E. CANTON, OH (August 20, 2014) – Rubenstein’s, a leading source of commercial flooring in the Pacific Northwest, donated eleven loads of flooring and adhesives to support community improvement projects in Washington, Oregon and California from April to August of this year.

The donations benefited Habitat for Humanity partners in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and Bremerton, Wash., as well as affiliates in Portland, Ore., and Modesto, Calif.. Rubenstein’s also donated flooring to River Valley Community Outreach Center (RVCOC), a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of families in need in the Sacramento area.

Mountain Re-Source Center, a nonprofit that seeks donations of usable materials to support the work of other nonprofit organizations, coordinated the donation on behalf of Habitat and RVCOC.

For Jesse Deason, Senior Project Manager of Rubenstein’s, the donation was a great way to benefit multiple communities while also creating additional space in his warehouse.

“We are pleased to participate in this worthwhile program, which allowed us to reclaim roughly 6,000 square feet of warehouse space and realize a potential cost savings on disposal fees while simultaneously providing a benefit to those less fortunate.  We would encourage any contractor with overage material to consider this program as a means to purge their unnecessary stock.”

Rubenstein’s is also a member of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Deason is a member of its board of directors. NTCA is a longtime supporter of Tile Partners for Humanity, the partnership of tile industry members supporting the efforts of nonprofit organizations around the country through its parent organization, Mountain Re-Source Center.

Stanislaus County Habitat for Humanity in Modesto, Calif., used the flooring both in construction of new homes and in the restore, where the sale of material raised money for new construction efforts. “We depend on donations of good materials to build homes for deserving families,” said Director of ReStores Gary Torrijos. “We appreciate this so much!”

RVCOC Executive Director Mark Miller said there is always a need for quality flooring in his community. “The families we serve have very few resources and are always thankful for good materials that they can use to repair their homes and improve their lives. We work with single parents, veterans returning from service, and any number of families in need. On their behalf, we are grateful for the donation!”

Herb Miller, executive director of Mountain Re-Source Center, thanked Rubenstein’s for its incredible support. “Eleven loads of product can do a WORLD of good, and with this donation Rubenstein’s was able to improve lives in seven communities. We are so grateful that they understand how important it is to share good product and to allow their excess material to benefit the lives of those in need. Thank you!!”

About Mountain Re-Source Center

Mountain Re-Source Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that welcomes donations of all types of building materials as well as disaster relief supplies, educational resources, household necessities, and medical supplies. MRC also includes Tile Partners for Humanity, which represents a partnership of tile industry members supporting Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations. To donate or for more information on MRC or TPFH, contact MRC Executive Director Herb Miller at 304-678-4229/ hmiller@mountainre-source.org or Networking Director Ally Venugopal at 425-429-6188/ allyv@mountainre-source.org. MRC provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. For more information, visit www.mountainre-source.org.

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E. CANTON, OH (July 28, 2014) – Three members of the tile industry donated tile and installation materials to tile eight Habitat for Humanity homes in Norlina, North Carolina, in April.

Best Tile of Raleigh donated floor and wall tile and Neuse Tile Service of Youngsville donated thinset mortar and grout. USG Corporation, which distributes USG Durock® Brand Cement Board through Best Tile, donated USG Durock cement board for the full project.

Habitat for Humanity of Warren County has tiled two bathrooms in the first of the eight homes, which are in the Northwoods neighborhood of Norlina, about an hour north of Raleigh. Local volunteers handled the tile installation.

TPFH represents the partnership of tile industry members working to support nonprofit partners like Habitat for Humanity and community outreach centers through donations of tile materials and labor. TPFH coordinated the donations on behalf of Habitat in Warren County.

The donors included members of longtime TPFH supporters Ceramic Tile Distributors Association and National Tile Contractors Association. Frank Donahue, owner of Best Tile, is the president of CTDA and Nyle Wadford, president of Neuse Tile, is the chairman of the board of NTCA. USG is a member of both CTDA and NTCA.

Donahue said he was happy to be part of the project in Norlina. “We are proud to support local organizations like Habitat for Humanity and to know that the through the tile we donated, eight families will have modern and durable bathrooms in their new homes.”

Paige W. Smith, Vice President of Neuse Tile Service, said, “We appreciate being included in the project in Norlina and are glad to support efforts that provide outreach and help meet the housing needs of some members of our community.”

For USG Sales Representative Willie Phares, it was an easy decision to participate. “USG believes it’s important to support the communities where we live and work and where we know our products will be able to support the good work of organizations like Habitat for Humanity. We’re proud to be part of this project!”

Herb Miller, Executive Director of TPFH and its parent organization, Mountain Re-Source Center, thanked the industry members for their donations. “Thanks to Best Tile, Neuse Tile Service, and USG, eight families will know the value and beauty of tile in their new homes! We couldn’t do it without their enthusiasm and support!”

About Tile Partners for Humanity/Mountain Re-Source Center

Tile Partners for Humanity represents a partnership of tile industry members supporting Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations. TPFH is part of MRC, which welcomes donations of all types of building materials as well as disaster relief supplies, educational resources, household necessities, and medical supplies. To donate or for more information on MRC or TPFH, contact MRC Executive Director Herb Miller at 304-678-4229/ hmiller@mountainre-source.org or Networking Director Ally Venugopal at 425-429-6188/ allyv@mountainre-source.org. MRC provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. For more information, visit www.mountainre-source.org or www.tpfh.com.

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E. CANTON, OH (July 21, 2014) – Two members of the tile industry donated tile and installation materials for three Habitat for Humanity homes in Escondido, California, in June.

Daltile donated a 12×12 floor tile and LATICRETE donated thinset mortar and grout.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity tiled the entire first level and one additional bathroom in each of the three homes, which are part of a larger 11-home project in the Escondido community north of San Diego. The build was part of the national Habitat for Humanity Builders’ Blitz initiative, in which local builders sponsored homes and completed all of the work on their own.

TPFH represents the partnership of tile industry members working to support nonprofit partners like Habitat for Humanity and community outreach centers through donations of tile materials and labor. TPFH coordinated the donations on behalf of Habitat in San Diego County.

The donors included members of longtime TPFH supporters Tile Council of North America, Ceramic Tile Distributors Association and National Tile Contractors Association. Both Daltile and LATICRETE are members of all three organizations. Daltile is also a national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity.

Lori Holt Pfeiler, executive director of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, thanked the donors for their support.

“Habitat’s programs help those who need a ‘hand up’ to overcome the challenges they face with regard to decent, affordable housing. Working alongside partners like Daltile and LATICRETE, we are able to offer hope by making homeownership a reality for families in Escondido, and throughout San Diego County.  We are so grateful for their generous support. ”

“LATICRETE very much supports the efforts of Tile Partners for Humanity. We firmly believe in the mission of the organization and are proud to be a part of it,” said Maria Oliveira, LATICRETE Corporate Marketing Manager.

Herb Miller, executive director of TPFH and its parent organization, Mountain Re-Source Center, thanked the tile industry for its ongoing support. “It’s only through generous donations from partners like Daltile and LATICRETE that we’re able to support the work of our nonprofit partners. These families in Escondido have beautiful floors – thank you so much!”

About Tile Partners for Humanity/Mountain Re-Source Center

Tile Partners for Humanity represents a partnership of tile industry members supporting Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations. TPFH is part of MRC, which welcomes donations of all types of building materials as well as disaster relief supplies, educational resources, household necessities, and medical supplies. To donate or for more information on MRC or TPFH, contact MRC Executive Director Herb Miller at 304-678-4229/ hmiller@mountainre-source.org or Networking Director Ally Venugopal at 425-429-6188/ allyv@mountainre-source.org. MRC provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. For more information, visit www.mountainre-source.org or www.tpfh.com.

About Daltile

Daltile is an industry-leading brand of ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, manufactured stone and natural stone tile products. Daltile products are distributed through over 250 company-owned sales service centers, stone slabyards and gallery design centers that service a robust network of trade customers. Dedicated to innovative product development and distinguished style, Daltile provides a rich palette of quality products created to inspire residential and commercial designs. For more information, visit www.daltile.com and follow Daltile on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About LATICRETE International, Inc.

LATICRETE is a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry. LATICRETE offers a broad range of products and systems covering substrate preparation, tile and stone installation, concrete construction chemicals, and decorative flooring. For nearly 60 years, LATICRETE has been committed to research and development of innovative installation products, building a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. LATICRETE methods, materials and technology have been field and laboratory proven by Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Owners. Offering an array of low VOC and sustainable products, LATICRETE products contribute to LEED certification, exceed commercial/residential VOC building requirements, and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SPECTRALOCK®, HYDRO BAN®, PERMACOLOR®, and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc.

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E. CANTON, OH (July 16, 2014) – Five members of the tile industry donated tile and installation materials to tile three Habitat for Humanity homes in Woodland Park, Colorado, in April.

Daltile, Capco Tile & Stone, and Marino Tile and Marble all donated tile. Merkrete, a division of Parex USA, donated thinset mortar and grout and Tile Traders contributed tile backerboard. All of the companies donated from their facilities in Colorado Springs, which is a short distance from the Habitat project site.

The homes completed a six-family project, which includes one family that fosters special needs children. Habitat adapted the house plans to make the home ADA compliant and said the donation of tile floors and walls helped them meet those requirements and reduce the overall cost to the family. The project was also part of a Habitat initiative known as Women Build, in which women make up the entire volunteer force. Under the leadership of Habitat construction supervisors, the women also handled the tile installation!

Tile Partners for Humanity represents the partnership of tile industry members working to support nonprofit partners like Habitat for Humanity and community outreach centers through donations of tile materials and labor. TPFH coordinated the donations on behalf of Habitat in Teller County.

The donors included members of longtime TPFH supporters Ceramic Tile Distributors Association and National Tile Contractors Association. Merkrete, Marino Tile and Marble, and Tile Traders are members of CTDA and Capco Tile & Stone, Merkrete and Marino Tile & Stone are members of NTCA. Daltile is a member of both CTDA and NTCA and is also a national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity.

Jamie Caperton, executive director of Teller County Habitat for Humanity, said it was an incredible experience for both volunteers and families. “What a delight it was to work with such generous partners like these to provide such a warm and welcoming home for our families during the Women Build Week. The ladies had tons of fun laying tile and totally look forward to next year!”

For Derek Richardson of Capco Tile & Stone, it was a chance to show appreciation to the community. “Capco Tile & Stone was happy to make a contribution to support Habitat for Humanity and the local community. As a long time local small business in Colorado Springs we feel it is important to give back to the community that has for so long supported us. Thank you Colorado Springs!”

Luciano Tavares of Merkrete said they were happy to participate. “Parex USA as a company, represented in this case by our tile and setting materials brand Merkrete, was proud to be part of the Habitat for Humanity project in Woodland Park, CO. Our facility in Colorado Springs was convenient and practical by supplying the right setting material for the size of the tile used in the project, including Merkrete 720 Marble Pro and Merkrete Integra for the installation of the glass tile. We liked that our facility was able to assist on a local level and knew that our donation was going to be used for a good cause.”

Herb Miller, Executive Director of TPFH and its parent organization, Mountain Re-Source Center, said the project could not have come together without the support of so many members of the tile industry. “It’s only through generous partners and their desire to improve their communities that we’re able to support the work of our nonprofit partners. Three families now know the joy of home ownership and the value of beautiful tile floors in their homes. Thank you for your partnership!”

About Tile Partners for Humanity/Mountain Re-Source Center

Tile Partners for Humanity represents a partnership of tile industry members supporting Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations. TPFH is part of MRC, which welcomes donations of all types of building materials as well as disaster relief supplies, educational resources, household necessities, and medical supplies. To donate or for more information on MRC or TPFH, contact MRC Executive Director Herb Miller at 304-678-4229/ hmiller@mountainre-source.org or Networking Director Ally Venugopal at 425-429-6188/ allyv@mountainre-source.org. MRC provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. For more information, visit www.mountainre-source.org or www.tpfh.com.

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PRContact:DavidHanna,NACProducts,Inc.MarketingManager
330.644.3117, dhanna@nacproducts.com

Akron,OH–April24,2014–National Applied Construction(NAC)Products, Inc., the company that introduced the industry to ECB® and crack isolation membrane technology, has unveiled a brand new website at the same domain www.NACproducts.com.

This is the latest addition to the NAC Products brand identity progression that began last year with our 30th anniversary celebration and the release of the 2013 NAC calendar “Classic Vehicles from the Tile Industry.”

“The new website design has been in the works for several months and is the next step in the continued evolution of the NAC brand,”said Brian Petit,Vice-President of Operations. “Our goal is to be an educational resource, a place to go for answers, and we want to provide an exceptional experience for visitors from a functionality stand point and that includes a refreshed brand image.”

The new website will be on display in the NAC booth(#7101) at the Coverings Tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV beginning on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

NAC offers a variety of floor protection systems for crack isolation (ECB®, ECB®75, ECB® Green), sound control (SAM®3, SAM®390, SuperSAM®125) and waterproofing (Strataflex sheet and SubSeal® liquid membranes, Extreme Deck Waterproofing System) over substrates like concrete, wood, tile and backer board among others. NAC also offers companion products such as primer, sealant, tape and ready-to-install kits. For more information about the NAC family of flooring solutions, call 800-633-4622 or visit www.NACproducts.com.

Scott Carothers, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation director of certification and training, has received the coveted National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Ring of Honor for his service to the tile industry and to NTCA.

The award was presented to Carothers by NTCA president Dan Welch at the industry-wide awards luncheon during Total Solutions Plus in Bonita Springs, Florida, on October 28, 2013.

The prestigious Ring of Honor recognition is given to professionals who have made a difference in the tile industry and who have devoted years of support to the NTCA’s strategic initiatives. Past recipients include representatives from all segments of the tile and stone industry.

Carothers’ career in the tile industry spans almost 36 years. Prior to joining CTEF, he was owner of Long’s Tile Company, Altoona, Pennsylvania, for 26 years. He served on the NTCA Board of Directors for 12 years and was president of NTCA from 2003 to 2005. He was a member of NTCA’s Technical Committee for 15 years and was chairman of the committee for 5 years.

“I have worked closely with Scott Carothers since I joined NTCA in 2001,” said Bart Bettiga, NTCA executive director. “His passion for the industry, specifically in relation to training and education for the proper installation of ceramic tile, is unequaled. His numerous years of dedication to NTCA, his can-do approach to leadership and service, and his team approach strongly qualify him to receive the Ring of Honor,” Bettiga said.

Carothers joined CTEF in 2007, where he developed the Certified Tile Installer Program (CTI), which will soon reach the milestone of 1,000 professional certifications. In addition, Carothers has worked closely with other leaders of tile installer organizations to develop and implement the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers Program (ACT), which takes certification to the next level and focuses on specific installation skills in unique applications. Carothers is well known for his dedication to bringing skills testing to locations across the U.S., allowing good, knowledgeable tile installers to verify their skills, acquire certification and provide industry-recognized proof of their professionalism.

Carothers noted, “CTEF’s programs are unique. Its curriculum is based on practical applications, ANSI standards, and the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation. NTCA recognizes the importance of certifying tile installers and improving the quality of our trade.

“I am extremely honored by this recognition, and humbled by the fact that I am joining the ranks of others who have so tirelessly served our industry,” Carothers concluded. “Both the CTI and ACT programs build on the work initiated by previous recipients, and I look forward to continuing our industry-wide efforts to promote the use of tile in construction through the recognition of our skilled workforce.”

Dear CTDA Members,

Less than three weeks ago many of you, myself included, attended a  record-breaking Total Solutions Plus (TSP)  in Bonita Springs, Florida.

At TSP you  had the opportunity to network, enjoy, visit your vendors in a relaxed environment, and get educated on the some of the relevant issues facing the industry.  For me, personally, I left the conference  exhilarated that TSP has arrived and has become a major industry event every member should attend. We can all be proud of being a part of CTDA.  At TSP you learned that membership in CTDA association is increasing, ALONG WITH participation in committees.  The association is striving to give you additional benefits as an added bonus for membership. All CTDA committees are working hard to serve you and to best represent your needs.

I personally ask you to recommit not only for your yearly dues, but also to get someone in your organization to join and be active in one of the committees.

In doing so you also earn points that can earn you a free yearly member!

Some of our top participating distributors and suppliers should be recognized for their dedication to CTDA.

You are part of an association that represents your needs and provides you with Education and Certification Programs that include of Online Education, Webinars, Tile Training in a Box, Color/Shade Variation Program, and CCTS Certification The CTDA Dealer Blog, Membership Directory, Profit Report comparison with the industry averages, and Employee Compensation Surveys are also available to you.

Did you also know that CTDA members enjoy  shipping discounts from freightquote.com, credit card processing discounts, discounts on F.W. dodge leads, NAW Business Services Program and a program with Schechner Lifson Insurance? Have you used these services?

In closing, everyone at CTDA including management, board members, committee members and members want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and healthy and prosperous new year.

Please make a commitment to sign up early, encourage non members and suppliers to join, and to make a commitment to have one of your employees engaged in one of the various committees ( Certification Committee, Convention Planning Committee, Education Committee, Marketing/PR Committee, Membership Committee, Social Media Committee, Technical Committee, Emerging Leaders Committee).

Thank you again for all your support. Looking forward to seeing all at Coverings.

Dave Milanowycz
Sales Director for Independent Distribution
Florida Tile
CTDA Membership Committee Chairman

On October 26^th a record 474 tile industry professionals will met at the biggest, best Total Solutions Plus yet! From Jon Petz’s opening keynote, “It’s Showtime…and Life Isn’t a Dress Rehearsal” to the sold-out Table Top show featuring 75 exhibitors of tile, tools and installation materials, Total Solutions Plus offered tools and inspiration for moving your business to the forefront in 2014. Breakout sessions included search engine optimization, social media, ACT Certification Demo: Mudwork and Showers, Barrier Free Design/Techniques, the familiar Distributor’s Forum and much more.

“The specification smackdown format was fantastic. The panelist were knowledgeable and their presentations led to a full-room group discussion about some significant problems within our industry…”

As Total Solutions Plus attendees repeatedly say, however, the real benefit is the opportunity to meet with allies and contacts. Total Solutions Plus attendees are your best customers, most valuable suppliers and preferred installers. One attendee summed up TSP networking this way: “The networking events were awesome!”

“Nicely organized and the key note speaker and closing speaker were both fantastic!”

“This was our first event and it was great to talk with my peers in the business.”

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Dave Milanowycz, Director of Sales for Florida Tile, is the 2013 Ceramic Tile Distributor’s Association Hall of Fame inductee.

The award was made in late October during the industry’s annual Total Solutions Plus convention in Bonita Springs, Florida. The convention is held jointly by the CTDA, the National Tile Contractors Association and the Tile Council of North America.

The award is given annually to an industry professional who has demonstrated significant contributions to not only the CTDA but also to the industry in general.

To be nominated, one must be or have been an active CTDA member and have  demonstrated a leadership role in the tile industry which reflects the CTDA mission.

The organization is an international association of distributors, manufacturers and allied professionals of ceramic tile and related products which connects, educates and strengthens tile and stone distributors.

Dave has been with Florida Tile for over 20 years and is actively involved in the distributor network providing leadership and sales guidance.

He is respected by the Florida Tile customer base for his excellence in training and face to face field time with showroom personnel and outside sales people.

Dave lives in Howell, NJ and enjoys time with his wife and two daughters when he is not in the field selling tile.

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Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, Florida Tile is a fully owned subsidiary of Panariagroup, a publicly owned company traded on the Milan Stock Exchange (MILAN: PAN IM). Panariagroup is a leading manufacturer and distributor in over 60 countries around the world with six manufacturing sites in Italy, Portugal and the USA and eight brands positioned in the high-end of the market. 

Every year, Cersaie provides a unique opportunity to experience new frontiers in ceramics for homes as well as commercial and public spaces. With an average of 20,000 visitors a day and nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 34 countries, this year’s show proved that Cersaie is a hotbed of inspiration not only in terms of interior ceramic surfacing but also possibilities in exterior cladding, quick laying and landscape architecture. Walking through the giant halls of the Bologna show, the most popular design trends revolved around four P’s: patchwork, patterns, planks and pavers.

Color and pattern dominated the aisles of Cersaie this year, which is evident in a few playful collections including U-Color by newcomer 41Zero42, Mix and Match by Gamma Due and Type-32 by Lea Ceramiche, which is part of the company’s new Slimtech 5Plus series of 5mm thick laminated stoneware.

Moving beyond the confines of a backsplash, companies introduced a multitude of decorative patchwork collections that make a bold statement from floor to ceiling. Continuing their collaboration with the Milan-based graphic design firm, Studio FM, Refin introduced four designs for Frame-Up that places an inventive and graphic spin on historical patterns. ImolaCeramica reached back into its own archives to breathe new life into 100-year-old patterns and traditions with Cento per cento and Imola 1874. Though not solely designed for patchwork surfacing, Memorie by Appiani is the first majolica-inspired mosaic tile collection featuring 12 geometric designs on 12”x12” tile sheets that can be mixed and matched to create a more playful setting. Honeycomb adds another interesting layer to the patchwork trend, which can be seen in Gamma Due’s extruded porcelain Melograno tiles and Settecento’s Matière collection.

The concept of 2cm thick porcelain pavers began to sprout during last year’s show but has now spread like wildfire throughout the entire industry. Twice as thick as most tiles, they have the same benefits as regular porcelain – frost-resistant, skid-resistant, easy to clean – but their incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) create the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. The tiles can also be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand without grout or adhesives, making installation incredibly easy. Mirage was one of the first companies to introduce this new format and now offers EVO_2/e with 10 of its collections including Norr, featuring a distinctively random pattern of pebbles of varying size, color and shade. Lastra 20mm is available with five of Atlas Concorde’s collections inspired by wood, stone and cement while Caesar offers Aextra20 with seven of its collections ranging from saw cut wood to rough cut stone.

Shabby chic was another popular trend at Cersaie, which could be seen in tiles inspired by ancient stones, rustic wood and cement tiles with incredible color variation. A few standout tile collections include Pantheon by Century, Petra by Emilceramica, Barriques by Ricchetti, Old_Wood by Fioranese, Block by Marazzi and Memory by Cerim.