Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) has opened its new headquarters and warehouse in Dalton, Ga. The facility, which will also house the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), spans 20,000 sq. ft.—including 2,000 sq. ft. of office space—and “marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance the flooring installation industry,” according to the association.
The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for CFI’s comprehensive training programs aimed at certifying professional flooring installers. With ample space and modern amenities, CFI will be able to conduct extensive hands-on training events, ensuring installers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to excel in their craft, CFI stated.
“We are thrilled to open our new headquarters in Dalton,” said Steve Abernathy, who serves as both COO of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and executive director of CFI. “This facility represents our commitment to advancing the flooring installation profession through top-notch training, certification and industry collaboration. We look forward to welcoming our members and partners to this new space and working together to elevate the standards of our industry.”
The FCEF, which will share the space, was established to address the critical shortage of skilled installers in the flooring industry. By providing education, resources and support, the foundation aims to attract and train the next generation of flooring professionals.
Along with installation training, CFI offers comprehensive technical certification training for independent flooring retailers, sales representatives and manufacturers. The training covers various flooring types, installation techniques and industry best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of both the technical and sales aspects of the flooring business. By completing this certification, individuals and companies can enhance their credibility, improve customer satisfaction and stay competitive in the ever-evolving flooring market, CFI noted.
The Dalton warehouse—located in the heart of the flooring industry—will also be a key location for hosting various industry events including advisory board meetings; networking sessions with vendor partners, sponsors and supporters; and “other important gatherings that foster collaboration and innovation within the flooring community,” according to CFI.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at the new CFI headquarters, with customized signs prominently displayed in the training area which will be seen by all visitors including industry professionals, trainees and others. Additionally, sponsoring the CFI headquarters “aligns companies with a respected industry leader, enhancing their reputation and demonstrating support for professional development and excellence in flooring installation,” CFI said.
For more information, contact John McHale at jmchale@cfiinstallers.org.
