Pendleton, S.C.—The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) has accepted a donation from Artistic Tile Inc., in memory of Steve Slutzah, Westside Tile and Stone, Inc., in Los Angeles, Calif., to support the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program and Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT).
“Steve Slutzah was a great customer and friend of mine,” said Joshua Levinson, chief executive officer, Artistic Tile. “He cared intensely about qualified labor for tile, and this donation will support that cause.”
To that end, any tile installer from California will be eligible for $250 off either the CTI program or the ACT program. Thanks to a matching contribution from the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the program will be available to eight installers, on a first come basis.
Slutzah received the inaugural 2022 Affiliate Ambassador of the Year from the NTCA at The International Surface Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, in January 2022. The award honors those who assist NTCA trainers as they travel the country to bring free standards-based education and training and those who provide information and support the industry through the association.
“Steve faithfully attended both Coverings and Total Solutions Plus and could always be relied on to support NTCA educational programs and events in California,” said Bart Bettiga, NTCA executive director. “He truly was an ambassador for the tile industry, especially as it pertained to the importance of training and education.”
Brad Denny, CTEF executive director, added, “CTEF appreciates the opportunity to keep alive Steve’s passion for training and education by supporting tile installers who understand how important certification is. Thank you, Artistic Tile, Joshua Levinson and NTCA.”