NewslineVolume VI, Issue 26 - December 22, 2005The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: Mohawk Trainees "Experience" CRI CEUsA group of Mohawk Industry trainees recently gathered at CRI to get a taste of CRI's Continuing Education (CEU) courses. The group of new employees were each given various CEU courses in advance and presented them as part of a training session in which they were given feedback from CRI employees. The new CEU courses will eventually be submitted for various certifications as they are developed by CRI's CEU workgroup. The next scheduled meeting of the workgroup is slated for January 18th (noon to 3 p.m.) and it will include discussion about training CEU administrators in CRI's member companies. This is yet another opportunity available to member companies as a way to multiply the resources available through CRI. Anyone who wants to use the CEU courses when they become available is welcome to do so once they are trained in presenting them, and anyone wishing to use them as a way to train new employees similar to what Mohawk is doing is also welcome. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. WTO Ministerial MeetingOn Dec. 13-18, trade ministers of 150 WTO members met in Hong Kong to continue negotiations on a global agreement to liberalize trade and strengthen international trade rules (the Doha Development Round). National Association of Manufactures (NAM) President Gov. John Engler participated in the Ministerial as the Vice-Chairman of the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. International Economic Affairs Vice President Frank Vargo also attended. Governor Engler, who earlier this year met with CRI to discuss trade issues, has laid out four key objectives for manufactured goods trade: 1) significant cuts in tariffs that countries actually assess on industrial products, with both an across- the board tariff-cutting formula and elimination of tariffs in selected industry sectors; 2) an agreement to cut non-tariff barriers broadly; 3) assurance that negotiations don’t weaken U.S. trade laws; and 4) simplification of customs procedures and related cost reductions. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. EPA Proposal Requires No New Mercury Emission Limits At Existing Cement PlantsResponding to a federal court order to set emissions limits for mercury, other hazardous metals, hydrogen chloride and total hydrocarbons from cement plants, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule recently that would require no new emissions controls for the pollutants at existing plants, reports the Bureau of National Affairs. The proposal would also exempt hydrogen chloride from emissions limits for new cement plants whose emissions present a low risk to public health. Release of the proposal came five years after the federal court’s decision in National Lime Association v. EPA. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. EU Council of Ministers Passed Business Friendly REACH ProposalTwo versions of REACH have been introduced in Europe, one by the EU Parliament and one by the EU Council of Ministers. On December 13th the EU Council of Ministers passed a more moderate business-friendly version of the REACH proposal. This latest version is strongly opposed by environmental groups in Europe which favor the EU Parliament version. The next step will be to have the differences worked out between the Parliament and the Council of Ministers (similar to a House-Senate conference). A vote for final passage is expected for sometime next year with the legislation taking effect in 2007. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. Long Beach Terminal has Drawn Heavy CriticismThe final comments on an environmental impact report for Long Beach's (CA) proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal are in, and they amount to an institutional piling-on. Three key state agencies have been strongly critical. It's all part of the process, as proponents are quick to point out. This seems appropriate. LNG is a relatively easy fuel to handle, apart from having to keep it supercooled, and such terminals have a long record of safety. But few are built in or near heavily populated areas, as this one would be, so safety issues deserve a good hard look. One of the most recent negative reactions to the EIR, and one of the strongest, comes from an agency whose permits are essential: the California Coastal Commission, which said the document is required to deal with worst-case scenarios but doesn't. The Public Utilities Commission was even harsher, describing the proposed site in the Port of Long Beach as subject to earthquakes and, because of nearby population, one of the worst sites imaginable. The state Energy Commission was politer, but hardly complimentary. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Record HighThe U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly rose to an all- time high in October as oil shipments soared and the United States set deficit records with China, Europe, Canada and Mexico. The Commerce Department reported that the gap between what America sells overseas and what it imports rose by 4.4 percent in October to $68.9 billion, surpassing the old record of $66 billion set in September. So far this year, the trade deficit is running at an annual rate of $718 billion, far surpassing last year's $617.6 billion imbalance. Critics say the soaring deficit is evidence that President Bush's policy of pursuing free trade deals around the world is not working. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. New Street Address for CRIPlease make a note of CRI's new street address. Effective January 1, 2006, CRI's new address will be: The Carpet and Rug Institute CRI is not moving, but the street associated with our building is getting a new name. Our PO Box remains the same: The Carpet and Rug Institute Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Happy Holidays from the Staff at CRI!
We all look forward to 2006 being another productive year! CRI Meetings* Market Issues Committee, January 9, 12:00 - 2:00 pm CRI Participation in Upcoming Events
* 2006 Prochem Distributor Annual Meeting, January 11 - 14, Cancun, Mexico If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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At the Holiday season our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made
our progress possible. The staff at CRI would like to wish everyone warmest
wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! As we look back
over the past year, we would like to take the opportunity to thank the many
people who work so hard to make CRI a productive organization that continues
to work tirelessly on behalf of a great industry!
