harr discuss how their new FloorScore certification sets them apart from the other bamboo flooring suppliers. Listen to the interview to hear more about Teragren, their focus on bamboo building materials and how FloorScore certification helps their clients qualify for indoor air quality LEED points.
July 22, 2009—Charles Monroe, President of Card Monroe, and Kemp Harr discuss CMC's newest tufting innovation called ColorPoint, which allows carpet mills to create woven looks with the speed and flexibility of tufting. Listen to the interview to hear about the three new models and the hospitality focused mills that have recently purchased this new type of tufting equipment
July 21, 2009—Franco Rossi, General Manager for Aquafil USA, and Kemp Harr discuss the company's two new nylon 6 carpet fibers with recycled content. Listen to the interview to hear more about Aquafil's eco-nyl yarn, its expanded color line and its expanded relationship with Monticello.
July 20, 2009—Howard Brodsky, Chairman and Co-CEO of CCA Global, and Kemp Harr discuss the upcoming FCIF charity golf tournament scheduled for Sept. 24 at Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. Listen to hear more about this upcoming golf tournament, the change in venue and more about the Floor Covering Industry Foundation.
July 16, 2009—Consumer Reports recently tested and compared strand bamboo and oak for hardness and other factors. Debra Hardin of US Floors, a bamboo flooring manufacturer, confirms Consumer Reports' conclusions and gives a basic lesson on how strand bamboo is manufactured and finished.
July 15, 2009—Recorded Tuesday on the last day of the Atlanta Rug Show, Chas Sydney, VP of Business Development, and Kemp Harr discuss the traffic, changes in the rug market channel and the advantages of this show in Atlanta versus the furniture show in Las Vegas. Listen to the interview to hear Chas talk specifically to flooring retailers about how to be successful with this potentially profitable flooring category. (approx. 8 min.)
July 10, 2009—Werner Braun, President of the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss where the carpet order rate is now and how it has historically been an early indicator to economic recovery. Listen to the interview to hear more about this and what the CRI sees as their mission and where they are spending their efforts this year to remove the barriers to profitability.
July 9, 2009—Alan Parker, VP of Industry Relations for the International Interior Design Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the effects the recession is having on interior designers. Not only are many of them losing their jobs due to lack of work but some are forced to look for a new line of work. Listen to the interview to hear what the design landscape may look like in the future and more details about what the association is doing for those designers who find themselves without a job.
July 8, 2009—Dana Teague, Director of Surfaces Expo for Hanley Wood, and Kemp Harr discuss key changes for Surfaces in 2010. Listen to the interview to hear that many of the companies who left the show floor will be back next year. Also, the keynote session and many of the other show changes will be retailer focused. This show will run from February 2-4 and will be at the Sands Convention Center for one last year.