NewslineVolume V, Issue 10 - May 14, 2004The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: CRI Health & Safety Program Awards BreakfastPlans are being finalized for the CRI Health & Safety Program Breakfast to be held on Wednesday, May 26, at the NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. Awards to recognize outstanding performance in health and safety during 2003 will be given in both manufacturing and distribution. There is no charge to attend the breakfast and program, however, reservations are required and must be made by May 21. Contact Sally Fortenberry at 706.428.2108 or fax 706.428.3108. USDOC Seeks China VisitJim Leonard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce is leading an effort to bring Chinese business leaders, government officials, architects and/or other representatives of Chinese carpet-related interests to the Dalton area to discuss ways to improve the sale of U.S. products into China. Mr. Leonard has asked CRI to host the yet to be identified group and to assist with facilitating meetings during the proposed visit. He is also trying to put similar visits together for other U.S. industries. The task at hand is to determine the carpet industry's level of interest in such a visit to identify a Chinese group that can provide the greatest benefit. No date has been set; however, the visit would likely take place in the fall of this year. Contact John Miller if you have questions, comments or suggestions. John can be reached at 706.428.2109. Carpet Manufacturers Investigate Product Bar Coding/UCCnet StandardCRI has formed three committees to address a retailer-initiated effort to have carpet mills label their products with standardized bar codes containing company and product data. The bar coding would be compliant with the standards of the UCCnet global registry, the not-for-profit subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc. CRI invites member companies to participate on one or more of the following CRI committees: UCCnet Standard Committee, which will review and interpret the UCCnet standard for roll, piece good and sample products, in order to establish a common flooring industry interpretation of each product attribute; the UCCnet Data Transmission Committee, which will advocate on behalf of carpet manufacturers to find the most efficient and cost-effective method(s) for transmitting UCCnet product data from manufacturers to retailers; and the Bar Coding/Attachment Committee, which will develop and implement an industry merchandising standard for the attachment of product information to carpet products (including samples), using bar coding technology. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. CRI Pursues "Visibility Development" ExerciseIn an effort to heighten CRI's visibility among key audiences, the CRI Market Issues Committee (MIC) is working on a "Visibility Development" strategy. Included in this effort are three main components: CRI's key messages, which serve as a platform for building reputation and visibility; CRI's image print, which expresses what the organization is all about - its vision and purpose; and a strategic marketing plan, which targets key audiences and maps a path to reach CRI's communications and business goals. Any member companies wishing to participate in this process should contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. South Carolina Senate Hopefuls Talk TradeDebate over foreign trade has emerged as the hottest issue in the June 8 Republican primary race with former Governor David Beasley, U.S. Representative Jim DeMint and former S.C. Attorney General Charlie Condon all criticizing each other's position on the issue. The S.C. unemployment rate, at 6.7 percent, is among the highest in the nation. Foreign-owned business provides 8.8 percent of S.C. jobs, the second highest percentage in the nation. Voters will look to the candidates' ability to protect the state's economy as a crucial component of their campaign efforts. Textile mills and sewing factories have lost nearly 21,000 jobs in S.C. since January, 2001. Senator Fritz Hollings, who will not seek a seventh term, has been a fierce supporter of the textile industry's efforts to fend off foreign competition. Most of the other members of the S.C. delegation have taken similar positions. The likely Democratic nominee, state Superintendent of Education, Inez Terenbaum, has said, "No new trade agreement will get my vote until its impact on South Carolina is made clear." The debate over trade is a departure from the traditional issues debated in GOP primaries in South Carolina. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. R.E. Whittaker Company Becomes Newest Associate MemberCRI is pleased to recognize and welcome our newest associate member, R.E. Whittaker Company, whose primary business is the manufacture and distribution of GLS twin-cylindrical brush scrubber/pile lifter and Crystal Dry Carpet Agent. Contact information on R.E. Whittaker Company and all CRI members can be found on our website. See a list of CRI's Member Companies Online LEED Program Attracts Record Number of ParticipantsCRI sponsored a 1-hour webcast regarding the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The May 13 webcast, titled "LEED-The Next Steps," was hosted by Building Design & Construction (BD&C) Magazine and attracted over 2500 registrants. BD&C's Editor-in-Chief Robert Cassidy moderated a panel discussion about the "green building" movement with four sustainable design experts. As part of CRI's efforts to increase awareness among architects and owners who specify building products, CRI took the opportunity to promote the Green Label Testing Program and Green Label carpet, which qualifies for 1 point toward LEED certification. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Visit the BD&C website to view the archived version of the webcast, "LEED-The Next Steps." Clemson University Carpet Manufacturing Technology Conference - Discount For CRI Member CompaniesDiscover the latest advances in process applications during this two day information-packed conference to be held at the NorthWest Georgia Trade & Convention Center, Dalton, Georgia, on May 25 & 26, 2004. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of processes, technology and markets from 18 experts in business and education. CRI is a co-sponsor of this educational conference. It is not too late to register and obtain a $100 registration fee Discount for CRI member company attendees. For more information or to register, call Kay James at 864.656.2200. CRI Speaks to Cushion GroupCRI participated as a speaker at the annual mid-year meeting of the Carpet Cushion Council in Washington, D.C. on May 7. Other speakers included David Stafford, a Virginia Commercial Floorcovering Dealer specializing in GSA contracts, and Kim Gavin, Editor of The Floor Covering Weekly. CRI addressed the group about current activities and projects, its current relationship with the Federal Government, and industry threats from foreign sources. This trade association is comprised of cushion and pad manufacturers in the U.S. About 45 people were in attendance at the two day event. Contact John Miller at 706.428.2109. CRI Meetings* Market Issues Committee, June 7, 12 noon - 2 p.m., CRI Boardroom CRI Participation in Upcoming Events* Republican Attorney General Association Indiana Leadership Event, May 19,
Indianapolis 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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