January 4, 2005—Joachim Schafer, President, Hannover Fairs USA, previews Domotex 2005, which is scheduled for Jan. 15-18. Shafer discusses the show’s 10-year history, its recent expansion into tile and stone and the show’s efforts to attract architects and interior designers with Contract World. Schafer also talks about the show’s 1080 exhibitors and its attendees, including those from the U.S.
January 3, 2005—Chas Sydney, Sr. VP, Floor Coverings, AmericasMart previews the Atlanta International Area Rug Market and discuss how the market will dovetail with the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Sydney also talks about the AmericasMart organization and its evolution, the National Oriental Rug Show segment of the market and how changes in the way buyers and sellers conduct business has brought changes to the mart. Also discussed, America's Magnificent Carpets Awards and the mart’s new museum of introductions.
January 2, 2005—Tamara Christian, President, National Trade Productions and Show Manager, Coverings discusses the upcoming ceramic tile and stone show, scheduled for May 3-6, its size, the number of anticipated exhibitors and the changes attendees will see in the upcoming show. Christian also discusses her long-range vision for the show, the show’s owners, the conference program and her view of the changing trade show environment.
December 29, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management sums up the market of 2004 and discusses the dynamics of the December bounce-back, the effects of volatile oil prices and the Fed’s actions to hike interest rates ont he market. Barker also looks at the jump in consumer confidence and its effect on the market, Washington’s focus on Social Security, Mohawk’s announced delay in its 4th earnings release and the legend that says years ending in 5 have historically been strong performers.
December 22, 2004—John McDevitt, former 3M corporate economist discusses the current business climate, the 4% growth of rate in 3rd quarter GDP and his forecast for 2005 GDP. McDevitt also looks at the present and shares his 2005 forecast for consumer spending, the manufacturing sector as well as housing and construction. He also examines the weak dollar and the Federal Reserve and offers his forecast on where both the funds rate and the dollar will be at the close of 2005.
December 21, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss the growth of Marazzi in Russia and China; The CRI’s Green Label Plus program receiving the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award; The Floor Focus Facility Managers Survey; And Home Depot’s second Manhattan location.
December 20, 2004—Lloyd Starks, Key Master Technologies and Fred Schramm, NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center discuss x-ray fluorescence technology (XFL), a technology that was co-developed by NASA and KeyMaster Technologies and they also discuss a collaboration involving XFL between NASA and CRI that could revolutionize carpet maintenance.
December 19, 2004—Geoff Kulesa, Director of Marketing, Service Magic - an Internet-based service that matches consumers with a wide variety of contractors, including floor covering installers and cleaning companies. Kulesa discusses the growing service market, the company’s plans for the future, its relationship with retailers and the company’s parent, IAC also the parent of LendingTree, Expedia and Hotels.com.
December 16, 2004—Michelle Troop, Senior Show Director, Surfaces, Hanley Wood, provides a preview of Surfaces 2005, discussing the number of exhibiting companies, the amount of exhibit space occupied and advanced attendee registrations. Troop discusses the dynamics of Surfaces 2005, in the second year of Shaw and Mohawk regionals, and also the events accompanying the Surfaces, including the conference program, the Town Hall Meeting, Installation Showcase and the WFCA’s B2B presentation.
December 15, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment and Retirement Management characterizes today’s market and discusses the market’s reaction to the recent drop in oil prices. Barker also looks at the Federal Reserve’s recent rate 0.25% hike and the Fed’s accompanying statement and talks about how why mortgage rates are dropping as the federal funds rate is increasing. Also discussed is the re-emergence of the IPO, Mohawk breaking ninety and the Santa Claus affect.