St. Louis — The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recognized Rick Holden, chief operating officer of Derr Flooring in Willow Grove, Pa., with its Industry Leadership Award during the Wood Flooring Expo, held here in late April.
The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the wood flooring industry through service and leadership. Holden is a former NWFA chairman, and has served the association for most of its 30-year existence.
“Rick has given his time, expertise, and guidance to NWFA and the wood flooring industry for more than 20 years, 15 of which were on the board of directors,” said Jeff Fairbanks, NWFA chairman and vice president of Palo Duro Hardwoods. “He has exhibited integrity, professionalism, humor and humility. His dedication to the industry, and to the NWFA, is well above and beyond what is expected of any one person.”
Holden joins a select group in which only 11 others have previously received the Industry Leadership Award. They are as follows:
Christopher Hildreth, Tree Lovers Floors – 2001
Birger Juell, Birger Juell Ltd. – 2001
Pete Lanham, Lanham Hardwood Flooring Co. – 2001
Allan Pyne, Sunshine Flooring Co. – 2001
Warner Tweed, Georgia Oak Floor Distributors – 2001
South Lynn, Universal Floors – 2001
Joel Lefkowitz, Hoboken Wood Floors – 2002
Elizabeth Brown, French-Brown Floors – 2002
Neil Moss, Armstrong Wood Products – 2008
Ed Korczak, National Wood Flooring Association – 2011
Don Conner, National Wood Flooring Association – 2012
Holden said he was honored to receive the award. “It is very much appreciated. My years on the board and as chairman allowed me the opportunity to work with wonderful people including the NWFA staff, other board members and committee people. All of them are working to create a better industry and a dynamic association to serve the industry. I want to thank the NWFA for allowing me the opportunity to make a contribution to the industry. I am looking forward to seeing the NFWA continue to grow and prosper.”