August 15, 2004—John McDevitt, former 3M corporate economist discusses the state of the economic recovery, Fed chairman Alan Greenspan’s “spot patch” comment and the anticipated length of that “soft patch”. McDevitt also evaluates energy price increases and when their upward spiral may end and he also discusses GDP growth and job creation.
August 12, 2004—From the Carpet & Rug Institute, President Werner Braun, Director of Communications Joan Seelaus and Communications Manager James Beach. Discussed are changes in the association’s governance, the recently formed International Flooring Sciences Resources Center an online peer review publication and an upcoming program dealing with the health aspects of carpet to be broadcast on The Discovery Channel’s Healthwatch.
August 11, 2004—Piet Dossche, President, US Floors, an importer of bamboo, cork and hand-scraped hardwood flooring discusses the U.S. market for these products and the process of developing sources for these specialty flooring products throughout the world. Dossche talks about consumer and retailer acceptance of bamboo and cork, the products’ features and benefits and growth potential in the U.S.
August 10, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss: last weekend’s Carpet One convention, its new ad agency and branding strategy, Shaw’s 2nd quarter sales as reported in Berkshire Hathaway’s earnings announcement, Congoleum’s swing to a profit in the 2nd quarter, Mohawk’s move into carpet cleaning and, NYC’s Lane’s Floorcoverings acquisition of Kramer Carpet.
August 9, 2004—Dean Marcarelli, Co-COO, Carpet One discusses the group’s summer convention, held last weekend in Dallas and Revelation, the new total management software developed for Carpet One by Microsoft. Marcarelli also talks about the company’s new branding strategy, its new ad agency, changes within the Distribution One, price increases, competition in the retail flooring sector and the group’s plans for the future.
August 8, 2004—Norman Voss, President, Kronotex USA discusses the company, its European parent company, KronoGroup Switzerland and the company’s new manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction in Barnwell, SC. Voss discusses the technology to be installed in the new plant, the products that will be manufactured and the company’s long term manufacturing plans for the U.S.
August 5, 2004—Mike Barker, Investment & Retirement Management discusses the continuing slack condition on the market and the overarching cause, record high oil prices. Barker discusses the recent economic reports and the affects they have had on the market and the upcoming unemployment report and Federal Reserve meeting.
August 5, 2004—Jim Schmid, International Director of Floor Covering, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and Director of International Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL) discusses the current state of the installation in the industry and the progress being made toward improving its quality nationally. Schmid also discusses the INSTALL program, its goals and the organization’s brand new curriculum for carpet and resilient.
August 3, 2004—Frank O’Neill, Publisher, Floor Focus magazine and Dave Foster Host, Floor Radio discuss: Columbia Flooring’s Danville, expansion, Armstrong’s 2nd quarter earnings, The $5.4 million judgment against Mohawk and Carpet Den, Kronotex builds new manufacturing facility, The union rejection at a Michigan Home Depot, Invista’s new Cushion, The luxury trend and CCA makes Stores Magazine’s the top 100 specialty retailers list.
August 2, 2004—Paul Friedrichsen, Executive Vice President of the Hauser Group in an ongoing series on branding and advertising discusses brand licensing its strengths and weaknesses and why the concept has proven so successful. Friedrichsen analyses the appeal of licensing, talks about a variety of ways licensing can be used and offers some unique examples.