Newsline

Volume XI, Issue 1 - January 9, 2009

The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives

In This Issue:
-- Two Solutions Achieve Seal of Approval
-- CRI Withdraws Support for Green Seal Standard
-- Executive Housekeepers Sign Agreement with Carpet and Rug Institute
-- The Housekeeping Channel to Review Seal of Approval Vacuums
-- Starnet Offers CRI CEU Training to Members
-- Mark Your Calendars for Tech Conference
-- CRI Meetings
-- CRI Participation in Upcoming Events

Two Solutions Achieve Seal of Approval

CRI Seal of ApprovalCRI announces the addition of 2 new solutions to the CRI Seal of Approval Program, making a total of 239 products certified under the program. The SOA program continues to grow, supported by increasing numbers of carpet manufacturers who link carpet warranties to the use of CRI SOA-approved products.

Congratulations to Columbia, South Carolina- based Clean Source, on earning SOA approval for their pre- spray product, Ultramax TLC, and to the Pullman-Holt company of Tampa, Florida for their pre-spray, Gloss Boss Carpet and Rug Cleaning Solution.

The SOA designation certifies that the product has passed a series of stringent tests performed by an independent laboratory. The tests for spot removers, pre- sprays and in-tank solutions include protocols for efficacy (removing stains), resoiling (whether the product attracts soil at an accelerated rate), pH (excessively acid or alkaline products can affect dyes and fibers), optical brighteners (can adversely affect color, appearance and performance) and colorfastness to light (residues on pile yarn can accelerate color change).

Contact Pat Jennings at 706.428-2123.

See a list of SOA-Certified Cleaning Solutions

CRI Withdraws Support for Green Seal Standard

The Carpet and Rug Institute will no longer recognize GreenSeal's GS-37 Standard as a Green Certification for its Seal of Approval Carpet Cleaning Solutions. According to CRI, Green Seal failed to follow its own written guidelines for consensus standard setting, specifically in the areas of stakeholder input and risk assessment. Prior to its decision, CRI had accepted GS 37 as a component for its Seal of Approval Green designation, which identifies spot cleaners, pre-sprays, and in-tank cleaning solutions that are environmentally responsible as well as effective. CRI continues to recognize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) certification, as well as the Canadian government's EcoLogo, and EnviroDesic certifications. Products that were certified under a previous version of GS 37 will retain their SOA Green designations.

Contact Bethany Richmond at 706.428-2125.

View the Full Version of the Press Release

Executive Housekeepers Sign Agreement with Carpet and Rug Institute

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding designed to help executive housekeepers protect their facilities' long-term carpet investments by increasing IEHA members' involvement with CRI's Seal of Approval programs for cleaning products and service providers.

In the joint memorandum, IEHA agrees to promote the use of SOA-certified products and equipment to its 3,800 members and to incorporate CRI's library of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) into the curricula for IEHA's professional training. CRI will offer IEHA members the opportunity to become SOA- certified Service Providers and provide marketing support to those who achieve SOA Service Provider status. Both groups agree to participate in cooperative cross- promotional activities, including joint projects, public relations, and events.

Contact Bethany Richmond at 706.428-2125

View the Full Version of the Press Release

The Housekeeping Channel to Review Seal of Approval Vacuums

In an exciting new development, The Housekeeping Channel will feature user reviews of Seal of Approval vacuums on their website. The reviews are designed to augment the SOA testing information on product efficacy with more market-based information, such as ease of use and reliability. The Housekeeping Channel will offer these reviews exclusively to SOA vacuums.

The Housekeeping Channel strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time- saving systems and motivations for keeping a better house. "CRI is pleased the The Housekeeping Channel is partnering with us to bring attention to the benefits of the SOA vacuum program," said CRI president Werner Braun.

Contact Pat Jennings at 706.428-2123.

Starnet Offers CRI CEU Training to Members

Helping their members maintain their positions as experts in the commercial flooring industry, Starnet is now offering the Carpet and Rug Institute's CEU Instructor Training Certification to Starnet members. Both the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) CEU Training Program and the Starnet University curricula provide valuable opportunities for Starnet members to develop relationships with architects and designers, by helping the A&D community obtain the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) necessary to maintain professional certification.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity to our members," says Deb Esbenshade, Vice President of Member Services for Starnet. "We are confident that this program will provide new ways for them to connect with customers and develop relationships with architects and designers."

Contact Bethany Richmond at 706.428-2125.

View More Information on Starnet Training

Mark Your Calendars for Tech Conference

The 2009 Technical Issues Conference has been scheduled at Brasstown Valley Resort for May 19 - May 21, 2009. Be sure to mark that date on your calendar! An agenda and registration information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.

Contact Pat Jennings at 706.428-2123.

CRI Meetings

* Asthma & Allergy Issues Management Team, January 13, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
* Sustainability Issues Management Team, January 14, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
* CEU Workgroup January 15, 8:00 - 9:00 am
* Standards & Specifications Issues Management Team, January 15, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
* Residential Standards Workgroup, January 20, 10:00 - 11:00 am
* CARE Board of Directors, January 21, 8:00 - 4:00 pm
* Market Issues Committee January 26, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
* Policy Committee, January 28, 9:00 - 1:00 1 am

CRI Participation in Upcoming Events

* Shaw Flooring Alliance, January 11-13, Orlando, FL
* World Carpet and Rug Council Meeting, January 16-19, Domotex, Hannover, Germany
* Surfaces, February 2-5, 2009 Las Vegas, NV
* American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, March 13-17, Washington, DC
* National School Board Association, April 4-7, San Diego, CA
* CARE Annual Meeting, April 27-28, Landsdowne, VA
* Connections, May 14-16, Clearwater, FL
* School Building Expo, June 2-4, Pittsburgh, PA
* Building Office Management Show, June 28-30, Philadelphia, PA
* Connections, September 9-11, Las Vegas, NV
* Council of Education Facility Managers Annual Conference, September 27-30, Washington DC
* ISSA, October 6-9, Chicago, IL
* American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, November 5-11, Miami, FL
* GreenBuild, November 11-13, Phoenix, AZ

If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Bethany Richmond at 706.428-2125.

Check our website calendar for other industry related events

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