NewslineVolume IV, Issue 19 - September 19, 2003The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: CRI's Annual Conference is ApproachingIf you have not done so already, we invite you to register for the 34th Annual CRI Conference. The conference will take place on Friday, October 24, at the NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton. In addition to the annual report on how CRI is working to help lower barriers to members' profitability and growth, the afternoon's three speakers promise to deliver timely messages on health, sustainability and the economy, and how they relate to the carpet industry. The featured speaker for lunch will be announced soon. The entire staff at CRI is looking forward to having you join us for the conference, lunch and afternoon reception to meet the speakers. There is no charge but registration is required. We hope you will be able to attend any or all of the events. Contact Sally Fortenberry at 706.428.2108. CRI Attends World Trade Organization MinisterialJohn Miller attended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fifth Ministerial Conference in Mexico last week as a credentialed Non-Government Organization (NGO) delegate. The conference was attended by delegations from the 148 WTO member nations as well as representatives from companies and trade associations from around the world. Also in attendance were members of Congress, numerous U.S. government officials and representatives of the print and broadcast media. CRI participated in the twice daily briefings for cleared advisors and the NGO briefings presented by officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), including Ambassador Robert Zoellick, to stay abreast of the ongoing discussions and negotiations. As a specific product, carpet was not a subject of discussion or negotiation. At one point during the meeting, there was, however, a demand by several developing African nations that the U.S. eliminate domestic cotton subsidies in order to level the playing field for other cotton producing/exporting countries. In response to this demand, the U.S. negotiators did propose addressing the cotton issue by offering an expanded package of concessions that may have included man made fibers. This possibility did raise a concern about the potential affect such a concession would have on the cost of domestic carpet manufacturing. Ultimately, this demand, the U.S. response and the accompanying discussions, did not progress. The overall talks themselves collapsed during the afternoon of the last day of the conference. It now remains to be seen how the WTO negotiations will progress in the future. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. United States Department of Commerce VisitThe Honorable James C. Leonard, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Apparel, and Consumer Goods Industries and the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), will be in Dalton on September 23 and 24. During his visit, Secretary Leonard will meet with local industry executives and CRI at a Tuesday evening dinner engagement. The following day he will tour local carpet manufacturing facilities to observe the current technologies now in place in our industry. He will be accompanied during his visit by Mr. Roy Bowen, President of The Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. Commercial Caucus MeetingThe CRI Commercial Caucus met at CRI on September 3. The fifteen industry member representatives attending gave and received input on issues pertaining to the commercial segment as well as issues pertaining to the overall industry. The committee plans to meet on a monthly basis until the commercial sector barriers are clearly defined by committee members. After the initial barrier list has been compiled, the committee plans to meet quarterly. The committee also vets and approves CRI's communications budget and marketing materials. If there are member companies who are not represented on the Commercial Caucus but would like to participate in the process, the next meeting is scheduled for October 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at CRI. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Importance of Comprehensive Maintenance ProgramAccording to an article that appeared in the August, 2003 issue of Indoor Environment Connections, students, staff and faculty at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School, located 80 miles east of Seattle, Washington, reported ailments similar to those associated with indoor air quality problems. After a consultant evaluated several problems, it was discovered that the HVAC fans had not been installed properly, and that there was also moisture intrusion from leaky air-conditioning units in several classrooms. These problems were corrected. The school classrooms had been carpeted since 1996, and some thought the carpet was a possible source of the air quality problems and should be removed. After investigation, the consultant did not find mold in or on the carpet even though it had been exposed to the leaky air conditioning units. The major problem with the carpet was a dirty, soiled appearance caused by lack of maintenance. The use of a detergent used to clean the carpet left a sticky residue which acted like a magnet attracting dirt and other debris. After seven years of neglect and inappropriate maintenance, many thought the carpet was beyond cleaning. A decision was made to try and restore the carpet and it was a success. This carpet restoration saved the school district $55,000 which was used to repair the real source of the poor indoor air quality. The need to implement a comprehensive maintenance program from the beginning of an installation is very important in order to keep carpet performing at its best and to help maintain good indoor air quality. Also, the use of proper carpet cleaning detergents that do not leave a sticky residue is imperative. In order to identify carpet cleaning chemicals that do not leave sticky detergent residues as occured at the Cle Elum-Roslyn High School, The Carpet and Rug Institute is considering implementing a CRI Carpet Cleaning Chemical Testing and Labeling Program. This would be a voluntary testing program in cooperation with the carpet care industry for the effective long range maintenance of carpet. If you have questions, comments, or would like more information on this proposed program, contact Barbra Wilson at 706.428.2125. Maine Indoor Air Quality Council Workshop PlannedThe Maine Indoor Air Quality Council (MIAQC) is planning a workshop on selecting appropriate floorcoverings. The foundation of the program will be a recommendation the council is developing and will adopt prior to the program. The recommendation is in line with CRI's "clean & dry" approach. The Council has invited CRI to speak on a panel consisting of a local facility manager, and neutral representatives of the two major flooring categories: "carpet and everything else." The audience will consist of facility managers, architects and designers. With the many schools deselecting carpet in the New England region, this is an excellent opportunity for CRI to educate. A definite date for the workshop has not been set, but it is scheduled to take place prior to the end of the year. For additional information, contact Jennifer Mendez at 703.875.0634. Flooring B2B Standard Committee to Meet in OctoberThe Flooring B2B Standard Committee will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday, October 22 in Atlanta. Participating companies -- manufacturers, dealers, distributors and software providers -- will be discussing and providing status updates about the progress made in implementing the technology across the industry. To learn more about the B2B standard, the industry-accepted language for the electronic exchange of transaction information across the Internet, visit the Flooring Industry B2B website. This committee welcomes participation from all interested parties. For more information contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. National Recycling Coalition's Annual Congress & ExpositionCRI, representing the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), participated in the National Recycling Coalition's (NRC) 22nd Annual Congress & Exposition. This year's event was held September 15-16 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Recycling professionals from all sectors attend the NRC Congress and Expo. Approximately 72% of attendees are directly involved in purchasing decisions. Information was provided to attendees on the objectives of the CARE organization and the proactive carpet recycling programs, products, and initiatives underway within the carpet industry. Contact Louise Dobbs at 706.428.2104. CRI Meetings* CRI Executive Committee Meeting, September 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* Council of Education Facility Planners International, September 27-30, Chicago,
Illinois If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Louise Dobbs at 706.428.2104. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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