Chicago—The Chicago Floorcovering Association (CFA) kicks off the first WFCA-CFI Installation Extravaganza on Jan. 14. “We welcome flooring installers from everywhere to attend our first event of 2014 at E.J. Welch in Elk Grove Village, Ill.,” Tom Shepardson, president of CFA said. “This is a huge savings for CFI training which is normally $495.00 per workshop. With the $200 WFCA sponsorship per installer for WFCA members and the opportunity to use additional WFCA scholarships, it’s an event no one should miss.”
“WFCA is actively involved in installation training by partnering with the CFI to bring five workshops to the first WFCA sponsored event of 2014,” said Tom Jennings, vice president, member services. “Installers have the opportunity of attending a class during the first session Jan. 14 & Jan. 15 in resilient or ceramic. On Jan. 16 & Jan. 17, they can attend the hardwood/laminate or carpet workshop.
“This is an exciting opportunity for installers to enhance their skills and become up-to-date on all the current methods of installation. WFCA is making a huge investment in 2014 in installation training by bringing the programs to different areas throughout the nation. We invite everyone to participate and take advantage of the CFI programs.”
Fred Scharm, Chairman of our Installation & Sales Training Committee and president of Scharm Floor Covering said, “We have planned this event so the entire Chicagoland community has the opportunity to attend. Keeping up to date with the constant installation requirements in the industry is difficult, but this type of workshop makes it much easier. With the support of WFCA, it is affordable for everyone.”
“CFI is very appreciative of the financial commitment of the WFCA for installation,” said Jim Walker, CEO. “There is nowhere that installers can receive this much training at a tremendous savings. No installer should miss this opportunity in the Chicago area. Members of the CFI Team, which includes the technical representatives of numerous manufacturers, are among the best in the industry. Not only will they share the latest information, but will actively work with the installers in the hands-on program.
“However,’ he added, “the size of the classes is limited to assure that each installer has access to the best learning environment. I’d suggest that registrations be made early at the CFI office because the installers have the opportunity with successful completion of the CFI requirements, to obtain their NWFA, NALFA and Armstrong Certifications which is explained online.”
“The workshop schedule also includes the Carpet Inspection and Installation Knowledge Workshop. Information that is vital to a successful installation is presented,” said Robert Varden, CFI’s executive director. “The sales representatives, workroom managers, inspectors and others in the industry will view the requirements of carpet installation, learn how to identify and solve programs and better yet, learn how to avoid problems.”
“Installers who successfully complete the two days of intensive training receive CFI Certification, shirt, decals and certificate,” said Alan Ellis, president. “Two years of installation experience is required for CFI Certification, but installers with a minimum of one year may attend the training and receive a certificate of completion. CFI is looking forward to the 2014 schedule and the opportunity to share skills with professional flooring installers.”
Jennings continued, “Applications are available online at CFIinstallers.com or by contacting the CFI national office at 816.231.4646. The CFI staff will assist with the WFCA registration requirements. Not only can the WFCA member receive a $200 discount for each installer that participates, but WFCA will pay 50% of your registration fee up to $500. Go to wfca-pro.org/Trade-Education.aspx for more details or call at 800.624.6880. This is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.”
WFCA-CFI will host additional CFI installation workshops at: Washington State Floor Covering Association at Mason Contracting in Seattle from Feb. 18 through Feb. 21; the Maryland Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association/CFI Delmarva at L. Fishman in Baltimore from March 4 to March 7, and Star Lumber in Wichita, Kan., from March 18 to March 21.