WASHINGTON D.C., 2022 — NALFA, the North American Laminate Flooring Association, gathered in Clearwater, FL this week for its annual fall meeting and to celebrate the Association’s 25th Anniversary. The Association continues to grow, and we hosted a record number of attendees.
Representatives from CLASSEN Group; Kaindl Flooring GmbH; Kronospan USA; Mannington Mills Inc.; Mohawk Industries; Shaw Industries Group, Inc.; SWISS KRONO USA; TORLYS, Inc.; Foam Products Corporation; Framerica Corporation; MP Global Products; Pak-Lite, Inc.; Schattdecor; SELIT North America Inc.; Versatrim, Inc.; Zamma Corporation; Arauco NA; Arclin USA Inc.; Floor & Decor; and NC State University attended the meetings.
NALFA welcomed former participants who played integral roles during the 25 year history: Duane Reimer (MP Global retiree), Jack Boesch (MP Global retiree), Jane Winters (Unilin/Mohawk retiree). We were thrilled to have these alumni join us.
The group met over the course of three days and discussed a wide range of topics to further the laminate category. Dr. Robert Dietz of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) gave a virtual presentation on housing statistics and short-term economic predictions. Designer John Cialone of Tom Stringer Design Partners joined us with a presentation on Design Trends & Positive Impacts. Both presenters were exceptional!
On Wednesday evening NALFA hosted its traditional reception and dinner for the members and guests. As part of the celebration, current President Barbara June awarded the NALFA President’s Award for the second time in the Association’s 25 year history to Dennis Bradway of Mannington Mills, Inc. Dennis has been a part of NALFA from the beginning, each year contributing significantly to NALFA’s efforts, especially on the Technical Committee. Bradway’s expertise in standardization of test methods, organizing interlaboratory studies, and participating in ISO and ANSI meetings has provided great benefit to NALFA. Honoring NALFA’s founder, Bill Dearing, the award has been renamed as the Bill Dearing Memorial President’s Award. Says Ms. June, “Dennis has been the constant for NALFA for many years. His dedication to NALFA is exemplary and we are grateful for his service. Thank you Dennis.”
Joe Bhatia, president and CEO of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sent best wishes to NALFA: “It is our pleasure to acknowledge NALFA’s 25th anniversary and to congratulate you on its numerous achievements. Thank you for your efforts in support of ANSI and the standardization community. We look forward to many more years of continued success and partnership.”
Media Inquiries
For further questions, please contact Lyndsey Campbell at admin@nalfa.com.
About NALFA
The North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) was formed in 1997 by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers and importers of laminate flooring. Since its inception, NALFA has been dedicated to creating voluntary product performance standards for laminate flooring in North America. For more information, visit www.nalfa.com.