GOOD SIGN: New construction on housing units inched up in September, the third straight monthly increase and a sign the sector may be stabilizing after the removal of government stimulus, according to the Commerce Department. Starts rose .3% to a seasonally adjusted 610,000 annualized units, causing some economists to think the sector is starting to level out with the stimulus measures eliminated. Actually, housing starts are up 28% from their bottom in April 2009, but they are down 73% from their peak in January 2006. That may not describe a robust market, but it does have a pulse, barely audible perhaps, but a pulse nonetheless. Don’t question good news, embrace it.
SUPER STUDY: The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), of which our own NAFCD is a member, has released a new book from its Institute for Distribution Excellence, “Fighting the Forces of Change: Decisive Action for an Uncertain Economy.” Written by IBM’s Guy Blissett, it is the latest edition of wholesale distribution’s longest running industry trends report. The report provides distributors with strategic insights into the key business and economic trends affecting the supply chain through 2015. The new book takes fully into account the economic turmoil of the past two years and discusses trends, implications and opportunities for wholesalers. For further information or to order the book, contact NAW at naw.org or phone 202.785.0586.
TOGETHER: Speaking of distributors, NAFCD and the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) are co-sponsoring a Distributor Marketplace Nov. 16 to 18 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and they announced registration for the event and exhibitor participation are strong. The two associations see the joint effort as a positive move and the early results as a sign “the floor covering and building material industries are recovering.” There are more than 130 exhibitors and over 400 attendees currently registered. NAFCD president Fred Reitz of J.J. Haines said: “In addition to the latest products and services and interacting with peers across the distribution channel, attendees will receive relevant education designed to help them navigate through the economic recovery.”
GOLD RUSH: The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has launched its 3rd annual Gold Standard Award and is accepting entries from retailers vying for this prestigious honor. The winner will receive $5,000, a Gold Standard Trophy, press recognition and a customized WFCA seal for the store entrance. The contest recognizes one exemplary retail operation that has demonstrated the standards of a WFCA member and has created an outstanding retail experience. Companies are reviewed and judged on knowledge, customer service, quality of store image and code of conduct. Also, the dealer must be a WFCA member, have been in business for at least three years and have a clean Better Business Bureau report. The deadline is Dec. 31 and the winner will be announced at Surfaces 2011 in Las Vegas. To enter, visit wfca-pro.org or call 800.624.6880.
GOOD DEED: CCA Global Partners sponsored the 8th Annual Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament for the benefit of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) and raised $140,000 for people in our industry who need financial assistance because they suffered life-altering medical hardships. The event took place at Barnsley Gardens resort in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia and brought together members and supporters of the flooring industry from across the country. Howard Brodsky, co-founder and co-CEO of CCA, said, “It was wonderful seeing our business partners and friends come together to support a worthy cause.” And Chris Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO and president of FCIF, noted, “The funds raised by this event over the years have enabled us to help many people in need.” In its eight years, the tournament raised more than $1 million for the FCIF.