Working Green

Social Media Trends in 2012

2012-01-24T13:26:00.002-05:00

From techcrunch.com, key Social Media Trends to look out for in 2012:

In 2011, social media had its share of growing pains. Large brands and corporations took to social media in force to try to find footing in this expanding medium. Some brands found success, while others found peril and new PR nightmares.

The whole Techcrunch article is here.

Attention-Grabbing Messages!

2012-01-03T15:36:00.004-05:00

Great advice on creating a message that grabs your audiences attention for the next meeting or conference.

From the Harvard Business Review:

You can feel the tension in the compressed smiles, quick nods and pointed questions at the annual Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare conference. Schedules are packed as the high-stakes finance crowd gathers to hear 20-minute rapid-fire talks by CEOs of start-ups and public companies who seek funding or favorable stock analysts' reports. Presenters speak fast, using complex medical and financial terms.

Read the entire Harvard Business Review article.

Randy on Sustainability

2011-12-15T14:30:00.008-05:00

Randy Weis speaks about what sustainability means to him personally and for his business.

New Project: Farm Family

2011-11-29T14:09:00.006-05:00

Farm Family is in Glenmont, NY, in the Albany area. We used 400 square yards of Lees Tie, color Belt Loop, in the middle building main hallway and reception area. They needed a good quality carpet that will last a long time, improve the image and appearance of the building and also not become “dated” over time. Ongoing appearance was important and RD Weis was awarded the maintenance of the newly installed carpet and the rest of the Middle Building. Next phase will be 1100 square yards and will begin soon.

Back to School with RD Weis, November 22

2011-11-17T14:43:00.005-05:00

Earn one AIA CEU credit. Join us Tuesday November 22nd at our Manhattan office.

Program: Innovations in Carpet Recycling: 1 HSW/SD and USGBC 200

Presenters:

Sheri Gorman, LEED AP and

Sean Ragiel from CarpetCycle

	Time:		12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
	Where:		RD Weis Companies' Manhattan office 260 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500 New York, NY 10001
	RSVP:		Sheri Gorman sgorman@rdweis.com ph: 212-376-5355 X 202

Come visit our booth at the ALA Metropolitan Detroit Exposition

2011-11-10T10:37:00.002-05:00

Come visit our booth at the ALA Metropolitan Detroit Exposition this Friday Nov. 11

Club Venetian

29310 John R. Road

Madison Heights, MI 48071

Date: Friday, 11/11/11

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Open

Hope to see you there!

Spirit of Hope Foundation

2011-10-28T14:10:00.006-04:00

Our very own Kevin Kingsland is on the board of the Spirit of Hope Foundation. This foundation awards a "scholarship to financially aid an extraordinary student who has overcome hardships as a child that once lived in a group home or foster care system, has given back to his or her community and aspires to obtain a higher education."

Congratulations Kevin!

Join us at the Retail Design Institute's 50th Anniversary Celebration

2011-10-24T16:45:00.002-04:00

Join us at the Retail Design Institute's 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Hudon Terrace in Manhattan this Wednesday, October 26th. Enjoy cocktails, light hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to win a variety of prizes and membership discounts. This party is not to be missed! Click here for more information and to register. Hope to see you there!

Flu Season is here!

2011-10-11T15:28:00.001-04:00

From the CDC, three important steps to take in protecting yourself and others from the influenza virus:

Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu):
Take time to get a flu vaccine.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic....

Read the whole article here.

RD Weis Companies Welcomes Mark Arbogast and Joe Pedalino to Sales Team

2011-09-15T12:01:00.004-04:00

Please join RD Weis Companies in welcoming two new members to our sales team: Mark Arbogast and Joe Pedalino.

Mark Arbogast joins RD Weis Companies as Vice President of Strategic Services, reporting out of our Port Chester office; he will also be the company’s Mondo representative for the New England area. Mark began his flooring career with Mannington as a Strategic Account Manager and then moved on to Bentley Prince Street where he was the US VP of Sales. After Bentley, Mark moved on to Mondo where he headed up their US introduction of commercial rubber flooring.

Joe Pedalino joins RD Weis Companies as Manager, Business Development for the New Jersey area. Joe is a 20-year veteran of floor covering, working with Milliken and Patcraft/Shaw. During his time with both of these mills, Joe and RD Weis Companies worked together on several large projects, including Verizon World Headquarters, Toys R Us, and ETS.

Please join us in welcoming Mark and Joe to RD Weis Companies and wishing them a long and successful future.

Pratt / Tri-State League of Facilities Professionals GREEN EXPO

2011-09-14T09:32:00.003-04:00

Come visit with RD Weis Companies and friends at the

Pratt / Tri-State League of Facilities Professionals

GREEN EXPO

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

From 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Pratt institute

144 West 14th Street, New York, NY

For registration information, please visit

www.tristateleague.org

Attendance is free!

Food and drink will be served

Pratt Institute has partnered with the Tri-State League of Facility Professionals to host a GREEN EXPO on Thursday September 22, 2011 from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Exhibitors in the Facilities and Construction industries have been screened to make sure that they use and promote products and services meeting the highest standards of sustainability. Attendees will be Students, Faculty, and Facilities and Construction Professionals from across the Tri-State area. Attendance to the event is free.

The special Guest Speaker will be Jack D. Zencheck, Chief Procurement Officer for Yeshiva University. His topic will be: “Yeshiva University's Sustainability Initiatives, how to implement a sustainability program and maintain a green procurement policy in the age of budget cutbacks.”

In addition, tickets to the Tri-State League of Facility Professionals' spectacular Casino/Boat Ride aboard the beautiful World Yacht Princess will be raffled off to both exhibitors and attendees.

Four tickets to the tri-state league casino boat cruise will be raffled off!

September 11, 2001, Worcester, MA, from Christine Lee

2011-09-13T15:05:00.004-04:00

The following remembrance is from our own Christine Lee, Business Development, Sales, Rochester NY:

I was driving back from an errand to my school, Abby Kelly Foster Charter School, where I was the media specialist, when my older son, Michael called and told me what was happening in New York City. I ran into the school and found administrators and teachers who were also receiving phone calls from their family members. While we were talking, word came of the second crash- we knew then that we were under attack.Then followed the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania crash.

We cobbled up a television in my library and the adults watched in horror. At that point, we had no idea what tomorrow would bring. The decision was made not to tell the students - to give them what might be the last "normal" school day they might ever have.

Alarmed parents called, but by and large they let their children stay in school. The teachers spent the day in trepidation and despair.

The school day was normal on the surface. However, every transition time between classes became for the adults, a time of hurried whispers. Asking what happened to people, "Have you found?" "Have you heard?" I would run to a quiet place and place urgent calls to Michael to hear the latest news. When the word came that Boston was the origin city of the flights, another wave of fear and great sadness hit.

My youngest son, Connor, was a 9 year old student in my school. When this overwhelming tragedy was unfolding, I walked down to his classroom and stood outside the door and watched him at work. He looked so young and vulnerable. All I could think was- is this our Pearl Harbor? What will happen to him and the children surrounding me. Will New York ever be the same? (We are a "theatre family" so New York is our favorite city, and we were just back from a family vacation there.) That horrific day, watching the death and devastation I didn't think it was possible for New York City to recover.

Well, it is ten years later, and Connor is now sophomore at Fordham University and not only is he living in NYC, (with our blessing) he is singing at a 9/11 Memorial. This is something that on September 11, 2001 that I never could have envisioned, happening in a city I didn't believe would ever recover...

As Winston Churchill said, "if you are going through Hell, keep going." Or maybe it is better to remember Emerson's words, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

Christine Lee

Thank you, Christine.

An email sent on Wednesday, September 12, 2001

2011-09-08T11:58:00.009-04:00

We got the following stunning, heartbreaking email about 9/11 from a NYC designer friend, Ginger Gilden, who is now an Associate at Swanke Hayden Connell Architects on Lafayette Street, and here post it in its entirety:

Maybe someone would be interested in reading my email from the perspective where I was standing, under the Towers, on 9/11. This is the email I sent out the next day…..feel free to share it.

Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 9:40 AM
Subject: September 11, 2001 email

Hey. I'm trying to update everyone on what happened. I don't like to send mass e-mails, but I think this is a unique situation. I don't have all my e-mail addresses at home. They blew up in the WTC explosion. You guys are the only ones I have. So pass on any information you want along with my e-mail address.

It is all a horrible tragedy. I just started my new job at Mancini Duffy in Tower 2 on Aug. 6. I loved it! I was so excited to be in that building. Now I look out my window as I'm typing this, and there's nothing but smoke there. It's so frustrating! I've talked to some people from work, and it seems that everyone got out.

We were on the 21st floor. I had stayed at work until 9 the night before, so I took the late train in on Tuesday morning (which is 30 minutes later than my usual train). I got off the subway right under Tower 1 as it got hit. We heard something, and people started running through the subway corridor.

Everyone got settled down, and then we exited through a different way to get out into the street.

When I got out, debris was falling everywhere and smoke was all over the place. Policemen were directing us away from the building. I ran across the street from Tower 1 and looked up to see a big hole on the north and east side. Fire was coming out the east side. I ran across another street to get away from the panicking crowd, and I started trying to call my husband on my cell phone. I couldn't get through to anyone. I got to an inside corner of a building facade and looked up at Tower 1.

People were jumping from the building and landing on the roof of the building below. That was a difficult moment. Then I saw the other plane heading for Tower 2. I thought maybe it would miss, but I saw it hit and I saw the explosion. It was like watching a movie. I couldn't believe I was in the middle of all this. People started panicking more and trying to get inside the building I was in front of so they could get out of the way of the falling debris. I just covered my head and got as close to the building as I could. A minute or so later, the crowd started running. I stayed put long enough to let the crowd get past me so I wouldn't get trampled.

I saw people lying everywhere, but I didn't look close enough to see what was wrong with them. I did notice one guy on the ground, and the policeman next to him was yelling at him not to move. His legs were bent the wrong way. I didn't look very long. I just kept moving and tried to call anyone to tell them I was OK. The cell phone was useless. There were shoes and watches everywhere, along with people's bags and briefcases. I just kept trying to call home and started walking north to get away from the falling debris. I didn't know if I was hurt or cut or anything. I just wanted to get away from that area.

I finally got through to my parents' answering machine and told them to call Flynn to let him know I was OK. Later they told me that they never could get through to him. He was scared to death for an hour until I was able to get through to him. He could see what was happening from our apartment balcony, and he didn't know that I wasn't in the building. I walked and walked to try to get to a train station that was working, but all the public transportation was suspended, so I couldn't get to my apartment in Queens.

Midtown was being evacuated in case the Empire State Building was struck.

When I got to the Flatiron Building, I could look back and see Tower 1, but Tower 2 was blocked from smoke. At Times Square, I watched the big screen and saw that both towers had collapsed. That was a moment of finality for me. I had to stop and regroup.

Flynn's uncle lives on 61st Street, so I walked there. It was four miles from the WTC to his apartment, so I was exhausted. I was able to make some phone calls from there. I stayed there and watched the news to see when the trains would start running.

So I made it home at 6:30 p.m. I slept fitfully. I was exhausted. I am getting lots of calls from the people in my office and the people I used to work with at Gensler. The principals of my new firm are getting together today to discuss what the next step is. We have offices in Parsippany, N.J., as well as a few other places, so I'm hoping all the computer files are safe. I'm still waiting to see where to report to work.

If I would've been on schedule, I would've been at my desk in Tower 2 when the first plane hit. It was really bad watching it all happen, but I'm OK now that I'm at home. The footage on TV is hard to watch.

Hope all is well with all of my friends.

Ginger DeForest Gilden, New York City

Our deepest thanks for sharing this.

IAQ for schools, help from the EPA

2011-09-06T13:51:00.005-04:00

Great info resource on indoor air quality (IAQ) for schools here, from the EPA:

The IAQ Tools for Schools Program is a comprehensive resource to help schools maintain a healthy environment in school buildings by identifying, correcting, and preventing IAQ problems. Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which, in turn, can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. In addition, if schools fail to respond promptly to poor IAQ, students and staff are at an increased risk of short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term problems like asthma.

Also, specifically for facilities staff, a FAQ here on school IAQ.

Remembering 9/11: Artist Peggy Weis discusses her paintings

2011-08-31T14:11:00.010-04:00

This week, all of us at RD Weis Companies remember our and our loved ones' experiences during -- and after -- the attacks on the World Trade Center.

We want to hear your story of your 9/11 experience - where you were, where your loved ones were, how you got home...

If you would like to share your story publicly, please comment below.

If you would find it easier to share your story in email, please write us at rdweiscompanies@gmail.com and we will blog your story for you.

Feel free, of course, to tell us in your email that you prefer to be anonymous and we will respect your privacy by posting your story with no name.

Here, artist Peggy Weis discusses her paintings commemorating 9/11:

USGBC Emerging Professionals

2011-08-23T12:14:00.004-04:00

Mariah Howard-Porath, Social Media Coordinator, Earth Day New York, is one of the USGBC's Emerging Professionals and has a lovely post on the USGBC Blog:

Imagine having the ability to gather a village of engineers, architects, designers, lawyers, teachers and advocates of green building practices in one place for a week...

Read her whole article here.

CARE Annual Report

2011-08-18T16:00:00.003-04:00

More great work from Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) in their Annual Report. Click here for the pdf.

An excerpt:

KEY RESUlTS FOR CARE In 2009
• In 2009, CaRE introduced a new aligned Dealer program, to provide additional benefits and support to Commercial Dealers and Residential Retailers across the United States. Members of the Aligned Dealer program receive a number of special benefits, including marketing materials to display in their showroom, highlighting their support of CARE. We are especially grateful to the 111 members of the Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership who have signed up for the program, and the 97 members of the Resource Commercial Flooring network, who are now registered members of CaRE.
• In addition to the marketing materials enjoyed by all CaRE members, CaRE created a Dealer members’ website page on the CARE Website. The webpage includes a state-by-state roster of CARE dealer members to highlight their involvement in the CaRE organization. The listing is also used as a reference for customers looking to purchase flooring from an organization actively supporting the carpet reclamation movement.
• For the past year, a dedicated team of CaRE bOD members, representatives of the carpet industry, suppliers, entrepreneurs and government representatives have been working on strategies to sustainably grow carpet diversion and recycling. While there has been an intense amount of time and effort devoted to this challenge, the CARE BOD believes that it will ultimately contribute to the long-term growth and health of CaRE members and the CaRE organization. Although it is too early to report on the results of the Strategy Team efforts, we will keep our members updated on our progress as soon as possible.
• In 2009, CaRE established a working relationship with the Canadian Carpet Recycling Effort (CCRE) organization whose mission is to facilitate industry led and market driven solutions for the diversion of post-consumer carpet from landfills and the advancement of secondary markets using recycled content. CARE shared information and perspective with the Canadian team as they establish their post-consumer carpet recycling efforts.
• Our CaRE Entrepreneur network continues to grow and expand. In 2009, we increased our collector network by 7 new collectors, for a total of 65 collectors nationwide.

Thank you for joining us at our 4th Annual Flooring Expo

2011-08-09T12:17:00.005-04:00

Thank you

for joining us

at the

4^th Annual RD Weis Companies Flooring Expo

RD Weis Companies, friends, and colleagues met at the Innovant showroom in NYC to wrap up NeoCon 2011!

Manufacturers attending included:

Atlas Carpet Mills

Blueridge

Bolyu

Cambridge

Mannington Commercial

J&J/Invision

Fortune

The Mohawk Group

Masland

mats inc

Tandus

NY Surfaces featuring Capri Cork and Alumafloor

Teragren Bamboo

Mondo

FreeAxez

Ecoglo

Stile

Send Videos! Greenbuild NEXT Video Campaign Launches

2011-07-28T11:06:00.001-04:00

This looks fun -- the US Green Building Council is calling for short videos about what's next for green building:

The Greenbuild NEXT video campaign calls upon the USGBC community and idealists everywhere to submit short videos depicting what you think is NEXT for green building, sustainability and our planet's prosperity. Videos will be posted on the Greenbuild website, and could be featured on the big screens at Greenbuild 2011 in Toronto!

Join us Wed Aug 3 in NYC from 6 - 8 pm: 4th Annual FLooring Expo

2011-07-26T11:34:00.001-04:00

Flooring Industry stats, 2010

2011-07-21T15:02:00.006-04:00

Floor Covering News has the 2010 flooring industry stats here:

While total industry sales in 2010 did actually rise to $16.221 billion after three straight years of decline, the $32 million increase over 2009’s $16.189 billion, barely registers on the meter, making for what most called a “flat” year. In terms of the actual amount of flooring sold, total square footage fell slightly between 2009 and 2010 from 16.807 billion square feet to 16.625 billion square feet, or down 1.1%.

Again, on paper 2010 looks to have been a rough copy of 2009. But as any sports fan will say, championships are not won on paper. Which would explain why most people were eager to see the year end. Like any time period, there were winners and losers, and when examined from more of a macro level, it seemed that last year produced more losers as companies struggled to capture whatever business was out there.

The fact is, those who thought the bottom had been reached at the end of 2009 saw otherwise. And those who expected a quick turnaround after two dreadful years were given a harsh dose of reality.

Shortly after it was officially announced the country was mired in a recession the likes of which had not been seen in over 75 years, it was noted when the economic pendulum hits rock bottom, businesses should not expect it to immediately start swinging upward. In fact, many economists and experts said once the nadir of the trough is reached there was a very good chance the economy would labor along the bottom, showing some signs of life but not truly picking up steam, for a period of time before things begin to steadily go uphill.

So it was for 2010, as the economy basically sputtered—at times allowing people in the industry to believe the recession might truly be over, while other times making them wonder if the country’s economic ship would ever right itself.

Read the whole thing.

USGBC Expands LEED Volume Program to Building Operations

2011-07-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

Journalist Evan Dick in the always terrific and useful BuildingGreen has an interesting article on the USGBC expanding LEED Volume Program to Building Operations:

Large property owners and managers are increasingly turning to LEED to certify not only their new buildings but also their operations, through LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED-EBOM). To meet that need, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) now offers volume LEED-EBOM certification through its LEED Volume Program, introduced in 2010 (see LEED Volume Certification Program Launched). The program streamlines the certification process for larger LEED customers—those seeking certification for 25 or more buildings within three years.

Read the whole thing here.

Amazing product: floating porcelain tiles

2011-07-07T10:57:00.004-04:00

We love porcelain, it's beautiful and sturdy -- but is often difficult to work with. Recently we saw that Avaire is offering interlocking floating porcelain tiles. Avaire says about themselves:

Winner of Best of NeoCon 2009, Avaire interlocking floating porcelain tiles offer outstanding resistance to water, stains, scratches, bacteria and odors — and because porcelain is harder and denser than most tile, Avaire Commercial is ideal for high traffic areas:

· Installs two to five times faster than traditional tile

· Multi-directional assembly allows multiple installers to work simultaneously

· Self-aligning system ensures symmetrical 1/4" grout lines while eliminating need for spacers and grids

· Minimal floor prep -- installs over VCT, vinyl, and existing ceramic floors

· No thinset or grout mixing -- no grout sealing

Nice! Looking forward to hearing more about this product.

Design tradeshow, RD Weis Rochester!

2011-06-28T14:21:00.004-04:00

Dear friends and colleagues

Did you miss Chicago? Or not see everything there?

Please join us

at the

Co-Sponsored RD Weis Companies

and

Rochester City Center IIDA

DESIGN TRADESHOW

Wednesday June 29, 2011

4 to 8 p.m.

Register online here. Come enjoy drinks and food, and check out wonderful new products from all your favorite manufacturers, including:

FreeAxez
Mondo
Mannington
Armstrong
Forbo
J&J Invision
InterfaceFlor
Interior Resource Group
Merkel Donohue
Milliken
Bentley Prince Street
Kraus Floors
DesignTex
Koroseal
Tantus
Roppe

We look forward to seeing you! Click here for a map.

Please RSVP to Christine Lee 585-334-8570 or email clee at rdweis.com.

245 Summit Point Drive

Suite 1

Henrietta, NY 14467

Office: 585-334-8570

Fax: 585-334-8597

Cell: 508-353-1350

Sheri Gorman at NeoCon 2011

2011-06-21T14:52:00.002-04:00

Check out Sheri Gorman's Show and Tell on NeoCon 2011 here:

Floor Covering News: Ceramic practices patience during slow recovery

2011-06-16T12:56:00.006-04:00

Louis Iannaco in Floor Covering News has an interesting story about the ceramic tile situation during this slow economic recovery:

...The consensus among executives currently has commercial sales representing approximately 40% of the total ceramic tile market, and most saw this trend continue during the first quarter of the year with commercial actually outperforming residential.
As Bettiga noted, bidding is slowly improving and the second half of 2011 and first half of 2012 will result in slight increases for our members in work. “Backlogs (future projects) are definitely healthier compared to a year ago. The companies that are surviving are being flexible, ready to work in areas outside of their normal comfort zone, such as traveling, partnering with other contractors on projects, and diversifying their offerings into specialized niches such as maintenance, restoration, remodeling, etc.”
There is a sense that the field has been “cleansed to some degree,” he added, “and those who have stayed fluid and financially healthy are poised to reap the benefits in the next 12 to 24 months.”...

Green robots!

2011-06-14T11:48:00.006-04:00

Journalist and Science Wednesday editor Aaron Ferster has a wonderful story in the EPA's Greenversations blog. Whatever did happen to all those futuristic gadgets (flying cars!) we looked forward to as children?

Ferster writes about one healthy development -- using robots to test potentially harmful chemicals:

...I recently got another glimpse of our emerging high-tech future when EPA joined its research partners from the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) National Toxicology Program, the National Institute of Health (NIH) Chemical Genomics Center, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others to unveil a high-speed robot screening system. The robots are set up to test chemicals for their potential to trigger health problems.
The system consists of robot arms that continually move rectangle “plates” through the toxicity testing process. Each plate contains 1536 small wells that can hold a dab of chemical solution and cells (human and non-human animal), and the arm precisely moves each plate though exposure testing and computer analysis. Take a look at this video to see it in action.
The robot system, housed at the National Institutes of Health Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC) in Rockville, Maryland, was purchased as part of the Tox21 collaboration between the EPA, NIEH’s National Toxicology Program, NCGC, and FDA. Tox21 merges existing resources—research, funding and testing tools—to develop ways to more effectively predict how chemicals will affect human health and the environment.
Tox21 partners have already screened more than 2,500 chemicals for potential toxicity using robots and other innovative chemical screening technologies, such as ToxCast. EPA tapped such technologies to test oil dispersants for potential endocrine disrupting activity following the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year.
The 10,000 chemicals the robot system will screen include those found in industrial and consumer products, food additives, and drugs. Testing results will provide information useful for evaluating if these chemicals have the potential to disrupt human body processes enough to lead to adverse health effects...

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle -- and Refuse.

2011-06-07T11:13:00.003-04:00

Let's find a way to "just say no" to plastic. From TED Talks, artist Dianna Cohen speaks about plastic:

Also check out

Stop Plastic Pollution: The Great Garbage Patch.

Carpet recycling reaches a milestone

2011-05-26T10:55:00.002-04:00

From Waste & Recycling News, a great story about a CARE carpet recycling milestone:

Milestones abound for the Carpet America Recovery Effort(CARE), which recently reported that in 2010 its members surpassed the 2 billion pound mark for carpet diverted from landfills. That´s a cumulative figure since the organization´s founding in 2002.
In 2010, CARE members diverted 338 million pounds of carpet from landfills -- an increase of 9% over 2009. And of that carpet, more than 271 million pounds were recycled back into carpet and other consumer products, according to CARE´s recently released annual report.
Under CARE´s leadership, carpet recycling in the U.S. has increased by 490%.

Great recycling news on the CRI blog

2011-05-24T13:15:00.003-04:00

Here's some good news about carpet recycling from the wonderful CRI blog:

It seems that lately, I am hearing more and more about carpet recycling and landfill diversion(even for me – and I hear about it a lot). From Ford Motor Company making cylinder head covers for some of their engines out of nylon recovered from carpet, (see Ford Puts Recycled Carpet 'Under the Hood') to the items I mention later in this blog post, carpet recycling is in the news.

Revved Up Recycling – Ford Puts Carpet Under the Hood

2011-05-16T19:33:00.005-04:00

From the always excellent Carpet And Rug Institute Blog, a wonderful story about a new use for our recycled carpet:
Revved Up Recycling – Ford Puts Carpet Under the Hood, So to Speak
One growing use for the nylon recovered from post-consumer carpet is to reprocess it back into nylon resins for the plastics industry.

The Ford Motor Company announced recently that it is using an engineered resin made out of 100% recycled nylon from post-consumer carpets to make the cylinder head covers on its Ford Escape, Fusion, Mustang and F-150 model vehicles.

This is not the first time an automobile manufacturer has used resins derived from post-consumer carpet to make molded plastic parts for under the hood, but this latest announcement gained a lot of attention. And why not? According to Ford, it saved 430,000 gallons of oil by recycling old carpet into these new materials – that’s enough carpet diverted from landfills to carpet 154 football fields.

According to a press release from Ford, the recycled nylon resin is called EcoLon, and it is produced byWellman Engineering Resins, an American-owned and operated company based in South Carolina.

Read the story that ran in USA Today. It's titledFord recycles enough old carpet to cover 154 gridirons.

Guest Interview on Salone del Mobile, Milan from Materialista

2011-05-09T23:16:00.005-04:00

The wonderful Materialista has a great interview with Nancy Jackson about Milan's Design Week up:

As president of Architectural Systems, Nancy Jackson has been an innovator of material trends, sourcing the latest and greatest products from around the world for over 20 years. Dedicated to partnering with the design community, ASI is attuned to what designers are looking for and is always staying ahead of the curve. This month, Nancy attended Salone Internazionale del Mobile, which is the center of creativity and innovation, and I interviewed her to find out first hand what's happening from Milan!

Climate Progress: Big Oil has their Cake and eats your tax dollars, too

2011-05-05T11:10:00.002-04:00

Seriously important info here, from a Climate Progress repost of a Seth Hanlon article on tax subsidies we give oil companies:

CAP’s Seth Hanlon explains in this repost why Big Oil companies don’t need $70 billion in tax subsidies (over the next decade) at a time of record profits and prices double what they were when Bush made his remarks.
The five largest oil companies—BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, and Shell—last week announced first-quarter profits of $32 billion, up 30 percent from the first quarter of 2010. Exxon Mobil Corp. alone reported quarterly earnings of $11 billion, nearly 70 percent higher than a year ago.
At a time when gas prices exceed $4 a gallon, these profits are coming out of ordinary people’s pockets, and not just at the pump. American families are also padding the oil companies’ enormous profits with their tax dollars. In effect, U.S. taxpayers wrote a collective $7 billion bonus check to the oil industry when they filed their taxes last month.
That’s because the tax code is stuffed with a host of subsidies for oil and gas. These subsidies are delivered through the tax code but they are essentially no different from government spending programs that provide money directly.
Some of these tax earmarks have been around for nearly a century, and the deep-pocketed industry has successfully challenged previous repeal attempts. But today’s high gas prices and inflated profits have undermined the industry’s argument that their tax breaks benefit consumers. Meanwhile, federal budget deficits have sharpened Congress’s focus on eliminating wasteful government spending—of which oil subsidies are one of the worst examples.

Specifying Carpet For Schools: Patterns, Backing Materials, Adhesives

2011-05-03T15:47:00.004-04:00

From the CRI blog, a great article on specifying carpets for schools:

Specifying Carpet For Schools: Patterns, Backing Materials, Adhesives

For All the Right Reasons, Carpet is a Great Choice for Schools - Part 3

~ Advice for architects, specifiers and builders on using color and pattern and choosing the right backing material when specifying carpet for schools. Plus, information about the new generation of pre-applied adhesives.

Sheri Gorman elected to CARE Board

2011-04-28T11:36:00.002-04:00

CARE News!

Congratulations to Sheri Gorman, LEED AP, RD Weis Companies Director of Business Development and Marketing, for her recent election to the Board of Directors of CARE, the Carpet America Recovery Effort.

Excellent work on behalf of a truly great cause, Sheri!

You’re invited to the Greater Rochester Memorial Day Party Wednesday, May 25

2011-04-26T14:20:00.003-04:00

You’re Invited

to the

Greater Rochester Memorial Day Party

Wednesday, May 25

4 to 8 p.m.

Welcome summer with friends, BBQ, beer – and a golf prize

Christine Lee and RD Weis Companies are celebrating summer’s arrival with a Memorial Day Party! Join colleagues and friends in Henrietta at our newly renovated office for fun and BBQ.

Drop in your business card for our golf outing raffle!

We’ll start at 4 p.m. so that people with evening tee times can stop by, network, get some munchies – and get to your games.

We look forward to seeing you!

Please RSVP to Christine Lee at clee at rdweis.com.

245 Summit Point Drive

Suite 1

Henrietta, NY 14467

585 334 8570

We look forward to seeing you!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T10:41:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the RD Weis Companies

2011 Earth Day celebration

Stay out of the landfill!

You know all those old samples and sample books gathering dust in your office? In what has become an RD Weis Companies Earth Day tradition, we help you reclaim and recycle—and keep away from the waste stream.

Throughout April, please feel free to visit our Port Chester and Manhattan offices and drop off all your carpet samples, carpet sample books, and VCT /LVT samples—all are welcome, no matter who the manufacturer.

We’ll send all your samples and books back to their manufacturers or back to mills to be recycled and reused!

There is no cost to you—this is our way of thanking you for helping us provide the highest level of environmentally friendly service in the commercial flooring industry, by using Green materials, methods, and processes, and by helping our customers reduce, reuse, and recycle, for the sustainable future of Earth.

Have a wonderful Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the RD Weis Companies

2011 Earth Day celebration

Stay out of the landfill!

We’ll send all your samples and books back to their manufacturers or back to mills to be recycled and reused!

Have a wonderful Earth Day!

Carpet and asthma?

2011-04-21T10:19:00.002-04:00

C. B. Whittemore, at her wonderful Carpetology blog, discusses the eternal asthma / carpet debate:

If you have a child with asthma, it’s likely that, at some time or another, your doctor or other healthcare provider will recommend you remove the carpet from your home. Many consumer websites recommend the same thing, based on the fact that carpet will hold more dust and allergens than hard surface floors.

Carpet manufacturers counter this, saying research shows that the fact that carpet will hold more dust is actually a good thing: dust that is trapped in carpet is not circulating in room air, where children can breathe it in. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), which represents U.S. carpet manufacturers, says dust in carpet stays put until it is vacuumed or extracted away. The group tests vacuum cleaners and other carpet cleaning equipment, and posts a list of the best ones on its website, www.carpet-rug.org and more specifically in a section detailing Seal of Approval Carpet Cleaning and Maintenance Products.

A wonderful Starnet Meeting -- thank you!

2011-04-19T13:04:00.003-04:00

A wonderful Starnet Member meeting in sunny Phoenix -- we had great discussions and a wonderful trade show. We'll be posting photos, videos, and news shortly.

Thank you to everyone for your terrific participation!

UL Environment purchases AQS, GreenGuard certification

2011-04-07T11:56:00.002-04:00

Floor Covering News reports that

UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories), has reached agreement with Air Quality Sciences (AQS) to acquire AQS and its certifying body, the GreenGuard Environmental Institute. AQS and GreenGuard are among the market leaders in North America for product emissions testing and third-party indoor air quality certification.
AQS helps manufacturers identify the chemicals being emitted from their products using state-of-the-art equipment and testing laboratories. GreenGuard certification helps manufacturers communicate their sustainability message to the marketplace by providing assurance that their products have been independently evaluated for low chemical emissions.
“This acquisition combines AQS’s world-class technology and expertise, as well as GreenGuard’s brand recognition and scientific rigor, with UL’s trusted history of standards development, testing and compliance to create a more comprehensive solution for testing and certification,” said Steve Wenc, president of UL Environment. “Together, we’ll help consumers, regulators and other interested parties make informed product purchases by providing clarity around indoor air quality claims.”

Read the whole story here.

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity: Ninth Annual Dream Builder’s Gala

2011-04-05T11:19:00.002-04:00

Our favorite charity, the wonderful Habitat for Humanity, sent out the following press release about our involvement:

RD Weis Companies has stepped up to support Housatonic Habitat for Humanity with a contribution to the Ninth Annual Dream Builder’s Gala, a black tie fundraiser with all proceeds to benefit the Housatonic Habitat for Humanity. The night begins at 6:30 with cocktails, followed by a silent auction, dinner and dancing at 8:00 at the Matrix Conference Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT. Tickets are available for purchase for $175 at (203) 744-1340.

RD Weis Companies became a sponsor of the Housatonic Habitat for Humanity and the Dream Builder’s Gala with the help of HHFH volunteer Rob McGill, an account executive at the company. “I volunteered for HHFH because I wanted to give back to the community and RD Weiss seemed like a natural fit to support this organization. We’re a company that provides home flooring and RD Weis has helped out the Habitat for Humanity in the past,” says Mr. McGill.

“Our work with Habitat for Humanity is a true labor of love for RD Weis Companies. Habitat allows us to help build a better future for families and communities,” adds RD Weis Companies President and founder Randall Weis.

The Ninth Annual Dream Builder’s Gala is the year’s biggest fundraiser for the Housatonic Habitat for Humanity. “The Dream Builder’s Gala is a great way for the community to enjoy a wonderful evening while supporting Housatonic Habitat’s mission of building affordable homes for qualified families with limited income,” comments Mary Aly, Executive Director. “The lack of affordable housing is one of the region’s greatest shortages.” Proceeds from the event will help build and renovate homes for qualified families who might not otherwise afford their first home. The evening promises to be a festive one, with a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing music provided by the band The Subscribers.

About Housatonic Habitat for Humanity

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity (HHFH) is the locally-managed affiliate of the worldwide Habitat for Humanity. It mobilizes the local community to build affordable homes for families with limited incomes by organizing volunteer labor and donations of funds and materials. In addition to investing hundreds of hours of their own labor, homeowner-partners buy their homes with affordable loans. Housatonic Habitat was founded in 1991 and serves a 16-town region: Greater Danbury, New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, Redding, Ridgefield, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown, Sherman, Gaylordsville, New Milford, Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington.

Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for making the world a better place, one building at a time!

Superbug found in CA hospitals

2011-03-29T16:20:00.002-04:00

Check out this story on CNN about a superbug in California hospitals. Anti-microbial rubber flooring for healthcare facilities looks better every day.

Foreign competition, uncertainty weigh heavily on hardwood

2011-03-17T14:30:00.003-04:00

Journalist Emily Hooper in Floor Covering News writes that although hardwood has

long enjoyed a strong domestic manufacturing presence, recent shifts in the trade balance have shed a light of uncertainty on the category’s future. Coupled with the troubled economy and a struggling building sector, this last year is one that is best left behind in the books.

...

Of special note, the anti-dumping case made by U.S. manufacturers of engineered wood flooring, collectively known as the Coalition for American Hardwood Parity (CAHP), has reparations yet to be ruled. At press time, the Coalition requested an extension from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issuing the preliminary antidumping determination, however it is not expected to affect the preliminary countervailing duty determination from the International Trade Commission (ITC) expected March 21.

Across the board, there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty surrounding the proceedings. As far as definitive effects on importers of Chinese engineered wood, Mannington thinks the impact is yet to be felt. “It’s too early to comment,” Duncan said. “We believe in the process to run its course and if the government determines it’s uneven, it will strive to level it.”

Jason Webb, product manager, Harris Wood, stated the uncertainty left a lot for speculation but looked at the brighter side of the situation. “U.S. manufacturers such as ourselves have seen some opportunity for additions to private lines based on drops they experienced.” The majority of change has been in a tentativeness to expand or retract product lines.”

Scott Sandlin, vice president, business development, Shaw Industries, echoed a similar sentiment, stating a dramatic impact is yet to be seen. “We hear distributors and retailers are buying less Chinese product because of uncertainty and there will be some influence as a byproduct of what the numbers are [reached by the DOC and ITC].”

The decision is aimed to affect the entire hardwood industry, not only those who import product from China. “With a potential tariff looming, it is hard to plan or predict the future related to engineered flooring products,” Greenwell said. “The market effect of the potential tariff is a huge unknown, even for products that are not from China.”

Ultimately the decision is thought to have the most immediate effect on competition. “From a competitive standpoint, the biggest impact is that companies importing from China are looking for other alternatives, if the ITC case impacts them negatively,” Armstrong’s Goodwin said. “About 97 square feet out of 100 square feet of the product we sell every day is made here in the U.S. No matter which way it goes, Armstrong is in a good position.”

Uncertainty was prevalent throughout the year, prior to any complaint filing. Figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture saw a drop in 2010 imports of mainly solid wood flooring from China by 59%. It also suffered a loss in assembled flooring panels: While U.S. consumption rose 1%, imports from China dropped 1%.

Obituary: Al Wahnon, a true legend and one of the industry’s greatest supporters

2011-03-01T12:02:00.004-05:00

We are sad to lose a great man in our industry. Rest in peace, Al Wahnon.

Floor Covering News writes in their obituary:

He never manufactured, distributed, marketed, sold or installed flooring, yet his impact on the industry will last for generations. For nearly 56 years he chronicled every facet of the flooring industry, sometimes crisscrossing the country to ensure no event went unnoticed. On Tues., Feb. 1, six days before celebrating his 91st birthday, Al Wahnon, the founder and editor of Floor Covering News, passed away of a massive heart attack.

By any standard, Wahnon was a true industry icon, a legend among legends, within and outside the flooring world. At one point he was the highest paid editor among all trade magazine editors in the U.S. Through his stories, editorials and columns he was the industry’s loudest cheerleader for more than half a century. Recognizing it was people who made the industry, Wahnon always made sure to put a face to the story, no matter the context and often when others wouldn’t.

Read the whole article here.

GreenSource Case Studies

2011-02-24T08:55:00.003-05:00

GreenSource’s project case studies provide in-depth, data-rich reports on sustainable design and green-building performance.

With their new Green Building Project Search, find case studies from GreenSource archives using criteria from LEED score to products used in the project.

Stile Amore!

2011-02-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

Much amore at our party celebrating Italian style with Stile wood floors!

Floor Daily publisher Kemp Harr interviews Randy Weis

2011-02-08T09:56:00.005-05:00

Floor Daily publisher Kemp Harr has an interview with me in the Focus on Leadership section. These whip-smart, highly relevant questions were a joy to answer. Here's a sample:

Q. As the commercial market starts to recover in the Northeast, where are you seeing most of the business?

A. We’re finding most of the business is on the replacement/remodel side. Most new construction projects are still on hold. For the first time now in two years, we’re seeing a greater optimism with our clients. As a result we are seeing year-end discretionary spending similar to what we saw prior to this recession. For the last two years, there has been a trickle of business in the healthcare, education and government sectors—due in part to stimulus funding—but now finally we are seeing business warm up in the corporate office sector.

Many of the major companies know that the way their corporate facilities look is a direct reflection on their brand, so they have to keep their facilities up to date.

Q. Are the facility managers and end users still hiring design firms to specify and coordinate these projects?

A. Yes. Up the Northeast, these companies put a lot of emphasis on their image. Plus, facility managers are overworked and they need the resources a design firm brings to the equation.

Read the whole article here.

You’re invited to the Stile "That's Amore" party at RD Weis Companies

2011-02-01T11:51:00.002-05:00

That’s Amore!

RD Weis Companies invites you to

romance your floors… Italian style

Wednesday, February 16^th

The stunning quality and beautiful design of Italian products can now be found in wood flooring. Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a celebration of beauty and romance with Sheri Gorman and Stile wood flooring.

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, February 16^th

Place: RD Weis Companies’ Manhattan office

260 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10001

RSVP: Sheri Gorman at 212-376-5355 X 202 or email sgorman at rdweis.com

Stile brings the beauty and elegance of "Made in Italy" to the world’s most sleek and stylish wood flooring. Today, thanks to global reach and new technology, we can help you create gorgeous indoor environments… Italian style.

Ciao!

US EPA Green Office tips

2011-01-27T11:29:00.002-05:00

The US EPA has a nice article on greening your business life here.

Our fave point is number 5:

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your office helps conserve energy, and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at the office by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations."

A Clean Win for Mondo: GREENGUARD Children & Schools and Indoor Air Quality certification

2011-01-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

Great news for Mondo!

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has awarded Mondo rubber flooring GREENGUARD Children & Schools SM Certification, and these rubber flooring products are also now GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified.

Mondo is now Greenguard children and schools (C&S) certified on all products. The C&S certification comply with the state of California’s department of Public Health Section CA01350 -- and the products can now be used to earn credits in the CHPS for K12 schools and LEED.

You may download the certificates from the Greenguard web site under products, Mondo America.

Made of 100% non-regenerated synthetic calendered, vulcanized, and stabilized rubber, Mondo products are available in a wide range of colors and may be embossed, matte, anti-glare, and / or heat sealed for hygiene. These rubber flooring products are EN 1817 compliant and bring comfort, stability, noise reduction, slip resistance, wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance to your facility.

Mondo rubber floors are antimicrobial, antibacterial, and now Green Guard certified!

Possible upcoming tariff on Chinese engineered floors

2011-01-13T10:17:00.004-05:00

From Hardwood Floors E-News: December 3, 2010, China tariff issues to be aware of:

Preliminary Investigation Affirms Chinese Dumping Allegations

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a unanimous affirmative determination in its preliminary investigation into allegations of dumping of engineered flooring by Chinese manufacturers. The commission, an independent federal agency, determined that there is "a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of multilayered wood flooring from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value."

As a result of the vote, the U.S. Department of Commerce will conduct a detailed investigation into the pricing practices of Chinese engineered wood flooring manufacturers and exporters, as well as subsidies provided to those companies. Its preliminary countervailing duty determination is due on or about Jan. 14, 2011, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination is due on or about March 30, 2011.

"The fact that today's vote was unanimous, we believe, is a reflection of the weight of the extensive evidence reviewed by the commission, and the seriousness with which the agency viewed the concerns detailed by the domestic industry," said Jeff Levin, counsel for the Coalition for American Hardwood Parity, which filed a petition for the investigation in late October. The coalition consists of Anderson Hardwood Floors LLC, Award Hardwood Floors, Baker's Creek Wood Floors Inc., From the Forest, Howell Hardwood Flooring, Mannington Mills Inc., Nydree Flooring, Forest, and Shaw Industries Group Inc.

Copies of the report from the ITC are expected to be available after Jan. 3, 2011, by e-mailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202/205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, 500 E St. S.W., Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202/205-2104. The press release from the ITC is available here.

In other related news, there is a possibility of import duty on imported Chinese engineered flooring:

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on Nov. 10 initiated antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations of engineered wood flooring exported from China and imported to the U.S., according to a department release.

On Oct. 21 the Coalition for American Hardwood Parity (CAHP), an ad hoc group of U.S. engineered wood flooring manufacturers, petitioned the Commerce Department to initiate the investigation. The group alleges that companies that manufacture engineered wood flooring in China dumped products in the U.S. at margins of 194.49 to 280.6 percent.

...

This "dumping margin" is the amount by which a product's normal market value exceeds the export price. Citing a study by Catalina Research Inc. (Boca Raton, Fla.), DOC said imports of engineered wood flooring from China increased 76 percent by quantity from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, imports of multilayered wood flooring were valued at an estimated $119.7 million.

An antidumping investigation hinges on determining whether an imported product is being sold by a foreign manufacturer into the U.S. market at less than fair value; a countervailing duty investigation determines whether a foreign manufacturer is gaining an unfair competitive advantage through government subsidies. Both DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) play roles in the investigations. ITC expects to make preliminary determinations on both investigations around Dec. 6. If ITC finds no reason to carry on the investigation during this preliminary determination, the investigations will be terminated.

We'll keep an eye on this story.

Good green news from Europe

2011-01-11T12:25:00.004-05:00

A good bit of green carpet news from Europe, reported in the excellent info resource fibre2fashion.com:

The carpet industry could soon benefit from 100% recycled carpet yarns and backings thanks to a new strategic partnership between two leading manufacturers.

Aquafil, a European market leader in carpet yarn manufacturing, textile yarn production and polymer engineering and Colbond, the global leading producer and supplier of nonwoven primary carpet backings, announced the formation of a strategic partnership that will enhance the environmental sustainability of the carpet industry. Colbond will use Aquafil’s Econyl, post-industrial and post-consumer recycled polyamide-6, to extend its range of environmentally friendly carpet backings. A substantial and growing part of Econyl is generated from carpet waste.

Aquafil is a pioneer in the recycling of polyamide-6 waste and has invested significant funds in the development of dedicated industrial plants. With its “Econyl” process, the company has closed the loop of carpet waste recovery by using carpet yarn as the primary raw material for polyamide and finished BCF (bulked continuous filament) yarn.

Colbond launched the industry’s first nonwoven carpet backing made of post-consumer recycled polyester in 2007 and is continually seeking for new opportunities to further improve the sustainability of its processes and products. Following intense joint Research & Development work, Colbond will be producing its new environmentally sustainable nonwovens containing recycled polyamide-6 (rPA-6) derived exclusively from Aquafil’s “Econyl” process. Branded “Colback Green”, these innovative backings comprise bi-component filaments with a post-consumer recycled bottle scrap PET core and an Econyl rPA-6 skin.

Read the whole story here.

The largest recycling facility in North America: phase one complete

2011-01-06T11:53:00.002-05:00

A great story from Floor Covering News:

Eighteen months after Shaw Industries and DAK Americas announced the creation of a joint venture company, Clear Path Recycling (CPR), to recycle post-consumer plastic drinking bottles, executives of the three companies gathered to cut the ribbon of the completion of phase one on what will eventually become the largest recycling facility in North America.
Ron Salati, CPR’s vice president of administration and commercial sales, called the official start-up a “milestone. Four years ago [Shaw] issued a challenge to DAK to create a way to feed Shaw. What you see before you is the result of a great deal of hard work and dedication of our parent companies in their sustainability initiatives of reducing environmental impact while creating a viable product for use in their product offerings.”

Read the whole article here.

More green healthcare news

2011-01-04T16:45:00.005-05:00

Great news from Florida:

St. Joseph's Hospital-North in Lutz, FLA recently achieved LEED® Certified, making it the first acute care hospital in Florida and among the first in the nation to achieve LEED certification.
The hospital was designed with an environmentally sustainable philosophy to create a landscape of open space, providing habitat for wildlife and natural views for patients.
The environmentally friendly building is made of materials that support energy conservation and clean air with low chemical emissions and recycled content. The soothing elements of the outdoors are brought indoors creating a calm, peaceful, healing environment for patients.
"Research shows environmentally sustainable buildings contribute to improved health, so having a green hospital helps St. Joseph's achieve its vision of creating a healthy environment for the community it serves," said Colleen Mackin, executive Director, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
St. Joseph's Hospital-North concentrated on key categories to achieve green building certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC provides third-party verification that buildings are designed and constructed using strategies aimed at improving performance in energy and water efficiency, emissions, indoor environmental quality and materials and resources.
Energy saving strategies include individual controls for lighting and heating to promote productivity, comfort and well-being of building occupants. High-efficiency systems that reduce energy consumption will use 12 percent less energy than a standard building. Refrigerants were selected to minimize the impact on ozone depletion and global warming.
"Buildings are one of the largest consumers of resources and energy in this country," said Paula McGuiness, chief operating officer of St. Joseph's Hospital-North. "St. Joseph's Hospitals and BayCare Health System believe in being leaders of environmental stewardship, innovation and corporate responsibility."
Other examples of consideration for the environment include:
Preferred parking for low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.
A roofing system that helps reduce the heat effect and keep temperatures cooler.
Low-flow water fixtures that use 20 percent less water than standard buildings.
Landscape that is maintained with 100 percent reclaimed water from retention ponds.
Use of low-emission paints, adhesives, sealants, fabrics and carpets inside of the building which provide cleaner air to breathe.
Use of construction materials from local sources, which supports the regional economy and reduces environmental impacts from transportation.

Green Healthcare: rubber flooring

2011-01-04T15:47:00.005-05:00

A great article from Canadian Facility Management magazine about, among other green features, using rubber flooring in healthcare environments.

Celebrating the holidays with a gift in your names for our nation's veterans

2010-12-20T10:32:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,

On behalf of friends, clients, and colleagues, RD Weis Companies has donated to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

This year RD Weis Companies celebrates the spirit of joy that attends our holiday celebrations with family and friends, and the happiness we feel from helping IAVA and the men and women who have served, and are currently serving, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

All of us at RD Weis Companies remain grateful to you for the opportunity you give us to work toward a cleaner, healthier world.

From our family to yours, best wishes for a joyful holiday season.

Rachel Armstrong: Architecture that repairs itself

2010-12-17T10:17:00.001-05:00

This is utterly awesome. TED Fellow Rachel Armstrong researches "metabolic materials" -- construction materials that possess some of the properties of living systems, and can be manipulated to "grow" architecture.

Here, Rachel Armstrong talks about the fact that Venice is sinking. To save it, she says we need to outgrow architecture made of inert materials and make architecture that -- grows itself. She proposes a not-quite-alive material that does its own repairs and sequesters carbon, too.

Wonderful letter from Zeftron Nylon 2010 Sustainable Award

2010-12-14T15:17:00.005-05:00

I am so pleased to share the following, with special thanks to the wonderful people at Zeftron Nylon Sales & Marketing and Shaw Industries Inc.:

Congratulations! You have been selected a runner-up to the 2010 Sustainable Practices Award presented by Zeftron® nylon. We want to recognize your commitment to creating more sustainable environments at home, at work and in your community with a $250 donation to the environmentally-focused charity of your choice.

Among the numerous submissions we received, yours showcased important sustainable practices. Coordinating reclamation efforts for RD Weis customers, forgoing car ownership to reduce your carbon footprint and recycling clothes through involvement with Wearable Collections are some of the creative ways you embody the spirit of the Sustainable Practices Award program. We applaud you!

In addition to awarding a donation to the charitable organization of your choice, we would like to include you and your endeavors in our marketing and public relations initiatives as we continue to promote the Sustainable Practices Award program to various audiences nationwide. With your permission, you will be mentioned in our company’s website, promotional materials and trade media outreach.

Zeftron nylon recognizes that the key to a sustainable future is not just developing “green” products; it is also important to encourage and support comprehensive lifestyle choices that make a difference. Acknowledging sustainability leaders like you who are implementing a variety of creative practices will be a key part of our ongoing environmental awareness efforts.

Thanks again for your submission and congratulations!

Sincerely,

Timothy Blount
Zeftron Nylon Sales & Marketing
Shaw Industries Inc.

Thank you so much, Timothy!

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

2010-12-09T13:51:00.002-05:00

Residential Bed Bug Prevention 101

Bed Bug Prevention reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic. Thank you!

Bed bug prevention is only the first step toward making sure you won't be plagued by these nasty intruders. In fact, once you've got a bed bug infestation to deal with, bed bug prevention is only one of a number of steps that will need to be taken. In most cases you'll need to contact bed bug exterminators in order get rid of your problem.

Bed Bugs: A Primer

There are actually several different types of bed bugs out there. The most troublesome prefer to feed on humans (bed bugs are blood suckers) and are most often found in mattresses, bed posts, headboards, box springs, and behind loose wallpaper and plaster. There are also bed bugs that prefer birds, bats, and other wildlife; however if they come into contact with humans they won't hesitate to broaden their horizons either. A female bed bug in house lays 300 eggs at a time that take an average of 10 days to hatch.

You do the math.

This is one pest that you need to attack as soon as an infestation is apparent.

Bed Bug Identification

The first sign of bed bugs in house usually shows up on your person in the form in of red, irritated, itching bites. Once those come to light, look for actual bugs, eggs, and nymphs in your bedding, mattresses and bed frame. You will probably find rust colored spots on the mattress (places where blood engorged bugs have been crushed) and areas of fecal deposits that look like brown stains and deposits. If all these signs are present, it's time to move on to the next step in bed bug prevention and extermination.

Call in the Pros

Unfortunately bed bugs are nearly impossible to get rid of on your own. That being the case, you'll want to search out bed bug exterminators to address your problem. Bed bugs in house require an integrated pest management strategy. First of all, you'll need to wash all bedding in at least 120 degree water to kill existing eggs, nymphs, and bugs. Second, vacuum the area thoroughly and seal and dispose of the vacuum bag when you're finished.

You Don't Want that Mattress, Do You?

You'll probably need to dispose of infested mattresses and box springs as well, as there isn't any sure fire way to rid them of the problem. After taking all these steps, the next is for your bed bug exterminators to treat the area with a number of specific pesticides. This is tricky business, since close contact to any pesticide is a bad thing, and beds make avoiding that almost impossible. For this reason, more than any other, it's important to hire a professional.

Bed Bug Prevention

Once you've rid yourself of bed bugs (and this could take several rounds of treatment, lasting months), it's important that you take steps to prevent the return of the problem. As mentioned, one of the best prevention strategies is simply getting rid of all infested materials at the get go.

After that, try to identify where your problem originated. People who travel, especially internationally, often bring bugs home from unsanitary hotels and other sleeping quarters, so be sure to thoroughly check out any lodgings before you stay to avoid possible contact. And, of course, keep your bedroom as clean as possible.

Vacuum your carpet, mattress and bedding regularly, and think about hiring a professional carpet cleaning service as well to come in and work their magic. When it comes to bed bug prevention, you really can't be careful enough.

Congratulations to our own Chris Mancus: IFMA Chapter Member of the Year

2010-12-08T12:24:00.013-05:00

Last evening in Detroit, IFMA South East Chapter President Margaret St. Andre and past President Jason Wells recognized sponsors and members at the annual IFMA holiday party, held at the Coach Insignia restaurant, attended by approximately 100 members and guests -- a great turnout in a city hampered by economic challenges for many years.

This year, the South East Chapter of IFMA recognized Chris Mancus as “Chapter Member of the Year,” for his commitment and dedication to helping grow the chapter and spread the word about IFMA throughout his service area. Chris served as Membership Chairman of the Chapter, volunteers for the golf outing, and attends every board meeting as well as chapter functions, including World Workplace.

In presenting the award last night, Jason Wells said that Chris was a model chapter member as he gives selflessly to the organization and helps to make it better through his “showing up” whenever the chapter needs him.

The board members assured me that the decision to elect Chris as the Chapter Member of the Year was easy and unanimous. Chris has been a member of the SE Chapter since opening the RD Weis Companies Detroit office four years ago, and has met my requirements for IFMA membership by being more than just an attendee at meetings, but actually working on committee’s and volunteering for a board assignment.

Another wonderful and amazing feature of this event was the spirit and optimism the business people in Detroit have about their city and its future. RD Weis Companies is clearly on the map with Facility Mangers in Detroit as a result of the efforts of Chris, Dana, and Kerry -- these guys are on a roll.

Congratulations, Chris! Well deserved.

Six products win CRI Seal of Approval

2010-12-02T12:25:00.003-05:00

From Floor Daily, five new solutions and one vacuum cleaner have been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program for carpet cleaning products and equipment.  

The Kirby Company added its first vacuum cleaner, the Sentria Household Upright vacuum, which received Gold-Level certification.  

In the cleaning solutions category, Enviro-Solutions earned approval for its ES93+ In-tank solution, and E-Clean Products earned SOA status for its E-Clean Carpet Cleaner Concentrate.  

Other products earning approval include DuPont's Teflon Advanced Low-Moisture pre-spray solution, Industrial Paper Products' Encaptivate-Dry and Pre-Captivate spot removers, and Grab/XL Brands' Liquid Grab Green spot remover. 

Award winning news

2010-11-30T12:44:00.007-05:00

Our own Sheri Gorman was selected as one of the finalists for the second annual Zeftron nylon Sustainable Practices Award (SPA) -- congratulations, Sheri! Read more about the wonderful Zeftron nylon Sustainable Practices Award award here.

In other award-winning news, Contract magazine, along with The Center for Health Design, at the Healthcare Design.10 conference announced the winners of its annual Nightingale Awards. Five winners, as well as one honorable mention, were named across a variety of markets. The annual program promotes and recognizes excellence in product design that enhances the quality of healthcare.

The 2010 Nightingale Award Winners were:
Pocket™ by Nurture by Steelcase

Dignity Collection by Spec Furniture

Essentials Collection by Carnegie

Suzanne Tick Marker Glass by Skyline Design

Mondo IDEA by Mondo

Congratulations to all! Wonderful work.

Another great online tool

2010-11-23T10:19:00.001-05:00

Antron has added a new and awesome online tool, the Life Cycle Impact Calculator! Check it out, it's fun and useful.

Tandus Flooring is the first to provide the industry with a fully certified reclamation center

2010-11-18T10:50:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to our friends at Tandus!

The Tandus Flooring Environmental Center, recognized as the first closed-loop reclamation center for flooring, is now certified through Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), and is the first of its kind anywhere. This prestigious certification was created in early 2010 to recognize leading organizations for their efficient and effective handling of materials, diverting waste from landfills and helping to reduce the amount of virgin materials consumed in manufacturing.

The certification will shape the industry and the confidence among owners and specifiers concerning the process and inventory of reclaimed materials. Certification of the Tandus Flooring Environmental Center is the only reclamation center guaranteed to conform with Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims. Architects and designers as well as owners can now require that materials produced through a certified reclamation center conform with LEED “Material and Resources” criteria for recycled content in building products and meet material classification requirements of the SCS Recycled Content Certification. Further, control of quantitative claims regarding material diverted from landfills and the ratio of useable material to waste sent to landfills, incineration or permanent storage, will now be transparent to the industry.

Tandus Flooring was the first in the industry to launch a closed-loop recycling system in 1994— the last year the company sent any manufacturing waste to a landfill or incinerator. Since then, we have reclaimed and recycled more than 170 million pounds of flooring and manufacturing waste back into flooring which includes that of our competitors. Tandus Flooring recycles for the industry, with more than 60 percent of product reclaimed and diverted from landfills or incineration is not original Tandus Flooring product. Floor products produced through reclamation are identified as ER3® products. This uninterrupted process produces over eight million square feet of ER3 products annually, making Tandus Flooring the largest producer of recycled flooring in the industry.

Sheri Gorman's Italy photos

2010-11-16T15:58:00.003-05:00

Check out Sheri Gorman's wonderful Facebook photos from her trip to Italy to see Mondo and Stile!

Note from the Pajama Program

2010-11-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

A note from the wonderful people at our favorite charity, the Pajama Program:

Dear friends,

Oprah is asking for stories from Pajama Program friends and supporters.If you were touched by our Pajama show on Oprah, or had that aha! moment after watching, please write in with your story!

Click here to write in to Oprah.

Thank you for helping us help the children through Danger Season. Your love means the world to them.

Sweet dreams,

All of us at Pajama Program

CA Vote Threatens New Carpet Recycling Law

2010-11-04T14:23:00.002-04:00

From the good folks at Floor Daily, the carpet industry is bracing for the possibility that a proposition passed in California this week will jeopardize new carpet recycling legislation that was passed in October before the recycling program even got off the ground.

California Proposition 26, which was passed Tuesday, requires that some state fees be approved by two-thirds vote of Legislature and some local fees be approved by two-thirds of voters.The legislation essentially pit business interests against environmental interests.

Bedbugs and Carpet

2010-10-26T13:26:00.003-04:00

The bedbug story continues, now in Cincinatti, and possibly due to... you guessed it: bad carpet maintenance.

We remind facilities managers and building owners that we all save money and have much better health with good carpet maintenance.

The Hamilton County Health Department was asked by the agency last year to examine the flooring at the building.

An inspector looked at the first three floors and found an extremely worn and stained carpet due to high traffic. The finding indicates the carpet "was coming unglued and as a result could provide harborage and breeding areas for insects."

This building's owner now faces an almost 3 million cost and a bad hit in public perception.

Goofy Fun

2010-10-21T11:29:00.002-04:00

Goofy fun at our 2010 3rd Annual Flooring Expo. Yes, it was my birthday.

More (and more serious... mostly) RD Weis Companies videos on our YouTube channel here.

The Carpet Mentor and TCO Calculator

2010-10-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

Great widgets from Antron:

The Carpet Mentor, which helps you select the best carpet construction based on the specific needs of your application, and The Total Cost of Ownership Calculator, which helps you evaluate the cost to maintain comparative carpets over time. Use one or both of these handy tools to discover the right carpet for your facility.

The Pajama Program and Bloomingdale's: Love Where You Live

2010-10-15T09:26:00.005-04:00

Tickets available until Tuesday, October 19, 2010!

The Pajama Program will participate in Bloomingdale’s annual multi-charity event, Love Where You Live, on Wednesday, October 20th, and Thursday, October 21st, 2010 at their White Plains, NY store. For $10.00, you can buy a ticket that will give you 15% off any purchase during these two days. Or take 20% off when you spend $300 or more on your Bloomingdale’s card. (Some exclusions apply, please see ticket for details.) The money raised by the sale of the tickets will go directly to Pajama Program!

The stores will have extended hours, from 10am to 10pm during the two days. Bloomingdale’s will also have special events and entertainment, like fashion presentations and styling tips from different vendors, special gifts, and crafts for kids. There will also be samples of delicious treats from local establishments and music from local DJs and musicians.

During these two days, if you bring your ticket into the White Plains Bloomingdale’s, the Pajama Program will receive an extra $5.00 from Bloomingdale’s. If you bring the ticket into any of the other participating Bloomingdale’s during the two days, you will still receive your savings, but the Pajama Program will not receive the extra $5.00.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from Pajama Program by calling Janet Estevez at 646-391-7355 or email: janete at pajamaprogram.org

Participating Bloomingdale’s:

White Plains: 175 Bloomingdale Road

White Plains, NY 10605

914-684-6300

Huntington Walt Whitman: 270 Walt Whitman Road

Huntington Station, NY 11746

631-425-6700

Roosevelt Field: Roosevelt Field Mall

630 Old Country Road

Garden City, NY 11530

516-873-2700

Rebuild and Renew with the AIA

2010-10-12T14:05:00.002-04:00

The AIA's advocacy arm has a wonderful project: Rebuild and Renew, the AIA's Federal Agenda:

As the global financial crisis continues to threaten the livelihood of American businesses and workers, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) urges Congress to enact polices that will revive our economy and build the foundation for long-term economic growth. The design and construction industry is the linchpin of our economy, accounting for one in ten dollars of gross domestic product and millions of well-paying jobs. While the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included many much-needed investments in our infrastructure, more needs to be done to free up credit and empower the business community to lead the recovery.

America’s architects believe that this crisis presents an opportunity not only to build, but to build better—greener buildings, vibrant communities, and a 21st century transportation network that is good for both the environment and the economy. In order to allow our nation’s architects to rebuild and renew America, the AIA urges Congress to act now on these key initiatives.

Mondo Rubber Flooring Greenguard Certified

2010-10-05T12:18:00.002-04:00

We are pleased to announce that the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has awarded Mondo rubber flooring GREENGUARD Children & Schools SM Certification.

Mondo is now Greenguard children and schools (C&S) certified on all products. The C&S certification comply with the state of California’s department of Public Health Section CA01350 and the products can now be used to earn credits in the CHPS for K12 schools and LEED.

You may download the certificates from the Greenguard web site under products, Mondo America.

Mondo makes resilient rubber flooring that is perfect for your health care, hospital, lab, nursing home or other facility. Made of 100% non-regenerated synthetic calendered, vulcanized, and stabilized rubber, Mondo products are available in a wide range of colors and may be embossed, matte, anti-glare, and / or heat sealed for hygiene. These rubber flooring products are EN 1817 compliant and bring comfort, stability, noise reduction, slip resistance, wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance to your facility. Mondo rubber floors are antimicrobial, antibacterial, and now Green Guard certified!

Back To School With RD Weis Companies

2010-09-30T10:57:00.003-04:00

Come have lunch and earn one AIA CEU credit per class toward your relicensing and continuing education!

Thursday, October 14: Provider Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Program: The Living Colors of Linoleum

Tuesday, November 16: Provider Johnsonite

Program: The Language of Color: A Look At Color Science

Wednesday, December 8: Provider New York Surfaces, Christopher Capobianco Program: Solutions for Floor Moisture Control

Come have lunch, network, and continue your education with RD Weis Companies! Please reserve your class space with Sheri Gorman at 212-376-5355 X 202, or email sgorman at rdweis.com.

For more about AIA Continuing Education, click here.

Excellent carpet performance advertorial from McGraw Hill

2010-09-28T13:04:00.002-04:00

Here's an excellent, useful piece from McGraw Hill on carpet performance and selection factors.

US EPA funding help with greening your building

2010-09-23T11:31:00.002-04:00

Are you looking for funding help greening your building, facility, or community? The US EPA has a guide to state and local program resources here, and to national programs here.

You’re invited to the 3rd Annual RD Weis Companies Flooring Expo

2010-09-20T13:35:00.006-04:00

Dear friends and colleagues

please join us

at the

3^rd Annual RD Weis Companies Flooring Expo

Tuesday, October 12

6 to 9 p.m.

Innovant showroom, 37 West 20^th Street, New York

Drinks and potluck cuisine from around the world

Sheri Gorman and RD Weis Companies are wrapping up NeoCon 2010 in NYC! Join colleagues and friends in Manhattan at the Innovant showroom at 37 West 20^th Street, between 5^th and 6^th Avenues.

Come look around and have fun. We’ll all your favorite manufacturers there -- each bringing special surprise drinks and food -- including:

Atlas Carpet Mills
Armstrong
Blueridge
Bolyu
Cambridge
Ecoglo
Fortune
FreeAxez
J&J/Invision
Mannington Commercial
Masland
mats inc
The Mohawk Group
Mondo
NY Surfaces
NY Surfaces featuring Capri Cork and Alumafloor
Stile
Tandus
Teragren Bamboo

We look forward to seeing you!

Please RSVP to Sheri Gorman at 212-376-5355 X 202, or email her, sgorman at rdweis.com.

Floor Daily Annual Report: useful info

2010-09-17T09:18:00.004-04:00

From last May, Journalists Darius Helm and Jessica Chevalier write up Floor Daily Annual Report 2010 -- full of excellent useful info, including a few reasons for optimism in the residential housing market:

In the commercial market, carpet and vinyl are the big players, and last year, with the education and healthcare markets still fairly healthy and spotty signs of life in retail, vinyl performed fairly well. However, the hospitality market took a huge hit, its biggest hit in 38 years, and the corporate sector struggled too—both are strong markets for carpet. Even though the government sector fared well, and despite carpet’s share in education and to a lesser degree in healthcare, commercial carpet business was still off significantly.

A bit of good news from the residential housing market, however:

Growth was strong in all regions: sales rose 6% in the Northeast, up 24.5% from last year; 7.2% in the Midwest, up 15.5% from last year; 7.1% in the South, and up 13.9% from last year; and 6.6% in the West, up 14% from last year. Median prices were up in all regions except the West.

Click through and scroll down to see the charts of market share for different flooring types.

Airport Carpeteers, via Floor Daily

2010-09-15T13:59:00.004-04:00

This is a very fun story, from the good folks at Floor Daily:

Author George Pendle, a frequent traveler, has developed a website that depicts airport carpet he and others have seen on their travels.  His website, carpetsforairports.com, recruits travelers to take photos of carpets and send them in.  "Trapped in an airport? Bored out of your skull? Become an Airport Carpeteer," the website suggests.  "All carpets gratefully received. All photographs fully credited." The site also provides opinions, many of them humorous, about carpets designs and their surroundings...

Green Buildings are blooming!

2010-09-13T11:00:00.004-04:00

Here's an excellent article by NPR's Franklyn Cater from the USGBC on green buildings.

Green building now accounts for nearly one-third of new construction in the U.S. That's up from 2 percent in 2005, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, which tracks the industry...

...here's another reason for professionals to get familiar with LEED: In more and more places, LEED is becoming law. Part 2 of this report will look at how many lawmakers buy the idea that encouraging or forcing developers to build green is not only good for the environment but is also good for economic development, and good for the health of workers who occupy those buildings.

Interesting look at a (these days, rare) growth industry.

A Sweet New Year to You

2010-09-09T14:47:00.001-04:00

Happy New Year -- shana tova umetukah!

USGBC in New Orleans

2010-09-08T16:04:00.002-04:00

Here's a lovely and inspiring press release about the USGBC's work in New Orleans, especially on rebuilding schools to minimum LEED Silver Certification.

Sheri Gorman Piece in New York Real Estate Journal

2010-08-13T13:55:00.003-04:00

Sheri Gorman discusses how cost effective good maintenance actually is in her New York Real Estate Journal article "Increase productivity with a safe, clean, and dry environment" here. Cheers, Sheri! (Nice photo, btw.)

Interview with Randy Weis

2010-08-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

I was privileged to be interviewed for the useful and interesting Choyce Peterson blog.

Proper flooring can transform a good office into a great one. While there are options galore, few are more popular than broadloom and carpet tile. In a recent interview with Randy Weis, President of RD Weis Companies, we discussed flooring trends and the difference between these two types of flooring in particular.

Read the whole interview here.

Come work with RD Weis Companies

2010-08-02T15:00:00.002-04:00

Come work with RD Weis Companies! We are searching for a Part Time / Full Time Flooring Specialist in our southern New Jersey market. All those interested should attend for further details and consideration.

JOB FAIR

Thursday, August 19^th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Clarion Hotel Palmer Inn located at 3499 Route 1 South, Princeton, NJ

Job Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent combination of work related experience and education
Must possess the ability to safely operate automobiles and shop equipment
Must be reliable, trustworthy, and a self starter with own transportation
Must possess a stable work history
Valid driver’s license or state ID
Strong written and verbal communication skills required
Basic understanding of company principles, policies, procedures, and standards
Requires some flexibility in working hours

We wish to thank all candidates in advance; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

RocNet Summer Fling

2010-07-27T15:31:00.002-04:00

Upstate people, come to Summer Fling! August 5th @ Murphy's Law from 5:30- 7:30

Sheri Gorman Discusses NeoCon 2010

2010-07-27T15:14:00.002-04:00

Check out our own Sheri Gorman speaking about NeoCon 2010 -- good news this year. Thank you, Sheri!

Our thoughts on NeoCon, via YouTube

2010-07-19T11:24:00.003-04:00

Check out Sheri Gorman's thoughts on NeoCon here. (Randy Weis, AKA myself, is here.) Much more positive than last year!

Our Dave Hammons featured on ManU website!

2010-07-09T12:33:00.003-04:00

Our own David T. Hammons and his USA Supporters' branch is featured on the official ManU website, and Dave and USA fans are looking ahead to United's visit: "In just a matter of days, Manchester United will be touching down in North America to begin their pre-season tour and me and my fellow Americans are relishing the chance to see our Old Trafford heroes in action." Congrats, Dave -- does this mean we all have to root for ManU now?

Check out Dave's USA ManU site here.