Last night at CTDA’s Coverings Happy Hour, Crossville, Inc. was announced as the Supplier of the Year. This is Crossville’s THIRD time winning this award and is the first supplier to do so!

The Supplier of the Year award, which is voted on by CTDA’s members, recognizes domestic and international supplier(s) who provide the most value to our distributor members and the ceramic tile and stone industry.

Congratulations, Crossville, Inc.!

Crossville, Inc. staff receiving their award from CTDA’s President, Rudy Llerena of D&B Tile Distributors.

(ARLINGTON, VA—March 18, 2019) Coverings (coverings.com), the largest international tile & stone exhibition and conference in North America, will give back to the local community through a range of charitable initiatives at this year’s show in Orlando, Florida from April 9-12. Continuing its tradition of supporting the host city, Coverings will partner with both Clean the World and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

“Coverings wouldn’t be possible without the support of our host cities, so it’s incredibly important that we give back to the communities that welcome us each year,” said Jennifer Hoff, president of Taffy Event Strategies, the management company for Coverings. “With so many industry professionals gathering in one place, we are honored to band together to benefit the area and build even deeper connections here.”

For a second year, Coverings will continue its partnership with Clean the World, assembling and providing hygiene kits for veterans’ associations in the Orlando area. Participants, including the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Tile of Spain, Ceramics of Italy and Coverings exhibitors Mapei and Florida Tile, will meet on Monday, April 8 for Coverings’ official service event, assembling kits onsite with daily items like toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrushes, lotion, Chapstick and more. The group hopes to double the output of last year’s initiative, with the aim of creating 1,600 kits for distribution to local veterans and will include handwritten notes within each kit as a thank you to those who have served their country.

“We’re excited to bring the initiative to Orlando and build on the success of Clean the World’s 2018 partnership with Coverings in Atlanta,” said NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga. “This joint service event brings the industry together for a truly positive and energizing start to the show, while generating immediate impact for those who have served our country living in our host city.”

Coverings 2019 also marks a continuation of the show’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity. In collaboration with both Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County & Greater Apopka and Freeman – the general service contractor for the show – Coverings will donate tile and building materials to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building affordable homes for those in need. The three organizations will work together during show breakdown to identify and collect usable tile, stone and other products from exhibitor booths.

Additionally, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and 21 of its members will continue their generous support for Orlando-area pets through TCNA’s tiled doghouse program at Coverings 2019. Showcasing tile’s versatility and style, participating members will design and build custom tiled doghouses. During the show these one-of-a-kind, handmade creations will be on display at the TCNA Art Tile Courtyard (Booth #4209), where attendees can see the craftsmanship firsthand and meet furry friends from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. A donation ceremony will be held in the TCNA Art Tile Courtyard at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 11^th.

“We’re honored to bring the tiled doghouse program back to Coverings as a creative and charitable way to showcase the beauty and versatility of tile,” said Kathy Meyer, TCNA director of marketing. “We invite Coverings attendees to visit the TCNA Art Tile Courtyard to see these incredible works of art generously provided by our members, meet the dedicated volunteers from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, and learn more about how this program benefits pets in the local community.”

Coverings returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando April 9-12, showing the latest and greatest from over 1,100 exhibitors. For more information, and to register to attend, visit coverings.com.

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About Coverings

Coverings is the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from over 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.

The exposition serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 45 informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifies, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.

Sponsors of the show areThe Ceramic Tile Distributor Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER),Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica,National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and theTile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed byTaffy Event Strategies, LLC.

Coverings 2019 takes place April 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information, visitcoverings.com or contact Taffy Events, Coverings Show Management, 703-539-5504.

(Syracuse, NY – February 28, 2019) Jim Ambrose, best-selling author and a leading authority on wholesale distribution, has just launched a series of e-learning modules for branch managers that will enhance operations and lead to improved profitability.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the wholesale distribution industry, Ambrose has expertly packaged the multi-module series to include essential business skills and time-tested leadership techniques for branch managers to be successful in this constantly evolving sector. The programs teach how to motivate and engage employees to increase their job satisfaction, while aligning the operation to maximize overall profitable share gain.

“I’ve been providing consulting services and coaching on wholesale management for a myriad of businesses across North America for decades,” said Ambrose. “Additionally, my webinars have been highly successful in reaching a broad branch management audience, allowing me to effectively share my experience and insights. Now, this new

e-learning program expands the reach of my messaging, conveniently providing branch managers with the necessary business and employee interaction tools to enhance productivity and profitability.”

Internationally recognized for providing a roadmap for success in the wholesale industry, Ambrose is making the e-learning workshop series available as digital content, for easy access anywhere with an internet connection. There are two featured workshops to choose from: the sales management focused Cracking Accounts: The Ultimate Toolkit for Sales and The Complete Jim Ambrose Masterclass, with sales techniques, financial analysis, management insights, leadership skills and employee engagement tactics.

To learn more on this new e-learning offering, visit www.jimambroseworkshops.school.

Ambrose has an outstanding track record of assisting hundreds of companies striving to improve their performance. For more information on all of his programs and services, including client reviews, visit www.jimambroseworkshops.com

(ARLINGTON, VA—February 12, 2019) Coverings (coverings.com), the largest international tile & stone exhibition and conference in North America, will honor the beauty and durability of tile this National Tile Day as the February 23 observance enters its third year. The show will showcase inspiring images of tile products and applications, including previews of products that will be unveiled at Coverings 2019, on its social media channels, inviting designers to share their favorite products with the hashtags #NationalTileDay, #Coverings2019 and #WhyTile.   Coverings will kick-off National Tile Day celebrations with the help of influencers attending Coverings 2019, who will share their insights on products and trends starting this month and throughout the duration of Coverings, which takes place April 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Participating designers and tile lovers include Amber Clore, Ashley Moore, Crystal Nielson, Holly Baker, John McClain, Kirsten Grove, Milton Miller and Sarah Gibson. Leading up to National Tile Day, these influencers will start the celebration of tile, discussing some of their favorite projects and the product’s key benefits such as durability, sustainability, versatility, affordability, and more.   “National Tile Day is an opportunity to reflect on the true impact and advancements of tile – while giving designers a chance to showcase their favorite projects,” said Alena Capra, Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and Coverings Industry Ambassador. “We are thrilled to spotlight to one of the oldest known building materials, which serves as the foundation of so many designs.”   Celebrating the best of tile’s style and versatility in honor of National Tile Day, Capra has created a 2019 trends forecast. Here’s a look at the patterns, colors, sizes and textures, which will continue to shape the industry:

• Florals & Leaves: With its pop of personality, florals and leaves are a perfect alternative to wallpaper – especially in commercial spaces seeking durability.
• Mirror Tile: One of the fastest rising trends, mirrored tile amplifies light and adds personality, with antique or frosted finishes and beveled edges being integrated in particular.
• Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs: Thin tile applications have become more widely used, appearing as cladding on buildings, walls, floors and installed as countertops or other surfacing.
• Bold Color: While blue remains America’s favorite color, brighter hues are on the rise, as are sophisticated blacks and dark greys as “new neutrals” – particularly in marble-inspired looks.
• Pattern Play: As wallpaper and patterns regain popularity, the trend has translated to tile – with striking shapes, complex geometric patterns, pop art, graphics and patterned wood options.
• Large-Format Tile: As production technology continues to evolve, tiles have become larger and larger – with current styles in up to 60” x 120”.

Bringing these latest trends to life, Coverings 2019 will feature an extensive range of product showcases, with highlights including:

• Aparici (Booth 4620), Tango: Inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 20s and 30s, these geometric shapes create sophisticated environments with sensitivity to nostalgia of past eras.
• Atlas Concorde (Booth 1737), Marvel Edge: Available in three different looks (marble, concrete, and stone) and two finishes (matte and glossy), a new 6mm, 48”x109” format expands the collection.
• AVA Ceramica (Booth XX), Marmi: Reproducing the textures and veins of marble, the collection spans 12 colors, seven 6mm formats, two 10mm formats and one 127”x64” 12mm format.
• Ceramica Gomez (Booth 4939), Zante: Zante introduces textures and reliefs which turn ceramic tile into works of art, spanning weathered, high-gloss, volumetric, rugged and embossed finishes.
• Ceramica Sant’Agostino (Booth 1221), Newdecò: Paying tribute to marble grit floors, NEWDECÒ is available in six colors, 10mm thick square floor and wall tiles and a range of sizes.
• Cerdisa (Booth 2112), Stonemix: From Burgundy Stone to marble and small fossils, Stonemix is available in five colors (White, Gold, Grey, Antrax, Multicolor), seven formats and two finishes.
• Cevica (Booth 4639), Manhattan: Bringing functionality and personality to any space, this collection lends an air of avant-garde with straight and simple lines with a pop of color.
• Crossville (Booth 2600), Reformation: Offered in a quartet of warm-to-cool hues, Reformation’s three large-format plank tile sizes, two mosaic options, and trim package offer unique versatility.
• Decocer (Booth 4655), Menara: Renowned for its unique, handmade, irregular finish & vibrant glaze, this range cleverly emulates the charm of traditional Zellige tiles.
• Fiandre (Booth 3609), Maximum Marmi Collection, Sahara Noir: Nothing is more intriguing than black, yet the extraordinary veins make this product recognizable and create plays of light and shadows, which increase in intensity with matte or polished finishes.
• Florida Tile (Booth 3620), Divinity HDP® Color Body Porcelain: Distinguished by the veining, striations and imperfections of natural stone, this floor and wall tile is available in four colors.
• Keraben Groupo (Booth 4811), Maranta: Inspired by traditional Mediterranean ceramic, Maranta reproduces their colors and classic shine on 25×70 tiles, with decorative motifs traditional to vintage cement tiles.
• Lunada Bay Tile (Booth 3600), Custom Glass Mosaic Blend: Lunada Bay’s made-to-order service offers 11 patterns and nearly 70 colors (in multiple finishes) to create a custom glass tile blend.
• Marca Corona (Booth 1731), Ossidi: Offering a combination of solid colors, beautiful graphics and unique formats, this porcelain stoneware line includes five shades and a variety of graphic effects.
• Metropolitan Ceramics (Booth 3025), METROBRICK®: The METROBRICK Fast Ship offering features six new blends added to the product line for 2019.
• Oceanside Glass & Tile (Booth 107), Zoetic: A collection inspired by their nature to find joy, spontaneity, and delight in everyday surroundings, Zoetic is composed of dimensional mosaics.
• Panaria Ceramica (Booth 2125), Eternity 0.3: Inspired by the aesthetic of marble veining, patterns, shades and designs, the collection is available in two 6mm sizes and four colors.
• Peronda (Booth 5141), FS Yard: FS Yard’s geometrical pattern brings personality to living spaces. The tile model comes in three colors– black, blue and sage.
• Realonda (Booth 5422), Riga: Combining colorful patchwork with a traditional Provencal shape, this decorative collection is full of character and available in a range of colors, textures and styles.
• Sicis (Booth 2131), Vetrite Gem Glass: With glass sheets that capture the beauty of precious stones and lava rocks, these 47″x110″ slabs are available in 6mm and 10mm, in a range of effects.
• Vitromex (Booth 3124), Brooklyn: Expanding the Brooklyn ceramic wall tile collection with the best features of glossy subway tiles, Vitromex introduces four new colors, offered in a 3”x 10” wall tile and coordinating 3”x 10” bullnose.

To achieve true impact, projects require the best in both tile and installation. Key tools, installation materials, and technology anticipated at Coverings 2019 will include:

• James Hardie (Booth 3835), HardieBacker® 500 Waterproof Cement Board: The first and only waterproof cement board, this introduction passes ANSI 118.10 for waterproofness and protects tile installation and wall cavities from wall penetration, eliminating the need for added coating.
• LATICRETE International Inc. (Booth 2641), MULTIMAX™ Lite: The ultimate one-step, non-sag, Large and Heavy Tile mortar for interior and exterior ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glass tile and stone installations, MULTIMAX Lite exceeds the industry’s highest performance standard for a cementitious-based adhesive mortar and can be more easily transported and troweled.
• Noble Company (Booth 3132), Noble Deck™: One of the only sheet membranes approved for primary waterproofing for exterior applications over occupied spaces, Noble Deck sheet membrane is engineered for outdoor use, providing waterproofing and high-performance crack isolation for thin-bed tile installations.
• Pearl Abrasive (Booth 3072), Tuscan SeamClip TruSpace: This all-in-one tool, made in the U.S.A. brings tiles into alignment and sets the grout spacing without the need for additional spacers. Clips hold tiles in place until they are set, then are easily snapped off leaving a level tile surface.
• Protecto Wrap Company (Booth 4029), Protecto Deck™: Protecting roof deck surfaces from costly water damage, this system’s nominal 70 mil membrane and liquid detailing serve as the primary roof deck waterproofing in an installer-friendly application. Its peel-and-stick application with a fabric-top coating makes an excellent bonding surface for latex modified thin-set mortars.
• TEXRITE (Booth XX), Epoxyplus #372 Starbrite: A new technology for grouts, this product is made with a special aggregate that transfers color from glass tile to grout in a “chameleon-like” manner.
• The Tile Doctor (Booth 4425), ZHERORisk® Products: This new line of non-toxic, non-corrosive and sustainable products includes introductions like Litokol® Aquamaster Waterproofing, a solvent-free, ready-to-use liquid membrane for waterproofing moist environments; Litokol® Litoelastic EVO, a two-part adhesive for ceramic tiles and natural stone; and Litokol® Epoxy Elite EVO, an acid-resistant epoxy mortar/setting for the installation and grouting of ceramic tiles.

For further exploration of tile, design professionals can attend Coverings 2019 at no cost from April 9-12, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show brings together 1,100 exhibitors representing over 40 countries and will feature the latest in innovations, trends and live demonstrations, as well as a range of educational conference sessions and CEUs.   Learn more about Coverings and opportunities to participate in National Tile Day at coverings.com. # # #     Press Contacts: Caroline Foley CF@sharpthink.com   Jillian Rosone JR@sharpthink.com Sharp Communications 212-829-0002 Coverings Social Media Facebook: facebook.com/CoveringsShow Twitter: @Coverings, #Coverings2019 Pinterest: pinterest.com/Coverings Instagram: instagram.com/CoveringsShow YouTube: youtube.com/TheCoveringsShow LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=1693367 Google +: google.com/+Coverings Blog: coverings.com/blog     About Coverings Coverings is the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from over 40 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.   The exposition serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 45 informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge. Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifies, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.   Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributor Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER),Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed by Taffy Event Strategies, LLC.   Coverings 2019 takes place April 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information, visit coverings.com or contact Taffy Events, Coverings Show Management, 703-539-5504.

BALTIMORE, MD., January 7, 2019 – Fishman Flooring Solutions, a leading distributor of flooring and flooring installation products, will celebrate 100 years of continuous business success in the distribution industry in 2019. By way of contrast, successful companies today typically exist for approximately 15 years.

“Over the next 12 months, we have two important centennial-related goals,” said Bob Wagner, president and CEO of Fishman Flooring Solutions. “First, we want to celebrate the past and current members of the Fishman team, as well as our customers, vendor partners and others who have contributed mightily to the success of the firm over the past 10 decades. Second, we want to identify the most important lessons that have evolved over the course of a century and make certain we continue to apply them to ensure the firm’s success well into the future.”

The company, then known as L. Fishman & Son, first opened its doors in Baltimore in 1919 selling thread and sewing supplies to workrooms. Four years later, the fledgling company became a distributor for the American Thread Company. In 1960, the company began selling carpet installation supplies for the Roberts Company. Its work for Roberts became the foundation for Fishman’s current flooring business. The firm’s name was changed in 2012 to Fishman Flooring Solutions to better reflect the value the company brings to the marketplace. The following year, the company became 100 percent employee owned.

Fishman has invested significant time over the past six months planning its centennial celebration, according to Wagner. Events to celebrate employees, customers, vendors and others have been scheduled throughout the year.

Fishman Flooring Solutions, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is the “Solutions Provider” distributor of flooring and flooring installation products. It has approximately 240 employees and 37 branches serving Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The firm, a division of L. Fishman & Son, Inc., distributes more than 36,000 products for approximately 75 vendor partners. For more information, please go to www.lfishman.com.

If you’re looking for something special for your restaurant’s walls and flooring that can stand up to high traffic while also being resistant to water, food and drink spills, and environmental damage, take a look at beautiful cement tile. Reminiscent of century-old Encaustic Tiles, cement tiles have been handcrafted by artisans for decades. The designs and colors create a beautiful and durable surface that is more aesthetically appealing than basic cement or drywall, and more durable and eco-friendly than wood or laminate flooring.

At Rustico Tile and Stone, our tiles are made from mineral pigmented Portland cement, are completely customizable, and are perfect for restaurant floors, walls, bars, bathrooms, backsplashes, and even outdoors. Want to learn more? Below are some of our top uses for cement tiles in restaurants!

1. Open up a room. Much like well-placed mirrors give the illusion of space, decorative cement tiles create the illusion of openness in small areas of a restaurant. Try placing our beautiful tile on angled walls and backsplashes to give the perception of more space. You’ll add instant height to the room along with an aesthetically pleasing décor.

2. Create beautiful backsplashes. With cement tile you can create a striking pattern that is unique to your restaurant’s personality. Try a Mayan-inspired mosaic, a deeply vibrant color mix, or maybe a monochromatic tile scheme. Transform boring walls into beautiful artwork with a design that’s all your own!

3. Generate a mood. Every color and shape creates a specific feeling. If you’re going for modern style with clean lines in an upscale coffee shop or bar, try installing neutral tiles in a geometric pattern. For a European feel at a bistro or Mediterranean restaurant, add some hexagonal tiles with a more antiquated color story. For a fancy and polished look, try a Japanese wave pattern or even combine pristine white and light tan for a polished finish.

4. Make it yours. Customize your own tile. Pick a design. Pick your colors and voila – it’s customized. Experiment with different colors and shapes to create the ambiance you want for your restaurant. Cement tiles come in almost every color in the spectrum, in different kinds of patterns, and in all types of shapes. You’re sure to find the right one for you!

5. Craft a focal point. When you install a gorgeous mosaic pattern or a richly colorful tile, it can become a beautiful focal point in your restaurant. Rather than hanging a picture on the wall, why not think about adding tile instead? Or create a striking fireplace element by outlining it in customizable tiles that nobody else will be able to replicate. Try decorating a niche with tiles on the interior side to create an artistic space.

6. Take it outside. Exterior design is just as important as interior design, and cement tiles are perfect for outdoor eating and waiting areas. The tiles can be sealed which gives them UV protection, water-resistance, and scratch-resistance, and are much more beautiful than concrete.

7. Match your tiles to your menu. Create a unified theme by matching your tiles to your menus! Geometric patterns and sleek, sharp lines speak to Modernism. Rustic terra cotta tiles invite a cultured, world-traveled diner. Spanish-style cement tiles compliment Mexican food restaurants, adding an authentic feel to the space. Bright colors of Moroccan tile designs accentuate the ambiance of many ethnic food restaurants.

8. Build a sexy bathroom. Continue the visual story of your restaurant into its bathrooms by installing matching tile on the walls or floors. Your customers can wash up in a luxurious environment with a crimson colored tile, or step into a beautiful resort-like setting with light blues and greens.

9. Create an otherworldly experience. Take your guests back in time or instantly transport them to the other side of the globe with thoughtfully installed tile. Victorian designs can bring a long forgotten era back to life, while Moroccan designs can create a Spanish or Bohemian flare that offers customers a glimpse of another place and culture.

10. Inspire your design. The right tile design and color palette can add the perfect finishing touch to your overall restaurant style. You can pick the color and shape that matches your furniture and color scheme, or you can even use the tile as a basis for your overall design and go from there.

While cuisine may be the primary reason for guests to visit an establishment, it is the subtle design elements that entice them to continue their restaurant dining experiences. At Rustico Tile and Stone, our eco-friendly and sealable cement tiles are a unique way for restaurant owners to communicate visually with their customers.

Portland cement tiles and UV protecting/water-resistant sealers are available for purchase at Rustico Tile & Stone in Austin, TX.

Rustico Tile and Stone is the leading distributor of authentic Mexican tile and stone products for consumers around the world, with a customer base encompassing national floor retail stores, architects, designers, builders, and residential and commercial buyers. For more information about product offerings, price and shipping details, or general inquiries, visit http://www.saltillotileconnection.com. Rustico Tile and Stone is offering generous price discounts throughout the summer in celebration of its 10th year anniversary in business.

CTDA members recently traveled to Turkey on a Trade Mission and blogged about their experiences.

Architectural Ceramics, Inc. takes on Istanbul: Part One

When you are a part of the CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributor Association), you’re given a unique opportunity to explore parts of the tile community you’d never have been able to before. As a member of the CTDA for over 10 years, Architectural Ceramics has time and again been able to expand our tile selections, our product knowledge, and our design network thanks to opportunities like this.
Earlier this year, the CTDA approached its long list of members and suggested everyone join together for a trip to Istanbul on behalf of Turkish Ceramics Association of Turkey. In early June, Betty Sullivan and David Benson from Architectural Ceramics embarked on a journey with the rest of the CTDA to the country of Turkey. The trip was three days long, with the flight over spanning about 10 hours.

Upon our arrival in Turkey, we were delighted to see that our trip from the airport to where we were staying offered several amazing views along the way. While it was a long drive, it felt amazing to be in such a new place with several days of excitement still in store for us. When we did finally arrive at the hotel, we were greeted and checked in flawlessly which was no surprise because the CTDA always makes sure to pick the most accommodating stays. After getting some rest, Betty and David headed to the opening reception on an amazing roof top, the nice breeze cooling them as they got to meet with many manufacturers and learn a little bit more about what was to come the next couple of days.

Day 1 officially started the next morning, beginning with a European breakfast bar call Manzara. Manzara had everything from eggs, to sliced meats, to fresh honey literally hanging from the honeycomb. Everyone loved it! After breakfast, we went to our morning session, which was like a mini-tradeshow almost. We had the opportunity to hear from multiple professionals in the industry. Guvan, the head of a well known marketing group, taught us the history on ceramics in Turkey, as well as more about the culture itself. We were then introduced to the President of the Turkish Ceramics Association and we learned about the 30+ porcelain/ceramic manufacturers in Turkey trying increase exports to the USA, instead of just appealing to the European market.

Trade shows are always exciting because they show us more of what their factories have to offer. Below are some photos of what really stood out from a product standpoint. A really great aspect to know is that Turkey can produce HD quality products, just like the US or Italy. However, consensus seems to show there is still a lot of growth that needs to occur.

To learn more about Architectural Ceramics, Inc. click here.

This year, Facebook grew to a mind-boggling 3 billion views per day, and 53% of these views came from posts that were shared by users. But as the platform constantly adjusts to this growth, it can be difficult to keep up with the changes and updates.

Facebook’s developer conference took place recently and included several big announcements. These announcements included future improvements to existing applications and exciting new features inside of Facebook. Do you know about all of them?

Facebook Messenger is a text feature used inside of Facebook or as a separate application, and is available on mobile devices. Messenger will be updated with the following:
* Payments can now be sent and accepted through Messenger.
* This application can now be embedded on any website and used as a chat feature.
* Individuals can contact a business through Messenger and the experience will be the same as contacting a friend through the application.
* Customers can track interactions with business such as delivery date, package location or customer service updates.
* Interactions through Messenger will result in the company’s posts listing higher up in the customer’s Facebook feed.
* Greater amounts of data will be available for the company if a customer contacts them through Messenger (for example, past orders, age, gender, FB preferences…)

Currently, video posts are the best way to communicate with fans on Facebook. These posts receive the most views, shares and feedback rates along with the highest preference from Facebook’s algorithms to place higher on the feed of individual fans. The changes to Facebook Video include:
* Facebook videos can now be embedded on websites, whether they belong to the
* Any videos can be embedded by anyone – whether they own the video or not.
* Videos on Facebook now have a size limit of 1.5Gb.
* Videos can be scheduled to go live at specific times and be taken down at specific future dates.
* Video data is still accessible when taken off of live feed (accessible by owner).
* Video can be restricted to certain groups (divided by age, gender, location…).
* A Call-to-Action can be added to the end of a video that will pull the user to any page, even one not connected to Facebook.
* Uploads can now be resumed if cut off during the upload process.
* Bulk uploading is now available even if all videos will not be published simultaneously.
* Live feeds can be published on Facebook feeds.

Facebook is constantly changing. Keeping up with all of these modifications can be a tough job, but hopefully the items listed above will help!

Special thanks to Creating Your Space for this informative guest blog. Shannon Vogel of Creating Your Space is a tile industry staple and has presented well received webinars for CTDA and sessions at TSP. Visit their website for more information about marketing and social media in the tile industry: www.creatingyourspace.com