Established by the National Cooperative Business Association (Washington, DC), the Hall of Fame commemorates a legacy of cooperation in America, honoring “genuinely heroic contributions to the cooperative idea, and the advancement of the principles of cooperation in the United States.” Its ranks include Benjamin Franklin for founding the Fireman Fund Insurance Cooperative, vice president Hubert H. Humphrey for his outspoken political support of cooperatives, as well as Lloyd and Mary Anderson, co-founders of the REI cooperative. In announcing the award, the Cooperative Development Foundation praised Brodsky and Greenberg as “visionaries, leaders and teachers.”

The two co-founders of CCA Global Partners shared a dream to empower and enrich the lives of entrepreneurs. The result of their dream is now one of the largest cooperatives in the United States, with 15 independent businesses in four countries and over 3,800 locations producing $10-billion in aggregate annual sales.

When accepting the honor, Brodsky observed, “I know Alan would agree that this award is a reflection of our outstanding team at CCA Global Partners who helped build our organization, and who keep us running day in, day out. The CCA story is one of passion, commitment, and belief that we can make a difference in the lives of family businesses. The CCA family believes in our mission because it’s the right thing to do, not to just earn a living but to make a better life for our members and communities. To love what you do and feel that it matters, how can anything be better? This is a tremendous honor for us, to be recognized in this way.”

About CCA Global Partners
CCA Global Partners is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. For nearly a quarter of a century, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial retailers to create a cooperative retail powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. With 15 independent business brands and more than 3,800 locations, CCA Global Partners is well positioned to positively impact the success of independent businesses. 

Cherico brings three decades of experience to this key position. He began his career in 1979 in a retail floor covering showroom. Nine years later, he owned two retail floor covering showrooms in Buffalo, New York, which he ran successfully for five years before becoming vice President/Director of membership for a national retail floor covering group.  In 1998, he became President of Georgia Carpet Outlets (GCO). In 2001, GCO became part of CCA Global Partners, which immediately invited Cherico to its St. Louis headquarters to lead its Lighting One and Floor Trader divisions.

“We are very excited that Mike Cherico will be our new Senior Vice President of Membership,” says Howard Brodsky, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CCA Global Partners. “He has achieved great success at every stage of his career, both as a member of the CCA family, and in previous positions.  His remarkable abilities make him a natural choice for this new role. During these difficult times, when more retailers are realizing the advantages of joining the CCA cooperative retail group, we could not have made a better choice than Mike Cherico to head up our membership efforts.”

About CCA Global Partners
CCA Global Partners is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. For nearly a quarter of a century, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial retailers to create a cooperative retail powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. With 14 independent business brands, more than 3,600 locations and over $10.5 billion in sales, CCA Global Partners is well positioned to positively impact the success of independent businesses.  For more information on CCA Global Partners, go to http://www.ccaglobal.com.

Membership gives you access to all of the operational programs that are detailed below, plus store-specific consultation.  All of our services are optional, and members choose only what works for their business. By combining the buying volume of our entire network of independent retailers, CCA Sports Retail Services offers members substantial cost savings and powerful ways to increase revenue and profit. 

OPERATIONS

• CONSUMER FINANCING: Dramatically ease the process of selling higher-end fitness equipment with our industry leading consumer financing program.  We offer consumer financing at the most competitive rates in the industry, a large number of financing terms, higher customer approval rates, and an exclusive private label card that customers use repeatedly at your store, boosting awareness of and customer loyalty to your business.
• CREDIT CARD PROCESSING: Save an average of more than $3,100 a year per retail location by processing with the industry’s best credit card rates.  You will recognize significant, sustainable savings by processing credit cards through CCA Sports Retail Services’ rate structure.
• GIFT CARDS: Become a more successful part of this $80 billion industry for less than a $250 initial investment!  Our electronic gift card program is more affordable and easier to track than other gift card solutions.  Our magnetic gift cards are reloadable and have no inactivity fees or expiration date associated with the cards. 
• REAL ESTATE SERVICES: CCA Sports Retail Services has a full-time Real Estate Department to assist you in all aspects of a real estate transaction, from site analysis to negotiating build-out requirements, and everything in between. 
• BUSINESS SAVINGS PROGRAMS: CCA Sports Retail Services has negotiated many additional business savings programs especially for you. From computers to shipping to office supplies and much more, these programs are designed to provide you with services and products at prices negotiated with the buying power of more than 3,700 fellow CCA Global Partners stores. 

TRAINING

CCA Sports Retail Services offers a number of diverse training programs that are designed to improve your sales performance and your profitability and boost.  Training programs include:

• PROFITABILITY WEBINAR: Develop the financial skills to bring your business to its ultimate profitability!  Quickly access the health and changes in your business by focusing on a handful of key weekly financial metrics.
• HIGH PERFORMANCE HUMAN RESOURCES PHONE TELESEMINAR: Learn all aspects of managing employees and staff, including hiring, terminations, reviews, implementing compensation plans, dealing with difficult staff, team building, team discipline, and staff motivation techniques.


• TIME MANAGEMENT WEBINAR: What if 10 minutes of daily planning could make you feel more in control of your life?  Develop key skills to plan, delegate, and organize your entire staff and their time.  If you always feel like you are catching up, and not quite getting to everything on your list, you need to attend this course! 
• STORE-SPECIFIC TRAINING CALLS:  Store-specific training calls cover a range of topics, from training on financing to simple “how-to” questions, to advanced selling techniques.  We offer conference calls at your request and at your convenience – even before or after store hours!  We’re happy to work with you to design customized conference call training for your staff. 

ADVERTISING

CCA Sports Retail Services offers a wide range of marketing options that are easy for you to implement, without the high fees of an advertising agency. Our goal is simple--to help you grow your brand in your market the most efficient way possible. Our advertising services and programs include:

• STRATEGY & CONSULTATION: We can help you design a special promotional sale or event, and we can also help you to get your existing customers back into your store more often.  To help get you started, we recommend that you work with our marketing staff to develop a customized marketing plan specifically tailored to your needs.
• DIRECT MAIL: We provide you with a wide variety of fully customizable direct mail options.  Choose from postcards, letters, self-mailers and gift card mailers.  We use our combined buying power to make sure your cost is always below market rates.  Design and strategy are included for free.  You pay only print and postage.

Interested in learning more? 

“We are excited to bring Keith into our organization to fulfill this essential role,” said Charlie Dilks, Chief Product Officer of CCA Global Partners. “Keith has the proven ability to develop the new products, channels and programs that we are seeking to build at this time. He has achieved remarkable results in every position he has held in the past. We could not possibly have found another candidate with experience that is so well suited to this division. We look forward to great things from him.”

Trau brings more than three decades of experience to his new role. Most recently, he served for seven years as the North American Marketing Manager and National Retail Consultant for Invistas’ Stainmaster carpet line. Previously, Trau held senior management positions at Sani-Dryer LLC, LIS Corporation and Bassett Furniture Industries. He earned both his BBA and his MBA from Emory University.

Trau will be based in the St. Louis, MO office of CCA Global Partners and will report directly to Charlie Dilks.

About CCA Global Partners
CCA Global Partners is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. For nearly a quarter of a century, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial retailers to create a cooperative retail powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. With 15 independent business brands, more than 3,800 locations and over $10 billion in sales, CCA Global Partners is well positioned to positively impact the success of independent businesses.  For more information on CCA Global Partners, go to http://www.ccaglobal.com.

“In these difficult times, we are indeed fortunate to have the resources to have made this acquisition,” says Howard Brodsky, Co-Founder, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CCA Global Partners. “MainStreet, like CCA Global, was founded to help small businesses compete with major corporations through shared purchasing, marketing and cost-saving programs. This acquisition will result in enhanced power for America’s independent companies – the power that comes from synergy.”

MainStreet is comprised of over 130,000 member businesses that employ 5.3 million employees. It will become part of BizUnite, a division of CCA Global Partners. As a result of the acquisition, BizUnite plans to expand the scope of services that are currently available to member companies. “The web-based business services marketplace that BizUnite has developed will bring immediate benefit to our members. We are pleased and fortunate to be part of the CCA Global family,” says Don Collyard, President of MainStreet Business Services. Plans are in place for new programs to help smaller businesses compete against larger companies through enhanced buying power, cooperative marketing programs, insurance, training and sharing of success strategies. Brodsky predicts that this acquisition will attract more members to BizUnite and CCA Global from the ranks of dealer networks, retail cooperatives, franchises and business associations.

About CCA Global Partners
CCA Global Partners is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. For nearly a quarter of a century, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial retailers to create a cooperative retail powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. With 14 independent business brands, more than 3,600 locations and over $9.7 billion in sales, CCA Global Partners is well positioned to positively impact the success of independent businesses.  For more information on CCA Global Partners, go to http://www.ccaglobal.com.

About BizUnite
As the leading business services marketplace, BizUnite maximizes the power of member-focused organizations to provide services that reduce costs while offering “world class” tools that generate revenue. BizUnite helps organizations, and their members, save money through its web-based B-to-B marketplace of more than 17,000 businesses. BizUnite’s marketplace solution is 100% customizable to fit your organization’s brand. Founded in 2007 by retail powerhouse CCA Global Partners, BizUnite is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. More information about the company and services can be found at http://www.bizunite.com/.

All the tools a nonprofit needs to run more efficiently, more effectively, more successfully.

Nonprofit leaders are passionate about their missions. However, they sometimes lack the resources to focus on the business side of their organizations. Alone, they may not have the scale to negotiate substantial savings on products and services they need.

CCA For Social Good continues CCA Global’s solid history and track record of helping independent organizations work together AND maintain their independence. Leveraging CCA’s existing infrastructure and success formula, CCA For Social Good provides nonprofits with an all-in-one business toolkit of products and services that helps them manage more effectively so they can focus their time, effort and energy where it counts — on their missions.

The nonprofit business toolkit: a combined effort for greater savings

Members of CCA For Social Good can take advantage of powerful proprietary tools, products and services in an integrated Web 2.0 intranet site that is available to them 24/7.

Some of these tools include:

• Cost Savings
  Alone, nonprofits often lack the scale to negotiate real savings. Together, they can have enormous buying power. Members receive substantial discounts on products and services like FedEx, Staples, credit card processing and more.
• Human Resources
  HR mistakes can be costly and time-consuming. Members gain the guidance they need to manage HR functions simply, efficiently and affordably. Our comprehensive program provides the tools needed for completion of policies, job descriptions, performance appraisals and more.
• Insurance
  Most nonprofits do not have the in-house expertise to identify risk and properly insure against it. We’ve researched the world of insurance products and we provide choices to members, including executive risk, business liability and employee benefits, frequently at substantial savings.
• Marketing and Communications
  The site contains online templates and step-by-step guides to create professional marketing materials on the spot. Direct mail and printing purchases are bundled with those of other organizations to provide deep discounts. Demographics, mailing lists, business stationery and marketing training are all part of the tools and services.
• Training
  Comprehensive online interactive training programs help members expand their skills 24/7, at their convenience, and include time management, public relations, communications and more.
• Library
  Our library provides a wealth of information to help members stay on top of the latest developments in the nonprofit world. The searchable library is filled with the latest news and best practices among nonprofits.
• Connections
  This valuable networking tool allows members to form online groups and climb the learning curve faster by connecting with other nonprofits instantly.

CCA For Social Good developed these powerful tools and programs specifically for nonprofits. In addition to real savings, they offer nonprofits something even more valuable — time put back in their leaders’ days so they can focus on their missions.

Description
ProSource has an excellent opportunity in the St. Louis office to refill an existing position for a Training Specialist.  This position is responsible for developing, preparing and facilitating classroom training programs and live interactive web-based training sessions, assessing training needs, evaluating programs’ effectiveness, directing structured learning experiences and managing group discussion and group process.  Other responsibilities include:

Develop and implement the following training programs:

1. Sales Management Training (Programs for both new and experienced sales managers)-measuring performance change, hiring and recruiting, in showroom training, observation and coaching, managing conflict in the showroom training, and business development.
2. Account Management Training (Programs for both new and existing account managers)- goal setting, creating a customer-driven sales environment, developing showroom members and clients, establishing an effective prospecting plan, asking open-ended questions that create a need, quickly adding value to the business relationship, developing and managing a sales funnel, and persuasive follow-up.
3. Advanced Account Management Training (Programs for experienced account managers)- creating your own personal brand, value-added application selling skills, managing a sales territory, advanced time management skills, maximizing the advantages of private brands, improving share-of-wallet, advanced prospecting skills.

Manchester, NH (March 1, 2009) — You don’t have to wait for the flowers to bloom to enjoy spring at your doorstep. Bring a smile to the faces of everyone who enters your home with a colorful welcome mat and help Carpet One Floor & Home, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) find a cure for breast cancer. The colorful designs from flowers to flip flops remind us of the carefree feeling of spring and summer.  A pink ribbon completes each mat and reminds us of those near and dear that have battled with breast cancer.

Not only are the Carpet One Floor & Home pink ribbon welcome mats a great way to dress up your doorway, they are helping researchers find life-saving treatments and hopefully someday a cure. Twenty-five percent of the sales of these mats will be donated to BCRF in the US and CCS in Canada to help support breast cancer research programs. The only way to find a cure is to continue to support these programs.

Carpet One Floor & Home has been supporting breast cancer research and awareness since 2004, and to date, their pink ribbon welcome mats have raised more than $750,000 in the U.S and Canada. This money has been donated to worthy organizations that are searching diligently for a cure.

“The Carpet One Floor & Home Welcomes Your Support campaign has given us the opportunity to donate to this very important cause and we are excited to be supporting such a worthy organization,” says Carpet One Floor & Home President, Eric Demaree.  “We are very proud to contribute as much as we can to the search for a cure by supporting BCRF and the CCS in raising awareness of a disease that has touched us all.”

“Carpet One Floor & Home continues to be a dedicated supporter with a new collection of welcome mats every spring and fall. Each season we look forward to the new designs and the hope they represent.” says Myra Biblowit, BCRF President.

“We are proud to once again be partnering with Carpet One Floor & Home for the Carpet One Welcomes Your Support campaign,” says Dr. Barbara Whylie, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society.

In addition to donating a portion of pink ribbon welcome mat sales to BCRF, with each Carpet One Floor & Home Welcomes Your Support campaign, Carpet One Floor & Home distributes an informational brochure to consumers with breast cancer statistics and valuable information about the disease.

The spring 2009 welcome mat collection features a variety of original spring and summer themed designs as well as a signature pink “Hope” mat. The mats are available from March through May at Carpet One Floor & Home stores for approximately $24.99US/$34.99CDN.  All of Carpet One Floor & Home’s welcome mats are stain-and-water resistant and machine-washable.  These inspiring pink ribbon welcome mats make great gifts and add a special touch to your deck or doorway for your summer gatherings.  Visit CarpetOne.com to find the nearest Carpet One Floor & Home to purchase a pink ribbon welcome mat and contribute to an important cause.

About Carpet One Floor & Home
Carpet One Floor & Home (http://www.CarpetOne.com) is North America’s leading floor covering retailer, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.  Carpet One Floor & Home stores are known for a broad selection of carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs, including exclusive brands like Good Housekeeping and Lees.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research.  The Foundation supports scientists at top universities and academic medical centers worldwide conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime.  A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  In October 2008, $34.5 million was awarded to 166 scientists across the United States and in Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, and throughout Europe. And for the seventh consecutive year, BCRF received Charity Navigator’s highest rating, four stars, thus outperforming over 99% of the evaluated charities, while the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded BCRF its highest possible rating of A+.  BCRF is the only breast cancer organization in the U.S. to receive these accolades.  For more information, visit http://www.bcrfcure.org or call 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer.  When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website http://www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333

Krista Eliason, President of International Design Guild, was thrilled to have been involved in the coordination of this opportunity between Guild Members and Habitat for Humanity.  “Habitat is such a valuable and worthwhile organization that helps so many families in the greater Atlanta area.  Being able to make this type of donation is incredibly rewarding and humbling for all of us, especially when you think of the positive impact it will have on so many”. 

While business may be more challenged in 2009, International Design Guild will continue to seek new ways to support both its members and the community at large. “It’s never been more important to remember that we are all part of a larger, global community and by supporting one another we will make it through this challenging time”, said Eliason.

International Design Guild and their affiliated member showrooms are known for providing exquisite flooring to the luxury market. They offer a particularly wide range of wool carpets, decorative and specialty products, including hard surfaces.

About International Design Guild
The International Design Guild, a division of CCA Global Partners, was formed in 1992 and is primarily focused on the luxury segment of the floor covering industry.  With 100 showrooms throughout the United States and Canada, membership to the Guild is gained by invitation only.  Each Guild Showroom specializes in serving the needs of interior designers and discriminating consumers who appreciate the importance of beautiful home décor.  Members also exhibit the highest standards of product knowledge, design expertise, and customer service.  Guild Showrooms guarantee designers and consumers the widest selection of luxury products fitted to the highest standards.  Visit us at http://www.design-guild.com or to learn more about what the International Design Guild has to offer or about becoming a member contact Patti MacDonald for more information at 1-800-205-4345.

The following members were given the Catch the Spirit award, recognizing new or existing members who internalize what Flooring America and Flooring Canada are all about and move aggressively to bring it to life in their local markets: Gerry Holden of London’s Flooring Canada and Ralph Fiore of Boston Carpet Flooring America.

Excellence in Brand Standards, honoring members who exceed brand standards – especially in the areas of maintaining a gorgeous showroom, measuring customer service, and providing an exceptional shopping experience – was awarded to Baldwin’s Flooring America, Halpin’s Flooring America, and Kino Interiors Flooring America. Excellence in Education, honoring members who have fully implemented training resources and leveraged them to achieve a peak level of performance in their businesses, was awarded to Stroup Flooring America, Schneider’s Flooring America, and FloorRight Interiors. In addition, Excellence in Member Service was awarded to Neil Daley of Flooring America and Flooring Canada Corporate for consistently providing excellent service to the cooperative membership.

The Leadership Award was given to Bob Pinnell, Sr., of Pinnell’s Flooring America and Perry Hildebrand of Flooring Canada Kelowna for being inspiring examples of leadership, sharing their knowledge with other members and management, and consistently going above and beyond. And the Make It Happen Award was given to Murray Mansch of Flooring America by Carpet Smart and Larry and Shar DeGiano of Michael’s Flooring Canada for going the extra mile to help fellow members.

The following stores received the Marketing Excellence Award for displaying ingenuity and representing the brand in a memorable way: Dave Griggs’ Flooring America, Flooring America of Colorado Springs, and Eisenhard’s Decorating Center. In addition, the Advertising/Marketing Award was given to Flooring Canada Dannburg in recognition of innovation and imagination in the areas of advertising and marketing.

A number of individual awards were also handed out: the Mike Englert Award for exhibiting an outstanding commitment to the cooperative and to fellow members without comprising integrity was given to Alan Shupe of Riteway Flooring America; the Mystery Shop Award for Kelby Frederick was received by Flooring America of Denton; and the National Outstanding Customer Service Award for receiving the highest certification score as a Star Service Premier member was bestowed upon Ken Eheart of Eheart Interior Solutions Flooring America.

The Shining Star Award, recognizing members who have posted exceptionally high sales volumes and demonstrated outstanding merit and effectiveness in implementing sales strategies, was given to the following stores: A&M Flooring America, A.R. Flooring America, Acadian Flooring America, Alford’s Floors & Interiors, Bob Wagner’s Flooring America, Brian Barnard’s Flooring America, C.R. Floors & Interiors, Carpet Shop, Cascade Flooring America, Coulters Flooring America, Dillabaugh’s Flooring America, Dobson Floors Flooring America, Feasterville Flooring America, Flooring America Mill Store, Flooring America of Tampa, Halpin’s Flooring America, Hiller’s Flooring America, Imperial Floors, Imperial Flooring Ltd., Kepples Carpet Flooring America, London’s Flooring Canada, Lonnie’s Carpetmax, My Flooring America, Paramount Flooring Group, Inc., Rays Flooring America, Sergenian’s Floor Coverings, and TCC – Flooring America.

Armstrong, Shaw, and Shaw Living were also honored, receiving Vendor of the Year for 2008.

About Flooring America and Flooring Canada
Flooring America (FA) and Flooring Canada (FC) are divisions of CCA Global Partners, the world’s largest flooring group. With a sales volume of $1.7 billion, FA and FC comprise 600 member-owned floor-covering stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Flooring America and Flooring Canada provide members with exclusive brands and unique warranty programs, comprehensive multimedia-advertising programs, complete showroom-merchandising packages, plus sales and management training. Learn more at http://www.FlooringAmerica.com. For information about becoming a member, call Bill Hosner at (866) 315-8705.

Members of the Board are nominated and democratically elected to serve three-year terms by NCBA members from coast to coast. Other cooperative leaders on the Board include Mary Ann Rothman (Executive Director, Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums), Rosemary Mahoney (Director, Main Street Cooperative Group), Charles Snyder (President and CEO, National Cooperative Bank) and other cooperative business leaders from across the United States.

“It is an honor to join the NCBA’s Board,” says Brodsky. “But it is more than that, because I truly support the NCBA’s mission to develop, advance and protect cooperative business. I believe that the current economic climate favors cooperative forms of enterprise. I look forward doing all I can to help NCBA’s stated objectives to make cooperatives a distinct and unified business sector, more widely known and respected by customers and the business community as well.”

To learn more about the National Cooperative Business Association, its Board and its programs, visit http://www.ncba.coop.

About CCA Global Partners
CCA Global Partners is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. For nearly a quarter of a century, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial retailers to create a cooperative retail powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. With 14 independent business brands and more than 3,600 locations, CCA Global Partners is well positioned to positively impact the success of independent businesses.  For more information on CCA Global Partners, go to http://www.ccaglobal.com.

Dale Miller, of Austin Fine Floors in Austin, Texas, was the winner of the Louis A. Dabbieri Award of Distinction for the largest volume and percent increase in 2008. Miller also received a $1,000 award check for his achievement.

Stanley Ginsberg, of Floors Etc. in Pikesville, Maryland, received recognition for the largest total volume increase in 2008.

Last but not least, The William Stampes Memorial Award was presented to Jerri Arcari, of Landry & Arcari in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. This award recognizes a member who gives their time selflessly for the betterment of International Design Guild and its members.

Krista Eliason, President of the Guild presented awards to all members and suppliers.  “Working with such a passionate, dedicated and close-knit group of entrepreneurs is one of the greatest joys in leading the Guild,” said Eliason. “The level of commitment and dedication our members display in delivering excellence at every level within their businesses and with their staff and clients is distinguishable.  The fact that they take that level of commitment and dedication and give it to each and every member is remarkable!” said Eliason. 

Guild showrooms are focused on the luxury market and will generally have four times the selection of a normal carpet store. They offer a particularly wide range of wool carpets, decorative and specialty products, including hard surfaces.

In addition you can view part of their exquisite and exclusive Dabbieri Collection of fine floor coverings at http://www.dabbiericollection.com.

About International Design Guild:
The International Design Guild, a division of CCA Global Partners, was formed in 1992 and is primarily focused on the luxury segment of the floor covering industry.  With 100 showrooms throughout the United States and Canada, membership to the Guild is gained by invitation only.  Each Guild Showroom specializes in serving the needs of interior designers and discriminating consumers who appreciate the importance of beautiful home décor.  Members also exhibit the highest standards of product knowledge, design expertise, and customer service.  Guild Showrooms guarantee designers and consumers the widest selection of luxury products fitted to the highest standards.  Visit us at http://www.design-guild.com or to learn more about what the International Design Guild has to offer or about becoming a member contact Patti MacDonald for more information at 1-800-205-4345.

Members were focused and passionate learners throughout the day as they were treated to a host of new programs, products and information that will strengthen them during these challenging economic times.  The beautiful new “Do You Dream In Dabbieri?” marketing programs were a big hit at the Summit as members look to increase showroom traffic while delivering a message that is right on target for their key clients. 

The largest number of new introductions came on the product side as the Guild announced the launch of their new Dabbieri Hardwood Program, their new 2009 Dabbieri Core broadloom collection, a new Dabbieri Architect program and a refreshed and exciting new look for their Loomtex benchmark collection.  “Members have anxiously awaited the arrival of all the new product introductions and in a year when things are more challenging then ever before our members will have exciting and value priced offerings for their consumer and design clientele,” said Randy Upson, Vice President of Merchandising at International Design Guild. 

It wasn’t all about product and marketing though as members discovered new ways to improve their profitability, cut costs, refocus and revitalize their sales staffs as key members of the CCA senior staff presented key information in their areas of expertise.  “In times like these, with market conditions as they are, there has never been a more necessary time for luxury market flooring entrepenuers to belong to the Guild.  Time and time again, members tell us how much they value the benefits, the information, the product and most of all the networking and brainstorming that are part of this amazing think-tank,” said Krista Eliason, President of International Design Guild.

The Guild also sought to recognize its core partner suppliers with key awards for their excellence during 2008.  The following suppliers were recognized for their outstanding achievements and were announced at the Summit:

In recognition of outstanding partnership and superior product offering, Mohawk Industries and Shaw Industries were presented with the 2009 International Design Guild Core Partner Supplier Award.

In recognition of outstanding partnership and superior product offering, the following suppliers were presented with the 2009 Louis A. Dabbieri Core Partner Supplier Award: Stanton Carpet, Godfrey Hirst, Couristan, Nourison, and Prestige Mills.

Guild showrooms are focused on the luxury market and will generally have four times the selection of a normal carpet store. They offer a particularly wide range of wool carpets, decorative and specialty products, including hard surfaces.

In addition you can view part of their exquisite and exclusive Dabbieri Collection of fine floor coverings at http://www.dabbiericollection.com.

About International Design Guild:
The International Design Guild, a division of CCA Global Partners, was formed in 1992 and is primarily focused on the luxury segment of the floor covering industry.  With 100 showrooms throughout the United States and Canada, membership to the Guild is gained by invitation only.  Each Guild Showroom specializes in serving the needs of interior designers and discriminating consumers who appreciate the importance of beautiful home décor.  Members also exhibit the highest standards of product knowledge, design expertise, and customer service.  Guild Showrooms guarantee designers and consumers the widest selection of luxury products fitted to the highest standards.  Visit us at http://www.design-guild.com or to learn more about what the International Design Guild has to offer or about becoming a member contact Patti MacDonald for more information at 1-800-205-4345.

“We have been looking for a sharp, pragmatic leader to represent The Bike Cooperative when speaking to suppliers,” said Greg Brodsky, managing director of The Bike Cooperative (TBC). “We felt the ideal candidate needed tremendous interpersonal skills to leverage the strength of TBC’s diverse membership, and having an understanding of the unique landscape of our industry would allow this person to hit the ground running. Kevin’s background and reputation in the industry makes him a perfect fit.  He has deeply embraced the cooperative concept, and he knows what it will take to bring power to our group by establishing relationships with key suppliers. We are very excited to have Kevin on board.”

Wren was a vice president of marketing & product development for Bell Sports where he was responsible for the Blackburn, Rhode Gear and Vista Lite brands. Before that role, he was the director of CODA components at Cannondale, where he was recruited to increase sales volume and margin for Cannondale’s private label component line, CODA. He was responsible for all bicycle component development including product research, engineering, international and domestic vendor relations and sourcing, patent licensing agreements, and forecasting.

About The Bike Cooperative
The Bike Cooperative provides members with exclusive product specials and rebates, consumer financing and credit card processing programs, comprehensive advertising services, and training in management and sales. They operate as a division of CCA Global Partners, a leader in developing programs and services that help over 3,600 independent businesses reach a higher level of success both personally and professionally. For information on becoming a TBC member, call TBC Member Services at 1-800-450-7595.

With that in mind, The Bike Cooperative (TBC) is offering seminars all aimed at improving a store’s profit, sales revenue, and overall efficiency.  TBC is offering a bevy of top-notch training programs for owners, managers, and sales staff to ensure its members not only survive but thrive in a challenging economic climate.  The 2009 training curriculum covers topics from advanced sales techniques to proven revenue growth strategies and beyond, all designed to make business owners more successful while keeping the customer’s experience in the fore front. Course offerings include Principles of Success (Best Practices), GEAR Sales training, High Performance HR, Profitability, and Time Management.

“I really enjoyed the class and I feel inspired to try these techniques in all aspects of my life, not just at work,” said Ashleigh Nelson, Manager of All-Star Bike Shop in Raleigh, NC of the Time Management seminar she attended in 2008.  “It is often too easy to let your life start dictating your path, and now I feel I have the power and the tools to turn that around and forge my own path again.”

The Bike Rack (Washington DC) co-owner Wayne Lurch, who attended TBC’s Best Practices course in 2008, added, “This whole experience has far exceeded my expectations.  If I follow through with what I’ve learned we will increase our net profits by double digits easily.”

In an effort to make training even more cost-effective for its members, TBC has announced a new Totally Inclusive Training Package, also known as TIP. Members pay $59 per month from January through December and they have access to all 2009 TBC training programs with no registration fees. “For many shop owners right now, they see training as an expense they can cut,” said TBC managing director Greg Brodsky. “We realize that it’s a very difficult time, but in our view, education is an investment in the future of a business.  We feel so strongly about training that we launched the TIP program to encourage more members to participate in more course offerings that will help their business, while making it more affordable for them in the process.  By participating in multiple training events members will save hundreds of dollars.”

About The Bike Cooperative
The Bike Cooperative provides members with exclusive product rebates, consumer financing and credit card processing programs, comprehensive advertising services, and training in management and sales. They operate as a division of CCA Global Partners, a leader in developing programs and services that help over 3,600 independent businesses reach a higher level of success both personally and professionally. For information on becoming a TBC member, call TBC Member Services at 1-800-450-7595.