March 20, 2009—Listen as Kermit Baker, Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects, tells Kemp Harr about the uptick in the index in February and how the recent rise in the Inquiries Index to 49.5 may signal that the construction slowdown is coming to an end. Baker says that institutional work is the brightest spot for designers and it stands to benefit from the federal stimulus package.
March 19, 2009—Natalie Jones, VP of Brand Development for Mannington Commercial, and Kemp Harr discuss the details around Mannington's Tx:style Design Challenge and the big finalist event this weekend in Calhoun, GA. Listen to the interview to hear how Mannington is using the Internet to facilitate this design contest targeted at young designers. In the end, the designs from this contest will be used to create some of the carpet styles that Mannington will introduce at NeoCon this year.
March 18, 2009—Bart Rich, Brand Director for Mohawk's Soft Surface Brands, and Kemp Harr discuss the success of Mohawk's retail programs for 2009. Now with all of the road shows and buying group meetings behind us, Mohawk is assessing the success of its new retail products and programs. Highlights include its new color wall, the purchase of the Wear Dated brand and its new Custom Weave collection.
March 17, 2009—Thomas Rennie, TLR Consulting, and Kemp Harr discuss recent changes in the demand for different types of carpet fibers. Listen to the interview to hear about the closing of the PTT Poly-Canada plant, the evolution of nylon BCF fiber and fluctuations in polymer costs. Tom predicts an increase in the demand for U.S. made broadloom carpet during the U.S. economic recovery. (approx. 15 minutes)
March 12, 2009—Ron Dunn, President and CEO of the Flooring Alliance, and Kemp Harr discuss details about the group's annual convention held this week in Nashville. Listen to the interview to hear more about increasing closing rates, increasing store traffic and other techniques its members are using to be successful during this current economy.
March 11, 2009—Steve Silverman, President of Abbey Carpet and Floor, and Kemp Harr discuss the highlights of last week's Abbey convention held in Orlando. Listen to the interview to learn how its membership is doing in this economy, who its guest speakers were and what Abbey considers to be its competitive advantage.
March 10, 2009—Frank Hurd, VP and COO of the Carpet and Rug Institute, and Kemp Harr discuss the congressional meetings held last week in Washington with key CRI members. Discussions were centered on organized labor and the coalition for home furnishings tax credits. In the second half of the interview, Frank discusses the market performance for carpet in 2008 and the outlook for economic recovery.
March 9, 2009—John Baugh, the industry's leading financial analyst, and Kemp Harr discuss fourth quarter and year-end financial reports for Mohawk, Armstrong, Interface, Dixie and Lumber Liquidators. Listen to the interview to hear details about their businesses, their long term business health, and John's thoughts on the economy. (approx. 15 minutes)
March 5, 2009—Recorded at Surfaces, Jon Pierce, the leading independent retailer in Montana, and Kemp Harr discuss where he's finding business in this economy and the value he finds in attending Surfaces every year. Jon also comments on the annual National Floorcovering Alliance meeting held just prior to Surfaces. This select buying group, representing $1 billion in annual purchases, recently selected Shaw Industries to supply them with a 1500 roll order.
March 4, 2009—Recorded at Surfaces 2009, Chris Davis, President and CEO of the World Floor Covering Association, and Kemp Harr discuss the show traffic, the economy, benefits of membership in the WFCA, consumer outreach, the FCIF Foundation, the promotion around its 50th anniversary, and the new Gold Standard award. This year, the first winner of the Gold Standard award is Ike Gulessarian.