NewslineVolume V, Issue 5 - March 12, 2004The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: CRI Sends Message to CongressCRI has drafted a letter to be signed by President Werner Braun that will then be sent to members of the U.S. House and Senate urging them to take action to modify the current export tax credit. The tax credit was determined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be an unfair practice which has resulted in the imposition of sanctions by the European Union in the form of increased duties against a broad list of U.S. products including carpet. The tax credit could be modified into a different form of benefit for U.S. exporters which would then compel the WTO to lift the sanctions. The letter will be sent not only to the Georgia constituency, but to members of Congress in other states whose economies are influenced by the carpet industry/business. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. Legislation TrackingSince many of the state legislatures have convened for their 2004 sessions, CRI has begun tracking 29 pieces of legislation that have been introduced in 16 states. The legislation that deals with topics pertinent to the industry includes mold, maintenance, and indoor air quality. States that are considering multiple bills are California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. There is also legislation in New York and New Jersey regarding school facilities maintenance that could be problematic as there is potential for standard setting. Many of the bills we are tracking would be beneficial to the industry and we are working in the legislatures to encourage passage. Contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875.0634. CRI Responds to New York City Schools SituationAn ongoing battle between the city of New York and the United Federation of Teachers Union has spilled over to involve the use of rugs and carpets in the school system. The teachers union complained about the mandatory use of the rugs and carpet and commissioned a study which showed the rugs/carpet contributed to health problems in the students. CRI put together a package of information and a letter which was sent to the Mayor's office and copies to the President of the Union as well as the Chancellor of the Department of Education to respond to the issue. The situation is being monitored and Cornell Professor Allan Hedge has agreed to be a spokesperson in the event the situation requires it. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Operating Committee ReactivatedCRI's Operating Committee has been reactivated. Members of the committee consist of the Chairs and Vice Chairs of CRI's three Issues Committees: Government, Market, and Technical. The following mission statement has been drafted: "The mission of the Carpet and Rug Institute Operating Committee is to ensure that communication and coordination between and among the Technical, Government Issues, and Market Issues Committees are focused on lowering the barriers to CRI members' profitability and growth." The committee also drafted the following goals: (1) The elimination of any gaps in information and actions between committees (i.e.; eliminate white space); (2) Develop a high level of coordination between and among committees; and (3) Leverage the output of a committee by the other committees. The committee plans to meet quarterly. United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Editorial Speaks Favorably About CRIIn a recent Building Industry Professionals for Environmental Responsibility (BIPER) newsletter, an editorial on whether or not to allow trade associations membership into the United States Green Building Council was published. The article gave "credit to the Carpet and Rug Institute under the direction of Werner Braun. Fueled by an environmentally-aware industry, the CRI promotes the interests of all its members, even issuing an environmental report on its' industry that is meritorious and a great example of how aware and environmentally-friendly the carpet and under-layment industry has become." It's nice to see people are finally noticing. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. National Education Association (NEA) Booklet Gets Media CoverageThe February issue of "NEA Today" (circulated to 2.7 million NEA members) covers the release of the new booklet, "Take a Deep Breath and Thank Your Custodian!" and the May issue "NEA Today" will publish a full article about the new booklet to include CRI's role in this effort. An ad about the booklet will be in the April and May issues of "Floppy Copy" - the NEA state and local affiliate newsletters. CRI's logo will appear in this ad. In addition, an ad will appear in "NEA NOW" which circulates to about 50,000 of NEA's leadership, state staff, and building representatives. We'll keep you posted as other coverage emerges. Contact Barbara Day at 706.428.2138. Carpet Maintenance Guidelines Book Has Arrived"Carpet Maintenance Guidelines for Commercial Applications," CRI's newest publication, is now in stock and will soon be available for download from the website, www.carpet-rug.org. The publication was written to assist facilities managers, maintenance supervisors, and anyone who buys, sells, specifies, or is responsible for the maintenance of commercial carpet. The booklet is science based and backed by sound environmental management principles. Contact Barbra Wilson at 706.428.2125. Two Upcoming Georgia Tech Events at Dalton State College (DSC)* Environmental Performance Fundamentals for Managers Workshop will take place on April 2 at Dalton State College. It is the second of a series of workshops organized by DSC and the School of Polymer, Textile & Fiber Engineering at Georgia Tech. Dr. Michael Berry, Research Professor, Carolina Environmental Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the instructor. For more information or to register for this Environmental Performance Fundamentals for Managers Workshop, phone 404.385.3517 or visit the workshop website. * The Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute is sponsoring a free Spring Environmental Network Meeting at Dalton State College on April 6. The program will review the Risk Management Program submission requirements, discuss any changes from the 1999 initial submission, address issues associated with enforcement, and answer any questions related to the program. For more information or to register for this Risk Management Program Update, call 706.272.2702. CRI Meetings* Market Issues Committee, April 12, 12 noon - 2 p.m., CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* The National Green Building Conference, March 14-16, Austin, Texas 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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