NewslineVolume VII, Issue 5 - February 24, 2006The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: CRI to Participate in Connecticut Indoor Air Quality ForumA group of Connecticut school-based organizations and the Carpet and Rug Institute are hosting an Indoor Air Quality Forum on March 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hartford Marriott, 200 Columbus Blvd. Topics include EPA's Tools for School program, asthma incidence among school children, importance of proper school maintenance and the role of carpet in schools. The public is invited, but those wanting to attend must register ahead of time by March 10. The groups include: Connecticut PTA, Connecticut Association of School Business Officials, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Connecticut Association of Schools, Connecticut Conferences of Municipalities, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and Connecticut School Building and Grounds Association. The forum will be moderated by Catherine Wilt, Director of Policy, Center for Clean Products & Clean Technologies, University of Tennessee. The session will include presentations by Werner Braun, CRI President; Dr. Michael Berry, Professor, University of North Carolina; Jack B. Levine, Director of Finance and Administration, Amity Regional School District No. 5; Nancy Sander, Executive Director, Asthma and Allergy Network, Mothers of Asthmatics; Angie Testa, Director, School & Community Asthma Program – Connecticut Lung Association; and Dr. Alan Hedge, Cornell University. If you are interested in attending, please contact Jennifer Mendez at 703.875-0634 no later than March 10. Contact Jennifer Mendez at 703.875-0634. Kudos to Mohawk for Multiplier EffortBrand managers and marketing personnel from Mohawk Industries recently met with CRI staff to discuss ways to better utilize CRI information to be a more effective “multiplier” of the industry message. After a very productive meeting, Mohawk immediately went to work, distributing to its sales reps CRI’s latest spring cleaning release to promote Seal of Approval products. Mohawk also encouraged the reps to utilize the “March Mania” basketball brackets, which include cleaning tips, saying “CRI has created a fun "tool" to help get the information about the program to our dealers and even consumers.” Any member company wishing to set up a similar meeting to brainstorm ideas about avenues CRI can pursue to better serve the "multiplier effect" are encouraged to contact Joan Seelaus. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428-2123. Braun Guest Caller for Syndicated Radio ShowCRI President Werner Braun was a recent call-in guest on the syndicated radio show featuring Ludlow Porch. The topic of conversation evolved around the worst spills on carpet. Mr. Braun addressed questions and directed listeners to CRI's website to access a variety of useful resources, including the listing of Seal of Approval-certified carpet cleaning products. The Ludlow Porch show is heard on 22 different affiliates throughout the southeast in seven different states and can be heard locally in Dalton on WBLJ 1230am from 9 a.m until noon. Contact James Beach at 706.428-2116. Index of Leading Economic Indicators RisesAccording to a story in USA Today, a closely watched gauge of future economic activity rose sharply in January, suggesting the nation's economy could see robust growth this spring, a private research group said recently. The Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators, a measure of the economy's well-being in the near term, rose 1.1% last month. January's increase follows a 0.3% gain in December. The gain in December's index was revised upward from what was originally reported as 0.1% increase. The leading index's January increase reflects improvement in six of 10 components, including stock prices and building permits. The index has increased 2.3% from July 2005 to January 2006. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. Read the complete story in USA Today Voluntary Plan for International Chemicals Management FinalizedThe Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was finalized February 6 at a meeting of the International Conference on Chemicals Management in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The voluntary, non-legally binding strategy is designed to help countries better manage chemicals to prevent human illness and environmental problems. The Bureau of National Affairs reports that throughout the conference, health and environment ministers, trade associations and environmental, health and labor organizations from around the world described reasons for the need for a strategic approach to chemicals management. Agreement on SAICM is to be known as the Dubai Declaration. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428-2136. Groups Petition California under Proposition 65A coalition of seven groups, including the United Steelworkers, filed a petition this past week with California under Proposition 65, asking the state to list a chemical used in the production of Teflon and other products as a cancer-causing substance. Proposition 65 is a 1986 law that requires companies to notify the public about potentially dangerous toxins. The groups are asking California Attorney General Bill Lockyer (D) to mandate that manufacturers warn customers under the law. At issue is a chemical known as C8 or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Last week, a group of independent scientists advising the U.S. EPA voted unanimously to approve a recommendation that PFOA, a chemical used to make Teflon and other nonstick materials and an unintended by-product in oil, water and soil resistant materials, be considered a "likely carcinogen". Contact James Beach at 706.428-2116. CRI Meetings* CEU Workgroup, February 28, 12:00 - 3:00 pm CRI Participation in Upcoming Events
* Indoor Air Quality in Connecticut Schools Forum, March 17, Hartford, CT 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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