Flooring Podcast

Jon Dougal, the Future of Fiber Made from Renewable Resources and Biofuels – Part 2 (11:01)

September 18, 2006—Jon Dougal, President, Sustainable Design Associates in the second part of a four part series discusses producing polymers, fibers and fuel from renewable resources, such corn and other vegetable matter. Dougal discusses some of the problem areas that could be created by this process, including the allocation of agricultural acreage. He also looks at a likely scenario for producing bio-diesel, that of having mini-production facilities along the nation’s highway system, which would supply fuel to the U.S. truck fleet.

WFCA, CEO, Chris Davis, Unveils WFCA.org – Part 4 (11:33)

September 18, 2006—Chris Davis CEO, World Floor Covering Association, in the fourth and final segment of a four-part series discusses the association’s new consumer-oriented web site, WFCA.org. Davis talks about the association’s fiscal goals in launching the site and its decision to not include advertising on the site. Also discussed is the growing sophistication of the internet and its growing importance to floor covering retailers and how retailers can become involved with the WFCA.com site.

WFCA, CEO, Chris Davis, Unveils WFCA.org – Part 3 (15:02)

September 17, 2006—Chris Davis CEO, World Floor Covering Association, in the third part of a four-part series discusses the association’s new consumer-oriented web site, WFCA.org. Davis talks about the overall goals the association has set for the site and his expectations for sign-ups. Also discussed are the promotional activities that the association will utilize to build awareness with consumers including personal appearances by and promotional activities by WFCA spokesperson, Rebecca Cole and the measures the association plans to take to gain positioning on search engines. Davis also talks about the reactions that the association has received as a result of its decision to launch the site.

Jon Dougal, the Future of Fiber Made from Renewable Resources and Biofuels – Part 1 (10:14)

September 17, 2006—Jon Dougal, President, Sustainable Design Associates in the first part of a four part series discusses producing polymers, fibers and fuel from renewable resources, such corn and other vegetable matter. Dougal defines biomass and biofuels and discusses the future of each and the prime drivers behind this growing phenomenon and when he feels these products will work their way into the mainstream. He also discusses how biofuels are being used today and their environmental and potential cost advantages

Larry Winter on the Value of Developing a Relationship with a Bank (12:07)

September 13, 2006—Larry Winter, Winter & Scoggings CPAs, discusses the value for small and mid-sized businesspeople to develope a relationship with a financial institution. Winter talks about the role bankers can play as a corporate advisor in the area of new credit products, payroll options, safeguards from fraud and the long-term value the relationship may bring in favorable interest rates.

Eric Demaree, President, The Floor Trader – Part 4 (10:26)

September 13, 2006—Eric Demaree, President, The Floor Trader, the newest unit of CCA Global Partners, in the final part of a four part series discusses installation in this cash and carry unit and the consumer-friendliness of the Floor Trader model. As a former Home Depot executive Demeree discusses the big box home improvement players, their approach to floor covering and their progress in the installation arena, he also looks at Home Depot progress in floor coverings during 2006 and how independants can better compete with this major players.

WFCA, CEO, Chris Davis, Unveils WFCA.org – Part 1 (16:34)

September 13, 2006—Chris Davis CEO, World Floor Covering Association, in the first part of a four-part series discusses the association’s new consumer-oriented web site, WFCA.org, which is being officially launched today. Davis talks about the long and short-term goals for the site, the naming of the site, the rational behind the development of the site and the role the site will play in educating and informing consumers and directing consumers to WFCA member retailers. Also discusses the sources of the product information offered on the site along with some of the site’s features, including the Workbook, Lifestyle and the Virtual Room Designer and the WFCA’s new spokesperson, Rebecca Cole, host of The Discovery Channel’s Surprise by Design.

WFCA, CEO, Chris Davis, Unveils WFCA.org – Part 2 (16:38)

September 13, 2006—Chris Davis CEO, World Floor Covering Association, in the second part of a four-part series discusses the association’s new consumer-oriented web site, WFCA.org. Davis discusses the dealer locator feature on the site, how it works and which retailers will be eligible to be listed. Davis talks about the options are available to WFCA members on the site; the Creating Your Space Elite dealer and the WFCA premium dealer. He discusses the premium options available to WFCA members including individual product catalogs, and pricing for the premium packages.

Floor Focus Co-Publisher Frank O’Neill and Industry Events of the Week (34:37)

September 12, 2006—Frank O’Neill, Co-Publisher, Floor Focus magazine discusses: The naming of Hal Long to the post of EVP, Operations at Shaw, the naming of Tim Baucom to the post of VP, commercial division and the naming of Bob Chandler to the post of VP, commercial sales; Tarkett’s first half 2006 earnings; The agreement of Congoleum’s reorganization plan; Tandus’ new recycled content backing and adhesive; The vetoing of Chicago's 'big box' wage ordinance and; The passing of industry pioneer Alan Lorberbaum.

Eric Demaree, President, The Floor Trader – Part 3 (11:32)

September 12, 2006—Eric Demaree, President, The Floor Trader, the newest unit of CCA Global Partners, in the third part of a four part series, discusses the unit’s value proposition and The Floor Trader’s marketing and advertising plans. Also discussed is the redefining of the nation’s discount locations and how U.S. consumers now view discounters in today’s retail environment and where The Floor Trader’s will position itself from a price point standpoint.