Page 4 - Flooring Specialist Winter 2023

A Word from Steve Abernathy

By Steve Abernathy, CFO, WFCA

Welcome to 2023! The CFI team and I are looking forward to an exciting year of membership growth
and new educational opportunities for the floor covering industry. Kicking the year off right, I am
very pleased to announce a brand-new strategic partnership between the Floor Covering Installation
Contractors Association (FCICA) and CFI. FCICA, founded in 1982, is focused on the commercial
flooring contractor’s success, through expert education, sharing of best practices, and professional
networking opportunities. FCICA’s Certified Installation Manager (CIM) program sets the industry
standard for education and certification of those managing commercial flooring installation projects.

While more details are forthcoming, CFI and FCICA will be working together on several fronts to
leverage the strengths of both organizations in promoting professional installation and installation
management.

First, FCICA will be joining the CFI booth at Surfaces this month. Come by our booth and speak to
representatives from both organizations and learn more.

Second, and most exciting, FCICA and CFI will be holding a joint member convention in sunny
Orlando, FL, on September 20-23, 2023, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Look for details soon on
how to register. We invite all current and former CFI members to join us so go ahead and block your
calendar now for this important event.

Speaking of Surfaces, CFI is again proud to work with Informa and the TISE team, to bring together the
National Installer of the Year competition finals to Las Vegas. Having completed the regional semi-finals
this past year and earned the right to compete in the national finals, we wish the eight finalists (four in
carpet and four in hardwood) best of luck…or should I say skills!

I will leave you with this call to action. If you are not a current member of CFI, or you have not
renewed your membership, I encourage you to join or renew. This organization is by far the largest
and most professional installer membership organization in the flooring industry. If you are an active
member, I thank you for your support. Either way, take advantage of the fantastic educational and
networking opportunities that CFI offers and make it a goal to enhance and improve your skills in 2023.

Steve Abernathy

4 Flooring Specialist Winter 2023