“If it is to be, it is up to ME!” Star-Studded Recognition of All CFI Members!

CFI announces the 17th anniversary celebration in Kansas City, Missouri August 19-21, 2010.

Education! Training! Learning opportunities abound at the CFI Convention. There is something for everyone from carpet, tile, laminate, wood, resilient and business topics. The associate seminars provide an opportunity for everyone to know the latest about new products, tools and technical information.

On Thursday evening at 5:30, the WFCA-sponsored Leadership Conference kicks off the CFI Convention. This is additional opportunity for attendees to become highly motivated to manage their careers in a manner that brings rewards and enjoyment.

Seminars are scheduled to enhance installation techniques, business and presentation skills. The installation workshops feature “hands-on” participation in different flooring surfaces, best business practices, the commercial installation marketplace, finished concrete flooring, laminate workshop, woven workshop, the compatibility of wood with concrete, National Association of the Self Employed seminar, insurance and bonding information and the consequences associated with moisture and alkalinity.

The motivating speakers, networking with industry associates, meeting with friends and the opportunity to be involved in the always-exciting CFI Associate FUN event are just a few of the many things awaiting the attendees.

According to Jim Walker, CEO, “Nowhere is the impact of the accomplishments of the CFI members as visible as it is at the Convention. It is rewarding to be involved in the achievements of the individual members and the enthusiasm they have for being at the top of their careers. It’s impossible to attend this event and not witness how flooring installation could be represented to the consumers if everyone shared this enthusiasm and attitude. The CFI Convention is the place to be for everyone in this industry and especially, for the flooring installers.”

“The Associate Seminars presented in small group sessions provide information that will improve the bottom line, as well as introduce the members to a variety of products, tools and installation supplies. The information, demonstrations, new tools and techniques offer attendees an opportunity to share current information with others unable to attend. This part of our Convention is appreciated because we leave knowing that we are on the cutting edge of everything new and beneficial for our trade,” Bob Gillespie, Past President.

CONVENTION #17 EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

“The Leadership Conference sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association under the direction of Christopher Davis begins on Thursday evening this year at 5:30,” said Roy Davison, CFI President. “CFI members always look forward to this event as the grand beginning of an educational-packed three days. We go to be motivated and we are never disappointed. Following the WFCA Leadership Conference, the time is filled with skills workshops and seminars that provide us with the knowledge to achieve our goals. The annual Convention Jacket made possible by the CFI Associates is a collector’s item that is visible nationwide throughout the year. During the 2½ days, which races by quickly, we meet new friends, enjoy reminiscing with those we see once a year, learn so much and then it is time to return home to share all of this with those who were unable to attend.”

“Everyone enthusiastically anticipates the Associates’ Sponsored Fun Event knowing it will be an evening to display our competitive spirits and assist the associate we represent in obtaining the CFI Annual Advertising Award,” said Robert Varden, CFI Vice-President. “We have grown from a group that took time to make its impact felt in the industry to an impressive organization that is recognized and associated with worldwide. The CFI logo is seen on many continents today. Following the standards set by the National Wood Flooring Association, the North American Laminate Flooring Association, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, and working closely with manufacturers, dealers and distributors, the CFI Proven Methods in all flooring surfaces have reached well over 40,000 people.”

“There is nowhere that a flooring installer can go to be involved in the abundance of seminars and workshops to obtain the latest knowledge and update skills that compares with the CFI Convention. The CFI focus is education and while we always have time for fun, the emphasis of the short time we spend together is to become more equipped for the future of our individual business involvement. This year, we have the opportunity to be updated on the latest technology and backing systems for carpet led by a panel of manufacturing experts. This event is a must for anyone involved in the installation of carpet,” Alan Ellis, CFI Secretary.

Bob Wagner, President of L. Fishman, “As an associate member firm, we strongly support CFI’s commitment to installation excellence and through the Pat Fell Chapter Achievement Award; we pay tribute to the memory of an outstanding employee and encourage his dream of education and knowledge through the local chapter. For the 6th year, L. Fishman will donate $1,000.00 to assist CFI Chapters in promoting installation excellence through the L. Fishman Chapter Achievement Award, given in honor of Patrick Fell. It is awarded annually to the chapters that are influential in their communities to improve the quality of flooring installation through education. We are aware of the impact this award has in carrying on the tradition of installation excellence and are pleased to be a part of making a difference.”

Tony Buckhardt, Chairman of the CFI Certification Committee, “The Certification Committee holds its annual meeting to review plans for the coming year. Having grown from carpet training and education to encompass all flooring surfaces, CFI has developed training curriculum that encourages installers to diversify and work more proficiently. In partnership with associate members and trade organizations, CFI programs reach more people every year. We also provide time to take the Master-II written test in preparation for the three-day skill test that is scheduled for November 4-6 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.”

CEO, Jim Walker, “We have always stressed that CFI is a tool. When used properly, everyone benefits. The installers become more proficient in their work and business dealings, possess finer people skills and are sincerely proud of the profession they have chosen. Every dealer should experience the satisfaction of engaging the services of CFI installers. Young installers who are entering the trade should attend the Convention and become mentored by those who are proud of their accomplishments. In difficult economic times, the CFI Convention is a “must!” We invite the entire flooring community to join us in August.”

CFI CONVENTION RETURNS TO KANSAS CITY – the founding home of CFI

The Kansas City Airport Expo Convention Center and attached Holiday Inn Airport Hotel are close to the Kansas City International Airport. The facilities are located within miles of many family fun attractions. Complimentary airport shuttle service is provided and for those who drive parking is free. Reservations can be made by calling (816) 801-8400 for the reduced $89.00 CFI rate.

WFCA MEMBERSHIP is a MUST!

The World Floor Covering Association is the largest sponsor of CFI training and education. Throughout the year, CFI is afforded an abundance of opportunities to provide flooring installation training because of WFCA’s investment in education. While making the travel arrangements, hotel reservations and planning for the vacation time, don’t forget to join the WFCA. Don’t miss the valuable information that helps your business to operate smoothly and profitable. WFCA holds the key to opportunities that are rewards of membership. Joining the WFCA also provides you with a $500.00 scholarship for education, because all CFI training fees are 100% covered by your investment. Join through CFI and receive $500.00 in return; another exciting opportunity for CFI members and guests. Contact the CFI office for assistance at (816) 231.4646 or read more details at www.CFIinstallers.com.

Download the CFI Convention Registration form here.

December 16, 2009
Location:

at the Golden Corral (FSK Mall)
5621 Spectrum Drive
Frederick, Maryland
6:30 to 9:00 PM

ANOTHER FREE FOOD AND GIVE-AWAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

CFI and MDNVAFCA are saying THANK YOU for all of your hard work in 2009 and for giving so much of yourselves. The dedication and pride you take in your craft show how much you care about what we stand for.

We are very excited about the many companies who have donated tools, supplies and products to be passed along to you. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

For questions and more information, please contact us here.

Download the flier and print it out to distribute to all your friends in the industry: Maryland-Northern Virginia Floor Covering Assn. / Delmarva CFI Christmas Party flier

The golf outing went great rasing money for both Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation
and the Floor Covering Industry Foundation. The Delmarva chapter of CFI believes in these causes and supports them every year by being a hole sponsor and helping with the event. The event is sponsored by the Maryland and Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association

The mill tour went great with Shaw and Mohawk along with Mapie really giving us great treatment. The day started off going thru the Shaw mill then headed to the tech dept and testing area. loaded up and headed to the Shaw Laminate plant, back into the van and off to Mohawk mill , then finished up the night with a joint Chapter meeting with the Delmarva and Dalton chapters hosted by Mapie and touring their plant.

It was 14 hours both ways riding in the van. That in itself was worth the time talking about how and what we can do to help raise the bar in the trade. Neva, Ken and James, from the Shaw Tech department helped pull this together. Without them it would not had happened. Andrew from Mohawk Tech dept. pulled the Mohawk tour together for us. We saw so much going thru the two carpet mills as well as the Shaw Laminate plant and the testing department. Few of the group had ever been through the mill before, so they walked away learning so much and want to make this a yearly trip.

In the first picture below, left to right is Scott (?), Ken Loyd, George Johnson III, George Johnson JR, Johnnie Imes, Roland Thompson, Daniel Bennett, Mark Kinzer JR and Mark Kinzer II.

Where: Shaw Industries, Dalton, Georgia
When: June 21 – 23, 2009
Time: Leaving 9:00AM on the 28th and returning early evening on the 30th

Cost is $70.00 plus tax per night for room. Meals are NOT included. You can share rooms and SAVE.

This trip is open to anyone wanting to go thru the mill. Sales, installers or inspectors – if you have never seen carpet being made, this trip is for you. We will be going thru the Mill, the Technical Department, and more.

Special Bonus for Monday evening: There will be a tour through the Mapei Glue Factory. Mapei will also host the CFI Meeting.

Don’t miss this opportunity. There’s only space for 15, so “first come, first served.”

Contact: Angie Diehlmann at (877) 709-6732 or Roland Thompson at (301) 748-3733.

Make check payable to: MNVFCA
Mail to: P.O. Box 1792
Westminster, MD 21157

See you there!

CFI Carpet Installation Training & Certification

Frederick, Maryland – July 17 & 18, 2009
Ashley Home Store
1305 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Friday:
5:30pm to 7:30pm – Demonstrations
7:30 to 9:30pm – Written Test (if applying for certification)

Saturday:
7:45am to 4:00pm – Skills Training

Registration Fee: $290.00 (R-I C-I) Advanced R-II or C-II $290 per category

Installers, Workrooms, Retailers, have you ever experienced…

Peaking, gapped or overlapped seams? Mismatched patterns, bubbles; is restretching necessary? Have you seen staples visible through upholstery work, carpet frayed at the doorways? Do you wonder what types of corrections can be done on site?

You can learn how these situations can be avoided and corrected. The CFI Team wants to share the answers. The Floorcovering Industry’s Top Installation Trainers share the latest installation techniques and tools. Come prepared to learn and leave with a thorough understanding of installation and become one of the most knowledgeable flooring professionals in your field of carpet installation.

It is important to review the CFI Study Guide prior to the written test. Contact us and we will mail or fax it to you.

Bring your tools and have an enjoyable time working together with the CFI Trainers:

• Seaming of new products
• Powerstretching and Wall-trimming techniques
• Pattern Matching – correcting bow, skew and pattern elongation
• Stair Upholstery without the use of staples

Each participant will receive a CFI Certificate of Installation Training. CFI R-I and C-I Certification is available at this event – CFI advanced levels available.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED – Non-Refundable Deposit is due two weeks prior to event. Those who successfully complete all requirements receive the CFI R-I and / or C-1 Certification. Please download the registration application here (in PDF format): Frederick Carpet Training Registration

Location: Carpet Plus of Charlottesville
1739 Allied Street, Suite A
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (434) 977-7587
Cost: $480.00 – (WFCA Members: This course qualifies for scholarship funds)
Time: Tuesday 9:00am – 4:30pm Wednesday 7:30am – 3:00pm

Instructor: Jim Walker

• CEO of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI)
• Certified Master-II Installer – Consultant and Instructor for the Industry
• Owner of Residential and Commercial Installation Workroom – 39 years
• Owner of the American Floor Covering Institute -15 years
• Member of the World Floor Covering Association All-Industry Hall of Fame

Course Content:

This workshop is designed to provide training for those interested in estimating and measuring. In the “hands-on” course, the attendees will prepare diagrams denoting seam placement, cut list, pattern
match and will learn to “paint a picture” that prepares everyone to achieve customer satisfaction.

Have you ever experienced…

Problems because the installer did not receive the necessary details?
Problems because everyone did not understand what the customer expected?
A situation when the patterned carpet arrived 11’10″ wide to install in a 12’1″ area?
Problems occurred before or during the installation because all parties did not communicate?
A disappointed customer because the preparation was not thorough?

To Earn More, Learn More!

Download the registration form (a PDF file) here: CFI Carpet Estimating Workshop Registration

Maryland and Northern Virginia Floorcovering Association
Presents the
2009 Annual Golf Outing & Dinner

To benefit Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation
and the Floor Covering Industry Foundation.

Wednesday June 17,2009
Captain’s Choice Format – Check-in 11:30 AM – Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM Sharp!

Cost $175.00 per person

Package includes:

Green fees, Cart fees, Sleeve of Golf Balls, Driving Range, Putting Green,
Box Lunch, Refreshments, Awards Dinner and Drinks

Non-Golfers $45.00 for Dinner – 20% Off Merchandise in Pro Shop prior to play
Closest to the Pin & Longest Drive contest!

Hampshire Greens

616 Firestone Drive
Silver Spring, Maryland
(301) 476-7999

Sponsor golf holes and get signage for your business. Shirts with collars required – No cut-offs – All players must have spike-less golf shoes. For more information, contact Rob Menefee (301) 843-2598 or Kurt Zanelotti (301) 937-0030 Ext. 115.

Download the registration form (a PDF file) here: 2009 Annual Golf Outing & Dinner Registration

JJ Haines Installation Training

The JJ Haines Installation Training is done by Tim McAdoo. Tim has 30 years experience in the flooring industry and previously worked at Armstrong World Industries for 28 years. Tim has experience in manufacturing, adhesive development, Patching compounds, and installation. He currently has a patent for the seaming of Linoleum.

The JJ Haines Installation Classes are hands on. Installers work with up to date techniques and tools. Below is a brief outline of the Training Classes.

Heat Weld/Flash Cove Hands-On Class Instruction

• Moisture Testing of Subfloors
• Subfloor Preparation
• Adhesives and Trowel Notchings
• Seam Cutting
• Flat-Lay Heat Weld of Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
• Flash Coving of Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring and Heat Welding in Flash Cove Areas

Hardwood Hands-On Class Instruction includes

• Moisture Testing of Subfloors and Hardwood
• Subfloor Prep
• Expansion Zones
• Nailing Patterns, Face Nailing and Blind Nailing
• Nail Down Installation of ¾” Solid Hardwood
• Glue Down and Nail Down Installation of ⅜” Engineered
• Nail Down Installation of 5/16″ Solid Wood
• Floating Hardwood Installation
• Board Replacements
• Use of Primatech, Porta-Nail, Powernail, Duo-Fast and Bostich Tools

Download the 2009 schedule and registration form (a PDF file) here: JJ Haines Installation Training Schedule and Registration

Daltile Stone Training for the Md/NVa Floorcovering Association

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Daltile Virginia Stone – 14790 Flint Lee Rd. Ste 200 – Chantilly, VA 20151

Daltile will spend the day educating everyone on selling natural stone from countertops to bathrooms to kitchens and foyers. Topics Covered:

• Types of Stone
• Measuring for Countertops
• Manufacturing Process
• Care and Maintenance
• Tour of the Slab Facility

Lunch will be served. Admission is Free!

Register by April 13, 2009 for your reservation.
Contact Angie Diehlmann
Phone (877) 709-6732 or Fax to (410) 857-3757

Download the registration form (a PDF file) here: Daltile Stone Training Seminar Registration

Hardwood Sales Counselor
CFI – NWFA Certification

Quality Carpet One
14043 Crown Court
Woodbridge, VA 22193
9:00am – 5:00pm

Retailers and Installers, have you ever experienced…

• Cupping/crowning issues?
• Moisture issues?
• Hollow voids?
• Cracks or gaps?
• Buckling floors?
• Out of square installations?

Are you confused with the many different types of floor maintenance products on the marketplace and which type to recommend?

Wondering what types of corrections can be done on site?

If you have answered “Yes” to any of these…

• Attend CFI – NWFA Finished Hardwood Training
• We’ll give you the cause, effect and answers to why and how to overcome these concerns.
• Spend one day with a technical and hands-on approach to these questions and learn more.

Registration is required:

Sales Counselor Registration – $175.00
NWFA Online Certification Test – additional $50.00
Minimum participants – 22

Download the registration form (a PDF file) here: Hardwood Sales Counselor Certification Registration