The Atlantic chapter
Advancing a region and an industry
The Atlantic Floorcovering Association is comprised of the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The geographical challenges are tremendous. We are faced with four unique markets, provincial regulations, and individual business practices.
We strive to bring a package to the table that can benefit all the areas, not only the major city businesses but the many rural and more remote industry members as well. Problems, areas of concern, or benefits to one area may be totally irrelevant to another. This means we must have an array of services so that each area can benefit from membership.
We focus on the industry and the common denominators no matter where the business is practiced. The most crucial area of concern for a member no matter where they are located is installation. All members of the floorcovering industry can relate to the devastating plight of the installation workforce. The urgent need for education, regulation, and marketing as a career choice is common to all. Positive strides are being made in the Nova Scotia area, and once educators have developed and tested their programs, they will be then move to the other provincial markets.
Various benefit plans are in place to bring value to individual members. Some are offered through our parent National Floor Covering Association and some on provincial levels. Even this has proven to be a task as businesses in all industry have taken on this line of marketing. Our competition is great. With the popularity of points or discounts being offered by most, it is important for us to target those unique to our industry and that benefit members in all of Atlantic Canada — both urban and rural.
A new tool
Unique to our industry is the availability of the Floor Covering Reference Manualt (pictured). This has become a most valuable tool to all who have it in their possession. The manual is a product of the National Floor Covering Association and is available to all association members at a reduced price.
This universal flooring guide has proven invaluable and features all facets of flooring with guides and procedures: from choosing the proper product through to the proper installation, and everything in between. Regular updates are provided when your manual is registered. This represents one of our efforts to bring value to our members and our commitment to our industry.
Although off to a somewhat relaxed beginning this year, we are looking forward to high activity in our region over the next few years. Predictions of growth for both eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and for the Halifax area are high. Housing starts for both areas are optimistic. Major construction projects are already underway.
As the industry in our massive region prepares to take on these tasks, we, as an association, are here to support the betterment of the floorcovering industry and its members in any way we can.
The National Floor Covering Association is an association of five provincial and regional floor covering associations serving the industry in Canada.