Frank Endrenyi Receives Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

Frank Endrenyi (left) of Mohawk Industries recieves the Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award at CRI's Annual Meeting from Russell Grizzle (right) of Milliken & Company.

Dalton, GA (December 1, 2004) - Frank Endrenyi, head of Technology Development and Sustainable Development for Mohawk Industries, was presented the prestigious Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award at the Annual Meeting of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) today.

The award was conceived by Milliken & Company for the Carpet and Rug Institute as a memorial to Dr. Joseph J. Smrekar who passed away in 1998. Through the generosity of Milliken & Company, Dr. Joe was able to serve CRI on numerous technical committees and boards as chairman, representative, and member. The award states, Many of the technical achievements in the carpet industry can be attributed to the leadership of this exceptional individual, scholar, scientist, respected researcher and teacher. This award recognizes individuals who have similarly shown unusual and exemplary service to the carpet and rug industry.

Russell Grizzle, President of the USA Carpet Division of Milliken & Company, presented Endrenyi with the distinguished award saying, Dr. Joe set the standard for service to CRI and the industry. Today, we want to show our esteem for another individual for his unusual dedication and exemplary service to the industry and to CRI. This year, this award is being presented to Frank Endrenyi, a man who has worked tirelessly for the carpet industry.

Werner Braun, president of CRI, said the award represents the dedication and depth of understanding of industry issues exemplified by Dr. Joe Smrekar. Frank Endrenyi epitomizes that dedication and understanding. He has given generously of his own time for the overall benefit of this industry. It is an honor to recognize him for his service.

In addition to serving on numerous committees, Mr. Endrenyi currently plays a major role on the Sustainability Issues Management team and serves as vice chair of the Market Issues Committee.

Mr. Endrenyi began his career in the research department at Milliken & Company and has spent the last 35 years in the carpet industry. He has also worked at Salem carpets, Coronet Industries and Collins & Aikman Floor Covering prior to joining Mohawk Industries where he has worked for the last 14 years.

Selection of the recipient is made annually by the Carpet and Rug Institute. The recipient will receive an individual award. A plaque listing the names of annual recipients is displayed at CRI. Mr. Endrenyi is the eighth recipient of the award and joins a distinguished group of previous honorees.

Past winners of the prestigious award include Carey Mitchell, Howard Elder PhD., Robert Cannon, Alan Luedtke PhD., Dr. E.P. Rusty Willimon, Jim Jolly and Dan Frierson.