October 29/November 5, 2018: Volume 34, Issue 10
By FCNews staff
The flooring industry is once again taking part in efforts to assist those directly impacted by recent natural disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, which caused massive flooding across major communities in North Carolina, Emser Tile has made a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support local humanitarian services and programs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Emser Tile, based in Los Angeles, operates several showrooms and service centers, as well as a 400,000-square-foot distribution center, across the three states. The company employs more than 100 local area associates and services thousands of valued customers and partners in the region.
“We are inspired by the strength and resiliency of those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Florence,” said Carl Delia, president, Emser Tile. “We support these communities, including our partners who have been impacted, as they move in the direction of a safe recovery.”
Other major manufacturers are also stepping up in a big way. Armstrong Flooring has pledged to donate 400,000 square feet of flooring to support the rebuilding efforts taking place in the U.S. for Hurricanes Florence and Michael as well as other natural disasters. Specifically, the company will contribute flooring through its partnership with Good360, a nonprofit that matches product donations with community organizations, many of which are engaged in disaster recovery in local communities.
“Many families and communities are facing a long recovery process after this year’s devastating hurricane season, and we wanted to lend our support,” said Don Maier, CEO, Armstrong Flooring. “With Good360’s help, our donated flooring can have maximum impact by aiding community organizations focused on helping individuals and families rebuild their homes and lives.”
The flooring donated through Good360 will be provided to nonprofit organizations, including those helping with rebuilding efforts after disasters. Good360 provides products for all stages of disaster recovery and works with its on-the-ground nonprofit partners to assess needs and to then respond accordingly.
“Good360 is extremely pleased to continue our partnership with Armstrong Flooring to assist with long-term disaster recovery efforts, including in those communities most recently impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael,” said Howard Sherman, CEO, Good360. “The long-term recovery of hard-hit regions often suffers because of a lack of attention and support, but with the help of committed partners like Armstrong Flooring, we can jointly help bring communities back to a place of resiliency.”
Distributors are pitching in as well. Haines, the industry’s largest wholesaler, reacted swiftly to provide assistance to its customers, partners and residents in the affected areas. In the direct aftermath of the storm, Michael Barrett, president and CEO of Haines, said the company received several reports and videos of customers with severe storm damage to their businesses. “We have our finance teams and our direct sales teams ready to aid in whatever way is needed,” he told FCNews.
While it may take many weeks or months before homes and buildings are restored to the point where they require new flooring, people impacted in the affected areas require more immediate essentials, such as food, clothing and sundry items. To that end, organizations such as the American Red Cross, World Hope International, Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina and One SC Fund—to name a few—are accepting donations to assist displaced victims.