CRI's Reorganization Continues with Promotions

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

August 1, 2001, DALTON, GA - Werner Braun, president of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), has today announced the continued evolvement of the CRI staff to provide the very best service possible for members and the industry. Mr. Braun stated, "The focus of CRI will be to become a premier advocacy organization, representing the needs and vision of its members. The changes in the staff responsibilities reflect their talents and CRI's direction more than ever before."

Frank Hurd, who came to CRI in March 2001 as the Director of Government Affairs, has also assumed the position of chief operating officer. New duties will include oversight of CRI fiscal policies and general operations and helping the president to focus on advocacy for the industry with government, the public, and other organizations.

Mr. Hurd came to CRI from a position as managing director with the Chlorine Chemistry Council. He has a masters degree from Georgia Tech and is a graduate of the National War College. Mr. Hurd has over twenty years of experience in management, government relations, communications, and fiscal management with the U. S. Army, the National War College and the Chlorine Chemistry Council.

Charlott Coker has been promoted to director of human resources and electronic advocacy. Mrs. Coker has over eighteen years of experience and education in human resources, insurance, employee benefits and safety issues with Roper Corporation, H & H Personnel, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, Johnston Coca Cola, and PolyPac-Rexene. In her duties in human resources, she will oversee employee issues and benefits.

Mrs. Coker has been the manager of consumer services at CRI for eight years, working with consumers and commercial end users on carpet purchasing, installation, cleaning, specification, and environmental issues. She will utilize this background and knowledge to add to her duties the oversight of CRI's electronic advocacy through the internet, searching for erroneous information and providing current, accurate and positive carpet information. Charlott resides in LaFayette with husband, Jay, and enjoys two grandchildren.

Louise Dobbs, who has more than fifteen years of experience in working with carpet manufacturers and CRI's Health, Environmental and Technical Department, will assume the newly created position of technical advocacy manager. According to Werner Braun, this is a new way to advocate our position on critical technical issues. Her responsibilities will include locating, compiling, and cataloging documentation that will advocate carpet, dispelling false or misleading claims and scientifically corroborating carpet's assets and advantages. She will assist in getting out the message that properly selected and maintained carpet is a positive addition in homes, commercial establishments, and schools.

Mrs. Dobbs, who holds a Certified Professional Secretary rating through Professional Secretaries International, obtained an associate of applied science in business degree from Dalton College, graduating magna cum laude, and lives in Calhoun, Georgia.

Barbra Wilson has been promoted to manager of technical information in the area of Health, Environmental and Technical Services after five years of service at CRI as consumer information specialist. Mrs. Wilson had nineteen years of service at Shaw Industries, providing technical information and serving in several positions, including assistant supervisor in the Information Center, training of leaders and sales people, and as supervisor at the Sears Customer Service desk. Barbra lives with husband, John, and daughter, Lindsay, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia.

Ann Jones has been promoted to specialist in indoor air quality and technical information. During her eleven years at CRI, Mrs. Jones has been active in providing consumer and end-user technical information about the CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing Programs for Carpet, Adhesive, Cushion, and Vacuum Cleaners and answering technical questions concerning indoor air quality. Ann, who obtained a bachelor of arts degree in English from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, lives with her husband, Michael, at Ringmaster Farms in LaFayette, Georgia.

Eugene Underwood, whose primary duties in his ten years at CRI were in the print production and shipping areas, has been promoted to superintendent of printing and building facilities. Eugene lives in Resaca, Georgia.