We would like to thank you for helping to make the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention one of the best yet! More than 700 distribution professionals came together from throughout the leading floor covering and specialty building material industries. The convention was a huge success, and your attendance and participation made it all possible.
If you haven't already, be sure to share your thoughts and help us make future conventions even better by taking the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention Survey. Tell us what you enjoyed best and how we can make the event even more valuable for you and your company in the years to come.
Speaker Presentations
All speaker presentations from this year's convention are now posted for you to share with your colleagues. Log in to the NAFCD website to download presentations from:
Trends in the Building Product Supply Chain Mark Herbek, Sr. Analyst, Cleveland Research
Understanding the Generations of the Nanosecond Culture Richard Honack, Adjunct Professor, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example Steve McClatchy, President, Alleer Training and Consulting
Years of Calculated Opportunity Alan Beaulieu, President, ITR Economics
We hope to see you next year at the 2015 NAFCD Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, November 3-5!
Leadership in Action and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
All award recipients have made a tremendous impact in the floor covering distribution channel, and were honored during the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention.
The Leadership in Action Award recognizes individuals for the positive impact and meaningful contributions that they have made to their company's success. Aaron Hormann of Herregan Distributors, Jim Boyce of Rosel-Heck Co., and Flavia Baggio of IndusParquet have all demonstrated leadership and contributed positively to the industry while being an innovator, motivator and a proactive contributor towards effective solutions.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have shown exceptional leadership and made outstanding contributions that have led to expanding the vision of the floor covering industry. Don Evans of Swift-Train, Jim Gunter of The Cronin Company, Jim Gould of The Floor Covering Institute, and John Capell, Kerry Capell and Marsden Haigh, founders of CMH Space Flooring, are all 2014 recipients of the award.
September data holds positive news. Housing is up 18 percent year over year, but multifamily is the driver so far. Rental demand is strong and single family sales of new homes remains weak.
However, it is only one month of data. Currently, there is much month-to-month volatility in the data, which is expected in multifamily reporting, but not for other sectors. For instance, currently single family housing starts and single family new house sales data were volatile with lots of revisions from the previous months, which is not typical.
What does this volatility represent? Patience and ardent attention to the data over the next few months will tell.
As written in previous months, the near-term outlook on the U.S. housing market remains unchanged - there are potentially several negative macro-factors for a robust housing recovery (based on historical long-term averages). Once the economy improves, we should expect to see housing improve as well. Learn more about these factors in the September 2014 Housing Report here.
Each month you can access specific data on new housing starts, existing home sales and construction spending, and feature analysis on overall impact to the economy and your business. These monthly housing reports are provided courtesy of Virginia Tech. Remember to take advantage of all the exclusive industry reports and research available to you as an NAFCD member. Visit the Members Only section of the website to access more reports, username and password required.
Floor Covering News
Driving Productivity and Profitability
By: Kevin Gammonley
Growing your business requires a number of important things, not the least of which is educating your people and building a quality network. Education is key to staying ahead of industry trends and networking is about making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships. Ask any senior executive, politician, community leader or successful salesperson who has exceled in their career what the keys to their success have been. An overwhelming majority will say that to succeed, you must continually educate yourself and your team and leverage your network. These two things are the catalysts for success.
Facilitating business connections amongst distributors and manufacturers is the most apparent role of the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) due to our valued events throughout the year. In addition, a core driver that initially attracts distributors to the association is a desire to learn from other distributors and be exposed to leading-edge training on how to drive productivity and profitability within their distributorship. There are many options for distributors to simply listen to professional speakers, but within NAFCD events, they are exposed to trainers, consultants and educators who specialize in wholesale distribution and/or the flooring and building product industries. The opportunity to learn from these individuals as well as from peers, competitors and trading partners is invaluable.
Read the full distributors' perspective column in the current issue of Floor Covering News.
Visit NAFCD's New Exhibitors at the Annual Convention
With over 150 distributors and 130 manufacture & service providers represented at the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention, we wanted to take this opportunity to welcome NAFCD's 24 first-time exhibitors to the show!
Abet Laminati
American OEM Hardwood Floors
Artistic Finishes
Bboss, Inc.
BFS USA
Brazefloor
Carlton Hardwood Floors
FP Bois
Global Market Partners
Integra Wood International
Johnson Hardwood
Kraus Flooring
LM Flooring
Loxcreen Flooring Group
Matek, Inc.
Old Wood LLC
Prolex Flooring USA
Robinson Lumber Co.
Schonox
Shamrock Plank Flooring
Tramex LTD.
Unilin Flooring
Wagner Meters
WE Cork
Distributor and Manufacturer NAFCD Quarterly Sales Trends Report Available
Distributors Quarterly Sales Trends Report
The NAFCD Distributor Quarterly Sales Trends Report showed that Q3 sales growth rates slowed year/year versus Q2, but September was the strongest month of the quarter highlighting the fact that momentum improved toward the end of the quarter. Initial 2015 forecasts indicate slightly better sales and profit growth for distributors next year with labor levels continuing to increase as confidence in the recovery remains firm.
NAFCD manufacturers saw solid growth again in Q3. The NAFCD Manufacturer Quarterly Sales Trends Report showed that manufacturer growth rates on average increased 9 percent in Q3, similar to the growth in Q2 and ahead of the 5 plus percent growth distributors saw in Q3. September was the strongest month during the recent quarter, up nearly 11 percent versus a year ago.
In an ongoing effort to provide members of the floor covering distribution channel with the resources necessary to effectively operate their businesses, the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with Insperity®.
NAFCD members will have access to numerous Insperity products and services that will help member companies run better, grow faster and make more money, including:
The 2014 Profit Analysis Report provides detailed financial results for participating firms in the floor covering distribution business. Results presented in the report are based on income statement, balance sheet and operating data supplied by 22 firms. Based on before tax return on assets (ROA), 7 of the 22 participants fell into the High-Profit category. The tables and graphs in the report are designed to provide a comprehensive but straightforward analysis and comparison of profitability among these firms.
LaCrosse Flooring is the value added division of a fully integrated hardwood manufacturing company that processes the timber into logs, saws the lumber, dries lumber and then makes the flooring. Complete control of the raw material supply assures buyers of LaCrosse hardwood flooring a consistency in color, texture and availability unmatched by other North American plank flooring manufacturers .
Did You Know NAFCD Offers...
Get the Most Out of Your Annual Convention Experience!
The 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention is a great opportunity to connect one-on-one allowing for in-depth conversations about current products and future offerings. As an attendee, we encourage you to schedule meetings with your current and potential trading partners now. Use this handy appointment scheduler and view the list of attendees (login required) to reach out and find a time that works for both of you during the event.
NAFCD Members have access to all National Association of Wholesale-Distributors (NAW) publications at a discounted rate. Take advantage of the latest NAW book by Dirk Beveridge. Future success in distribution will be based on the ability of distribution firms to innovate. To help you and your team hone your innovation knowledge and abilities, trust the expert guidance and real-world expertise found in the brand-new "INNOVATE! How Successful Distributors Lead Change in Disruptive Times." Each chapter concludes with specific thought processes, action items and exercises to guide you in your innovation journey.
Order today. Select "Member of NAW Member Assn" and specify North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) at check out to receive your discounted rate!
Did You Know NAFCD Offers...
Exhibitors are encouraged to BYOD (Bring Your Own Distributor) to the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention. Expand the number of leading distributor firms present, providing you with a more efficient and effective means of doing business - all in one place. Distributors who attend the annual convention for the first time, November 18-20, 2014 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, will receive complimentary registration.
In addition to optimizing your time at the convention and meeting with your business partners, you will get the opportunity to meet with prospective companies that may not be members. Participate today.
Reminder: Enroll Your Distribution Managers in the 2014 DMU
Enroll your managers in the 2014 DMU to see immediate cost savings and productivity boosts to your business. Send your general, sales, branch and operations managers to the2014 Distribution Management University (DMU), held in conjunction with the NAFCD Annual Convention on Tuesday, November 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This fully-interactive learning opportunity will provide real tools to grow profit and market share.
Led by Steve McClatchy, the DMU is designed specifically to expand the industry knowledge and enhance leadership skills of distribution managers. Register today!
Registration for the 2015 University of Innovative Distribution Is Open
The University of Industrial Distribution, a renowned educational program focused on serving the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry, has officially changed its name to the University of Innovative Distribution (UID).
UID serves the wholesale distribution companies and is not limited to those who deal in industrial products. The name change reflects the evolution of companies served and future direction of the program. Read the full announcement for more information.
Learn how to improve your company's bottom line and personnel performance at the 2015 UID, taking place March 8-11 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, IN. Register today.
Did You Know NAFCD Offers...
Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention
Distributor registration for the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention is tracking ahead of last year and continues to grow - don't miss your opportunity to generate enhanced exposure for your firm in front of this valuable audience by becoming a Convention sponsor!
The benefits and recognition your firm will gain provide a maximum return on your investment. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities? Contact Scott Narug, NAFCD + NBMDA Director of Sales at 312.673.5974 or snarug@distributorconvention.org for exhibit and sponsorship opportunities.
2014 NAFCD Annual Convention Highlights
Learn About the Power of Employee Ownership at the 2014 NBMDA Annual Convention
Learn how you can improve your business in the optional sessionThe Better Exit Strategy: Happier Selling, Happier Employees, Stronger Company presented by Mary Josephs, Founder and CEO, Verit Advisors. In this session Josephs will discuss the compelling power of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan for distributors and manufacturers, selling for full value, how to the selling founder can avoid all capital gains taxes and more.
August data can be viewed as representative of the 2014 housing market to date. Certain subsectors performed okay, and many sectors were disappointing. There has been a lot of volatility in the data, this is expected in multifamily reporting - but not for other sectors. For instance, housing starts and new house sales data has been volatile - and this is not typical.
What does this volatility represent? We have to be patient and pay keen attention to the next few months of reporting.
As written in previous months, the near-term outlook on the U.S. housing market remains unchanged. There are potentially several negative macro-factors or headwinds at this point in time for a robust housing recovery (based on historical long-term averages). Once the economy improves, we should expect to see housing increase as well. Why? 1.Lack-luster household information 2.A lack of well-paying jobs being created 3.A sluggish economy
Learn more about these factors in the August 2014 Housing Report here.
Each month you can access specific data on new housing starts, existing home sales and construction spending, and feature analysis on overall impact to the economy and your business. These monthly housing reports are provided courtesy of Virginia Tech. Remember to take advantage of all the exclusive industry reports and research available to you as an NAFCD member. Visit the Members Only section of the website to access more reports, username and password required.
2014 NAFCD Annual Convention Highlights Meet Sal Giunta, the first living Medal of Honor Recipient since the Vietnam War.
Staff Sergeant Salvatore, "Sal," Giunta is the first living person to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest honor presented by the U.S. military, since the conclusion of the Vietnam War. A valiant leader, former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta was introduced by President Barack Obama as being "as humble as he is courageous" when he was presented with The Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during combat in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan. Saving his squad from the Taliban during a deadly ambush in Afghanistan, Sal shares his courageous story and the importance of teamwork, selflessness and leadership. Join us for this true American hero's story of unwavering courage, dedicated teamwork and decisive leadership at the 2014 NAFCD Annual Convention.
The University of Industrial Distribution, a renowned educational program focused on serving the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry, has officially changed its name to the University of Innovative Distribution.
UID is designed for all staff working in the wholesale distribution channel, including distributors, from manager-level personnel to CEOs, and manufacturer personnel working with national distribution channels. Courses fill up quickly, so mark your calendars and plan to join NAFCD at the 2015 UID!
Registration opens soon! Sign-up on the UID website to be notified as soon as registration opens. Watch the site for more information and course details.
Registration for the 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention is open. Taking place November 18-20 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, this event brings together hundreds of the top decision makers from leading distribution and manufacturing companies across North America.
The 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention is an intimate and focused event that allows attendees to build new relationships, enhance their business strategy and conduct meaningful business planning face to face.
Attendees who register by September 16 save $100 and those who register multiple participants will receive a discount after the second registration. Qualified first-time distributor attendees can register at no charge.
NAFCD member, E.J. Welch Company Hosts NWFA Intermediate Install School
The National Hardwood Flooring Association held an Intermediate Installation school at host E.J. Welch Company's Chicago location, Aug. 5-8. The school's instructors, who led the students through sessions on job-site preparation, installation of borders and medallions and parquet installation, were NWFA Regional Instructor Kjell Nymark, Precision Hardwood; Gene Jarka, Powernail Company; Mike Kearns, Primatech; Darek Zukowski, Chicagoland Flooring; and Roger Barker and Tim Moore, Fortifiber.
Setting an Environment for Building Successful Relationships. Dave Powell, Marketing & IT Director of Erickson's Flooring & Supply Company discusses the value he receives as a NAFCD member.
Member Exclusive Benefits During NWFA
April 16-19 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN
While at NWFA's Wood Flooring Expo this week, stop by the NAFCD Booth #544 to connect and learn more about exclusive membership specials!
Not only is the NAFCD Booth a great spot for NAFCD members to connect, but this is also a great opportunity for industry colleagues to learn more about NAFCD and how membership can increase opportunity and add value to your business. We look forward to seeing you!
Save the Date for 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention
Exhibits: November 18-20, 2014 Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Join us for the 2014 NAFCD + NBMDA Convention November 18-20, 2014 in Dallas, TX. The NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention unites the top distributors, manufacturers and service providers from the floor covering, specialty building material, cabinetry and woodworking industries to network, engage, learn and grow their businesses. This is the most anticipated and highly valued distribution-focused event of the year for suppliers to gain valuable access and deepen relationships with their distributor customers.
Get a Jump Start - NAFCD + NBMDA 2013 Annual Convention
For those who are planning to attend the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention next week, please see the advance copy of the Onsite Program for a complete list of programming, exhibitors, and convention events.
Attendees can begin planning for each day at the event. Don't forget to use this handy Appointment Scheduler to plan meetings with Distributors and Manufacturers during the event.
You can view the list of distributor companies attending the Annual Convention and reach out to find a time that works for both of you to meet. If you need help logging in to see the complete list of attendees, contact us to receive your login information.
Please refer to the pack your bags email communication that was released yesterday for additional details on next week's event. See you in Chicago!
With over 124 distributor companies and 116 manufacture/service provider companies represented at the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention, we wanted to take this opportunity to welcome NAFCD's 26 first-time exhibitors to the show!
B2W
InstaFloor North America
Primatech
Bamboo Hardwoods
Kahrs
Prime Supply
Dependable LLC
La Crosse Flooring
Sedacor
Elevations by Raskin Global
LW Mountain
Shamrock Plank Flooring
Elof Hansson USA Inc
Mirage Floors
Stoehr Flooring
Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC
Neuhofer Holz Gmbh
TW Flooring Group
Frankfloor
Next Floors
Urban Floors
Fuzion Flooring
NFC Professional Selling Group
WEGO International Products
Greenfield Floors
Powernail Company
Reminder: Schedule Your Appointments
You can view the list of distributor companies attending the Annual Convention and reach out to find a time that works for both of you during the event. If you need help logging in to see the complete list of attendees, contact us to receive your login information.
Don't Miss These Member Events!
Tuesday, November 12 - NAFCD Welcome Reception "Let the Conversation Begin"
Jump start the Annual Convention with a NAFCD member's only reception being held at the Sheraton Hotel in room Michigan A&B. This time can also be used to set up appointments to meet with distributors and manufacturers.
Wednesday, November 13 - NAFCD Breakfast and Member Meeting NAFCD will hold our Annual Member Meeting on Wednesday, November 13th at 8:00am CST at the Sheraton Hotel in room Chicago VII. Join us to review the year, meet with fellow NAFCD members and Board of Directors, and receive members only updates on your membership.
Thursday, November 14 - Closing Reception and Dinner at Lucky Strike Lanes End your convention experience on a high note with a Thursday night reception and celebration at Lucky Strike Lanes. Whether you're planning to bowl the night away, play pool in the billiard area or just enjoy the company of colleagues, Lucky Strike will provide the ideal environment and an unparalleled experience. Do not miss this opportunity to celebrate the conclusion of another successful convention. There is no additional cost to attend this event.
For a complete list of all 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention events, please view the schedule.
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Growing your business requires a number of important things, not the least of which is educating your people and building a quality network. Education is key to staying ahead of industry trends and networking is about making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships. Ask any senior executive, politician, community leader or successful salesperson who has exceled in their career what the keys to their success have been. An overwhelming majority will say that to succeed, you must continually educate yourself and your team and leverage your network. These two things are the catalysts for success.
The University of Industrial Distribution, a renowned educational program focused on serving the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry, has officially changed its name to the University of Innovative Distribution (UID). 
Learn how you can improve your business in the optional session 
