NewslineVolume V, Issue 4 - February 27, 2004The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: Submit Your Company Data for the CRI Annual Safety ContestIt is time to forward your company safety information to CRI if you would like to participate in the 2003 Annual Safety Program. We ask that you mail, email or fax a copy of your OSHA 300A form for 2003 to Charlott Coker at CRI. You will also need to write on the 300A form either an "M" to designate your facility as manufacturing or a "D" for distribution. The deadline for receiving forms is March 5, 2004. Contact Charlott Coker at 706.428.2127 or fax 706.428.3127. Wholesale Removal of School Carpet is UnwarrantedThe February 2004 issue of AATCC Review features a peer-reviewed paper by Dr. Michael A. Berry titled, "Carpet and High Performance Schools." Dr. Berry's paper counters the growing perception that carpet cannot be maintained properly in educational facilities by detailing that wholesale removal of school carpet is unwarranted. He states, "Carpet, accompanied by a cost effective cleaning program, is an excellent choice for school settings." Dr. Berry is affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For further details, contact Louise Dobbs at 706.428.2104. Business Opportunities in Iraq ReconstructionCRI attended a meeting at the U.S. Department of Commerce on February 11 to hear a presentation about reconstruction efforts in Iraq and the opportunities for business for U.S. companies in that country. CRI had been specifically invited to participate because of the significant floorcovering needs that exist. The meeting was attended by a wide variety of companies and interests seeking to do business in Iraq. Following the general session, a special session for textile companies was held in the Office of Textiles and Apparel. There appear to be numerous opportunities for those companies willing to accept the challenges involved in doing business in Iraq. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. European Union Poised to Levy DutiesThe European Union (EU) is positioned to start levying World Trade Organization (WTO) approved punitive duties on $4 billion worth of U.S. exports on March 1. The WTO approved the sanctions after ruling an American export subsidy wasn't competitive. The U.S. Congress is considering ways to repeal the subsidy, but plans for action have stalled. The duties start at 5% and increase 1% a month until a 17% cap is reached. A wide range of U.S. products which may include carpet and man-made fibers are potential subjects of the duty. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. NEA Booklet Debuts in MarchCRI collaborated with the National Education Association (NEA) Health Information Network (HIN) and NEA Education Support Professionals (ESP) to produce a booklet titled, "Take a Deep Breath and Thank Your Custodian." The guide provides "Tips and Tools for Improving IAQ in Schools" and includes information and guidance on dealing with mold, moisture, dust and allergens. Approximately 10,000 copies of the booklet will be distributed at NEA's ESP 2004 Conference in March, as well as the NEA's Annual Meeting in July. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Learn more about NEA's 350,000 Education Support Professional members, who represent "more than 40 percent of the total K-12 education workforce" Manufacturer Care & Cleaning Recommendations Posted to WebsiteA new feature has been added to the CRI website this week, "Manufacturer Recommended Restorative Cleaning Methods and Service Providers." At the site you will find a list of CRI member companies and their recommended restorative carpet cleaning methods. Contact Barbra Wilson at 706.428.2125. Manufacturers Take Washington by Storm during Coalition Fly-InOn February 10 and 11, CRI joined with other members of The National Association of Manufacturers' (NAM) Coalition for the Future of Manufacturing in visits to Capitol Hill. More than 200 manufacturers, many of them small and medium manufacturers, delivered a pro-manufacturing message in Washington's corridors of power during a fly-in hosted by the NAM-led coalition. Contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875.0634. Americhem, Inc. Joins CRIWelcome to Americhem, Inc., CRI's newest associate member. Americhem's primary business is color concentrates for solution dyed yarns. For contact information on Americhem, Inc., or any other CRI member, visit the CRI website. See a list of CRI's Member Companies Plan for the West Coast Annual MeetingPlease make plans to attend the CRI West Coast Annual Meeting which will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Irvine Marriott in Irvine, California. Lunch will be included. Contact Joyce Schuler at 706.428.2102 for more information or to RSVP. Register for the March 2004 CRI Issues ConferenceCRI members -- If you haven't done so already, you can still register for the first annual CRI Issues Conference, to be held March 10 and 11 at the Evergreen Marriott Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia. We look forward to your participation at this important event, where the Technical, Government, and Market/Communications Committees will come together to work collaboratively on CRI's advocacy efforts. Contact Barbra Wilson at 706.428.2125. CRI Meetings* Market Survey Work Group, March 1, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* Interiors '04: The ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Conference
on Design, March 4-7, Savannah, Georgia 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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