Flooring Podcast

Washington Insiders Columbus & Sinder on Politics, the Economy, the Next Election and Howard Dean

August 25, 2005—Washington insiders Tim Columbus and Scott Sinder, legislative counsel to the WFCA, with the Washington-based firm Collier Shannon Scott, in the third part of a four-part series presented by the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), discuss the Bush administration’s performance at managing the economy and look forward to the 2008 presidential elections and the prospects for a host of players who appear to be positioning themselves to run including Hillary Clinton. Also discussed are the Democratic party’s efforts to redefine itself and how some of the misdirected statements of DNC Chairman Howard Dean and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid have played into that mission.

McDevitt Assesses the State of the Economy

August 25, 2005—John McDevitt, former 3M Corporate Economist now in semi-retirement looks at the state of the economy answering the question: Is the economy cooling or not? McDevitt offers his forecast for the remainder of this year and into 2006 discussing rising oil prices, the toll they are taking on various segments of the economy and their affects on consumers, manufacturers and retailers. McDevitt also looks at the housing and construction markets, their strengths and weakness and where his sees these markets going this year and next. He also offers his insight into the Federal Reserve and when they may halt interest rate hikes.

Interior Architect’s Bobby Croghan on Sustainability, LEED & Selecting Floor Coverings

August 24, 2005—Bobby Croghan, a designer with Interior Architects’ Washington, DC office discusses the firm's work at the “Best of Neocon” which will be on display at Neocon East Baltimore on Sept. 14-15. Croghan also looks at the growth of sustainability, LEED certification in the marketplace, the role that local, state and federal government has played in the process and his expectation for LEED in the future. Croghan also talks about his approach to selecting environmentally-friendly floor coverings and flooring components, where maintenance fits into the picture and offers thoughts on how suppliers could better meet sustainable needs.

Floor Focus’ Frank O’Neill and the Week in the Floor Covering Industry

August 23, 2005—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine discusses: The measures planned by Pergo to reduce payrolls in Europe by 120 to trim overhead, plus a look at the laminate markets of the future in the U.S. and Europe; Personnel changes at Solutia; An ASID survey of homeowner's appetite for sustainability and the residential market for green products; And the FloorScore certification of Mannington products.

Washington Insiders Columbus & Sinder on Politics, Judicial Appointments and Social Security

August 22, 2005—Washington insiders Tim Columbus and Scott Sinder, legislative counsel to the WFCA, with the Washington-based firm Collier Shannon Scott, in the second part of a four-part a series, presented by the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), discuss some of the prime issues put forth during the Bush administration’s second term. Columbus and Sinder share their views on the administration efforts to gain Senate confirmation for appellate judge nominees and for Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, they also offer their thought on the proposals to change Social Security that have been put forth by the president.

A FloorRadio Archives Presentation- Shaw’s Steve Bradfield and the Definition of Sustainability

August 21, 2005—Steve Bradfield VP, Environmental Development, Shaw Commercial Group, in an archives presentation first broadcast in November, 2003, discusses sustainability as a part of Shaw Industries` culture, sustainability and the bottom line and the shift that has taken place in recent years in corporate thinking in the U.S. with regard to environmental concerns. Bradfield also talks about sustainability and the future and his vision of where the concept will take U.S. producers in years to come.

FloorRadio Archives Presentation – Trivers and the Growing Threat of the Big Boxes

August 21, 2005—Jon Trivers, Marketing Wit and Wisdom, in a conversation that was first broadcast in April, 2005, discusses shifts in the retail sector, the declining number of floor covering retailers, Home Depot’s and Lowe’s dramatic market share growth and the role of installation in that growth. Trivers also talks about Ace Hardware’s growth plans in combating the two big box players, of adding 1,100 stores over the next 10 years and how this plan could prove a successful avenue for floor covering retailers, and the looming threat Home Depot and Lowe’s have for urban flooring retailers.

FloorRadio Archives Presentation – David Birnbrey, Location, Location, Location, Selecting the Right

August 21, 2005—In an conversation first broadcast in November, 2004, David Birnbrey, President, The Shopping Center Group discussed the science of retail site selection, the prime features that large and small retailers consider in selecting an ideal location and the latest technology available to assist in the process. Birnbrey also talks about the acquisition of Sears by Kmart and how the enclosed mall has fallen from favor, but may be readying for a comeback.

FloorRadio Archives Presentation -- Patty Fasan on the Newest Looks, Trends & Technology in Ceramic

August 21, 2005—Patty Fasan, a consultant working with ASCER, in a conversation first aired from Covering in May, 2005, discusses some of the newest looks introduced at the Tile of Spain pavilion at Coverings 2005. Fasan talks about some of the shifts taking place in ceramic including moves from vertical to horizontal looks and toward graphics and geometrics and even 3D effects. Also discussed is the movement toward more tactile products and a palette that includes richer and mid-tone colors, acid colors and metallic inserts as well as the expansion of technology in ceramic including antibacterial glazes, glow-in-the-dark safety, photo-sensitive and anti-slip tiles.

Racine’s Geoff Greeley Offers a Maintenance Update

August 20, 2005—Geoff Greeley, Director of Training & Technical Services, Racine Industries discusses the Host brand and offers an update on the performance of the maintenance business in 2005. Greeley also discusses the role maintenance plays in sustainability and indoor air quality, the general awareness to maintenance in the commercial sector and the manufacturing community and his extensive international travels on behalf of Racine Industries and how carpet maintenance is viewed globally.