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The summer of 2025 marked an exciting chapter for CCA Global Partners as the Retail Group successfully concluded its third annual Summer Regional Meetings. Spanning five locations across the United States and Canada, these gatherings brought together members from Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America & Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, The International Design Guild, CCA Global Partners staff, and industry vendors.

The meetings were designed to foster collaboration, share insights, and introduce strategies to help members thrive in an ever-evolving market. As the cooperative gears up for its flagship conneXtion 2026 event, these regional meetings served as a powerful springboard for driving growth, innovation, and stronger cooperative ties.

A Summer of Connection Across North America

The 2025 Summer Regional Meetings began in June in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and extended through the summer with stops in Scottsdale, Arizona; Newport, Rhode Island; Big Sky, Montana; and Atlanta, Georgia. Each location provided a unique backdrop for members to connect, learn, and exchange ideas within a more intimate setting.

Why Regional Meetings Matter

Regional meetings represent a cornerstone of CCA Global Partners’ cooperative model. “Regional meetings like these are an integral part of how we collaborate as a cooperative,” said Keith Spano, President of Carpet One Floor & Home. “The smaller setting allows for more in-depth conversations and creates opportunities to explore strategies that will drive our members’ growth and the overall success of our brands.”

These gatherings are not just about presentations—they are interactive, collaborative, and packed with actionable takeaways. Members had the chance to engage directly with their peers, share feedback, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in their respective markets. Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, International Design Guild, and The Floor Trader Outlet, emphasized the value of these meetings. “These meetings are where we connect on a personal level and work through the challenges and opportunities unique to individual markets. The momentum generated here will propel us into our broader initiatives, especially as we prepare for conneXtion 2026.”

Key Themes and Takeaways

The 2025 Summer Regional Meetings covered a wide array of topics, ensuring members left with valuable insights to implement in their businesses. Below are the key themes that shaped the discussions this year:

Marketing Innovations
Members explored the latest trends in digital and local marketing, with practical strategies to strengthen their brand presence utilizing AMP, CCA Global Partners’ cutting-edge marketing program tailored specifically for locally owned flooring businesses. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, independent retailers often face challenges competing with big-box competitors. AMP Marketing is designed to level the playing field, offering high-impact marketing solutions that drive results.

Education Sessions
The 2025 Summer Regional Meetings brought members together for a series of hands-on educational sessions aimed at helping them strengthen and grow their businesses. Topics covered everything from fraud and cyber security awareness to human psychology in business, the latest marketing and tech trends, and new approaches to hiring and merchandising. Members shared ideas, learned from one another, and walked away with practical tips they can implement immediately. The event sparked valuable conversations and fresh thinking that will help drive business success across the cooperative.

Installation Best Practices
A strong focus was placed on advancing installation techniques and refining processes to streamline operations, reduce errors, and ultimately boost customer satisfaction. Several installation experts from our supplier network were on hand to answer member questions and provide valuable guidance on claim prevention—ensuring members were left with practical strategies they could implement.

Hiring and Onboarding Best Practices
With recruitment being a significant challenge for many members, the meetings included sessions on updated hiring and onboarding strategies. Members learned how to attract and retain top talent to sustain growth.

Expansion Through Diversification
A key focus this year was helping members grow their business portfolios through smart diversification. Opening additional locations can create new revenue streams and strengthen a member’s market presence. Sessions also highlighted the strong potential in expanding product offerings, such as kitchen and bath, which have delivered impressive sales results for members already featuring these categories in their stores.

Member-Led Discussions: Learning from Each Other

Member participation was at the heart of this year’s regional meetings.  Peer-led discussions allowed attendees to share their experiences, learn from one another, and develop actionable strategies tailored to their unique needs.

Aaron Reid, a Flooring Canada member from Saint Paul, Alberta, shared his enthusiasm: “Being in the co-op has helped me immensely. At this year’s Summer Regional Meeting, I’m taking away some key components that I will put to work, whether it be with my staff and the compensation structure or my relations with certain vendors.”

The value of networking was also highlighted by Chad Gurski from Valley Floors Carpet One in British Columbia. “The most impactful part of the meetings is networking with our group. Learning from them and sharing ideas is very valuable.”

Rick Weibe from Red Deer Carpet One in Alberta emphasized the importance of active engagement: “What you get out of a meeting like this is what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—you’ll get new ideas and new perspectives.”

Looking Ahead: Setting the Stage for conneXtion 2026

The momentum generated at the 2025 Summer Regional Meetings is already fueling excitement for conneXtion 2026, CCA Global’s flagship annual convention. Scheduled for January 11-14, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, conneXtion 2026 promises to bring members together on a larger scale to explore the latest innovations, share expertise, and strengthen connections across the cooperative.

“Regional meetings set the foundation for what’s to come,” said Keith Spano. “They provide the personalized discussions and strategy-building that make our annual convention even more impactful.”

The convention will feature dynamic programming, including educational sessions, networking opportunities, and entertainment, culminating in a memorable closing event. Members will leave with the tools and inspiration needed to drive success in the year ahead.

CCA Global Partners invites you to join us for the 24th Annual Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament, celebrating the legacy of Alan Greenberg, the esteemed co-founder of CCA Global Partners. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the breathtaking Barnsley Gardens in Northern Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More than just a day on the greens, the Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament is an opportunity for the floor-covering industry to unite and make a lasting impact. Proceeds from the event benefit the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals in the flooring industry who face unexpected life challenges. The FCIF provides financial assistance for critical needs, such as medical care, housing, and basic living expenses.

“Our industry is built on a strong sense of community, and this tournament exemplifies the spirit of coming together to support one another,” said Charlie Dilks, Chief Product Officer at CCA Global Partners and Chairman of the FCIF Board. “The generosity of our sponsors and participants over the years has made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. We’re excited to continue this tradition and hope to surpass last year’s success. This is about giving back to those who helped build the industry we love.”

Exciting Additions This Year
Newly added this year, the Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament will feature a pickleball event, offering additional ways to participate, play, and support this incredible cause. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, an enthusiastic pickleball player, or simply someone wishing to make a difference, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
• Location: Barnsley Gardens, Northern Georgia
• Registration and Information: www.alangreenbergfcif.com

Register to play golf or pickleball, sponsor the event, advertise, donate, or attend the awards dinner. Last year’s event raised an impressive $125,000 for FCIF, and with your support, we hope to break records and change lives.

Make a Difference Today
By participating in the Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament, you’re helping industry professionals and their families endure life’s most difficult challenges. Together, we can provide hope and relief to those in need.

To learn more about the Floor Covering Industry Foundation and its mission, please visit www.fcif.org.

Join us for a day of community, competition, and giving back. Register now and be part of something truly impactful!

On June 5, Carpet One Canada – a division of CCA Global Partners Retail Group – proudly hosted a community walk around the iconic Citadel in downtown Halifax, raising funds for the Homes for Heroes Foundation – a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting unhoused Canadian Veterans on their path to stable housing.

Since 2019, Carpet One Canada has supported Homes for Heroes by providing all flooring, tile, and installation supplies for the charity’s innovative village projects. These villages offer unhoused veterans a safe community environment with personalized services tailored to each resident’s unique needs and goals.

Carpet One Canada’s involvement began with the second Homes for Heroes village in Edmonton, Alberta, and continued contributions to subsequent villages. Most recently, Carpet One Canada supported the Kingston, Ontario, village, which opened its doors in June 2024. The cooperative actively supports the upcoming Winnipeg and London villages, both scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.

“It was a pleasure spending time walking around the Citadel in Halifax. Having community partners like Carpet One support Homes for Heroes has a profound impact on our Veteran community,” said Brad Field, CEO of Homes for Heroes Foundation and recent walk participant.

Carpet One Canada’s dedication extends beyond financial support. Members regularly host grassroots fundraising events, including the Walk for H4HF, Remnants for Remembrance, and Carpet One Coffee for H4HF, rallying local communities to support veterans in need.

“We’re proud to see our Canadian Carpet One members continue to support the Homes for Heroes Foundation,” said Cynthia Arsenault, Director of Retail Brands (Canada). “From our walk in Halifax to their ongoing commitment to the upcoming veterans’ villages in Winnipeg and London, their dedication truly makes a difference.” For more information about the Homes for Heroes Foundation and their impactful work, please visit homesforheroesfoundation.ca.

CCA Global Partners Retail Group is hitting the road again, bringing its Summer Regional Meetings back for a third year. From June through August 2025, leaders from the cooperative’s flooring divisions—including Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The International Design Guild, and The Floor Trader Outlet—will collaborate with members in five regional locations across the United States and Canada.

With stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Scottsdale, Arizona; Newport, Rhode Island; Big Sky, Montana; and Atlanta, Georgia, this series of intimate, high-impact meetings aim to cultivate peer-to-peer connections and equip members with tools to thrive in a dynamic marketplace.

“These meetings are built around initiatives that directly impact our members’ businesses,” said Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, International Design Guild, and The Floor Trader Outlet. “From accelerating smart marketing strategies to expanding member-to-member networking, we’re creating opportunities for growth and support in every session.”

Designed to complement the larger national convention, conneXtion, these regional gatherings offer a more localized setting for members to engage deeply on topics relevant to their respective market environments. Each event features collaborative workshops, expert-led discussions, updates on cooperative initiatives, and a vendor fair with over 25 participating suppliers.

“Our agenda maximizes every moment for our members,” said Keith Spano, President of Carpet One Floor & Home. “The energy and enthusiasm coming off conneXtion carry right into these regional meetings. We’re offering focused insights, stronger networking, and actionable strategies that members can immediately put into practice.” As the cooperative continues to evolve alongside a competitive retail landscape, the Summer Regional Meetings illustrate CCA Global Partners Retail Group’s commitment to personalized member support, innovation, and business excellence.

Three outstanding members of CCA Global Partners Retail Group cooperative were honored for their exceptional achievements and contributions during the annual conneXtion™ convention this week at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL.  

Vylett Cross of Ed’s Flooring America (Hooksett, NH) was presented with the NEX40 Award; Kayla Simons of Desert Design Carpet One Floor & Home (Elko, NV) earned the Wally Hileman Award; and Shannon Byerly of Burlington Carpet One Floor & Home (Burlington, NC) received the Alan Greenberg Award. These awards reflect their dedication, innovation, and leadership within the cooperative and flooring industry.   

The NEX40 Award   

Vylett Cross, Co-Owner of Ed’s Flooring America, was recognized as this year’s recipient of the NEX40 Award, which honors a next-generation leader under 40 who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to CCA.   

Having grown up in her family’s flooring business, Vylett entered a full-time leadership role after completing college in 2009, becoming the primary business manager and earning partner status in 2017. Beyond her daily contributions, Vylett has played an active role in the NEX40 group, helping plan events and webinars, and fostering collaboration amongst emerging cooperative leaders. Her dedication earned her an unprecedented fourth year on the NEX40 Council, alongside her position on the Flooring America Advisory Council.   

Since its establishment in 2017, the NEX40 group has empowered and connected the next generation of industry leaders through networking, development, and sharing of best practices.   

The Wally Hileman Award   

Kayla Simons, now the owner of Desert Design Carpet One Floor & Home, was honored with the Wally Hileman Award for her remarkable contributions within just two years of membership in Carpet One Floor & Home.   

After joining Desert Design in 2016 as a Design Consultant, Kayla quickly advanced and took on additional responsibilities, becoming Sales and Advertising Manager, before ultimately purchasing the business in 2022. Under her leadership, Kayla has since revitalized the company, remodeling two legacy locations with the innovative Room by Room selling system in 2023 and expanding into Carson City with a new store in 2024.   

The award, named in memory of Carpet One’s first Vice President of Membership, Wally Hileman, celebrates new members who embody cooperative values and show exceptional commitment to its growth and success.   

The Alan Greenberg Award   

Shannon Byerly of Burlington Carpet One Floor & Home was this year’s recipient of the Alan Greenberg Award, recognizing her remarkable 35-year career in the family flooring business and her tireless commitment to the greater cooperative community.   

Shannon has been instrumental in growing her family’s business while fostering innovation and customer value. Celebrating her 10th year as an RNG Coordinator, she consistently promotes shared success by sharing best practices, mentoring peers, and organizing initiatives like “Tunnels to Towers.”   

This award, named in honor of CCA Global Partners co-founder Alan Greenberg, recognizes members who embody the cooperative spirit through active participation, contributions to the collective, and support of fellow members.   

A Word from Leadership   

Keith Spano, President, CCA Retail Group and Carpet One Floor & Home praised the award winners, stating, “The dedication and drive displayed by Vylett, Kayla, and Shannon exemplify the best of our cooperative. Their passion, leadership, and forward-thinking contributions inspire us all.”   

Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild, echoed those sentiments. He added, “Our award recipients illustrate the values and collaborative spirit of CCA. They are true leaders who exemplify what it means to be part of a cooperative committed to innovation, growth, and shared success.”   

This week, CCA Global Partners Retail Group proudly launches its first-ever NEX40 Retreat, a gathering to foster the development and connections of up-and-coming leaders within its cooperative. This first-of-its-kind event for the cooperative brings together 100 young professionals under forty to learn, share, and unlock exciting new possibilities for their businesses and careers. 

The NEX40 initiative, led by a dynamic rotating leadership council, is focused on strengthening peer relationships within the membership, addressing shared challenges, and collectively driving innovation and growth. “NEX40 was a way for me to find my way in our business… it made it okay to not be afraid to make changes,” noted Lauren Allwein-Andrews, Co-Owner at Allwein Carpet One and NEX40 member.

The retreat promises a full day of curated activities balancing professional development, networking, and team-building fun. “The NEX40 Retreat represents the culmination of a year of strategic planning to create an event that enriches the experience of our NEX40 members, who dedicate time away from their businesses to attend both this retreat and our Winter Convention in Orlando,” added Frank Santaniello, Vice President of Member Services, Carpet One Floor & Home.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
The carefully crafted agenda reflects three core principles of NEX40’s mission: Networking opportunities, collaboration to address change challenges and development for business flourishmen

“The NEX40 Retreat accomplishes everything our initiative was designed for—practical business takeaways, skill development, and stronger connections. It’s incredible to see 100 of our future leaders taking the time to learn, grow, and connect,” noted Tim James, Training Project Manager at CCA University.

Setting the Stage for the Future 
The NEX40 Retreat marks the first chapter of a new year of innovation, collaboration, and leadership. It’s an essential step in engaging and energizing CCA Global Partners’ next generation of flooring professionals. 

“NEX40 was created to identify and build lasting connections with the next generation of flooring professionals in our membership. This retreat takes that vision to the next level,” explained Frank Santaniello. “We’re fortunate to have members committed to taking on leadership roles. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the NEX40 Council, CCA’s senior leadership, and our vendor partners like Mohawk, Shaw, Engineered Floors, Cali, and Synchrony Financial.” 

Today, conneXtion 2025 kicks off at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL, with an entire day devoted to education. Hosted by CCA Global Partners University, this year’s Education Day builds on the success of last year’s initiative by offering a full day of learning opportunities aimed at providing members with actionable strategies to drive business success. Featuring 47 specialized sessions inspired by direct member feedback, Education Day tackles today’s most pressing challenges with solutions members can implement immediately to improve daily operations.  

Fostering Growth Through Knowledge  
“This is more than just attending a conference—it’s about transforming businesses,” said Nicole Harding, Vice President of CCA Global University. “Our goal is for members to walk away with valuable insights and tools they can apply immediately to overcome challenges, strengthen their operations, and achieve long-term growth.” 

CCA Global Partners continues to emphasize its commitment to helping members excel in a competitive marketplace. Education Day brings customized learning experiences alongside collaborative opportunities, reinforcing the value in learning from both educators and fellow business owners.  

Today’s agenda features engaging sessions led by experts and peers across diverse topics, including staff development, leadership strategies, installation best practices, and business operations. Highlights include impactful workshops like “Effectively Onboarding Your New Hires,” “Installation Retention,” “Leadership Excellence,” and “The Courage to Succeed.” These sessions address critical industry needs—helping members elevate their business practices, retain high-caliber talent, and improve operational efficiencies.  

“Our focus is on giving members tools and knowledge that create a direct and immediate impact on their success,” Harding added. “From refining sales strategies to improving installation processes and transitioning into effective leadership roles, our sessions cater to every stage of the business growth journey.” By prioritizing growth and empowerment, CCA ensures its members are better equipped to strengthen their businesses. 

Expanding Knowledge Beyond Education Day 
Education Day is just one part of the University’s comprehensive learning strategy for CCA Global Partners members. In addition to Education Day, the University offers a robust online platform with on-demand and live training modules, in-person training sessions, certifications, and customized training opportunities tailored to individual member needs. To date, over 1,200 certifications have been completed, and members have collectively completed more than 61,000 online University training modules. 

Michelle Ali, of Top Floors Carpet One Floor & Home in Suwannee, Georgia, said, “The ongoing training from the University helps drive home the continuous training for our sales staff, staying up with the best tips, keep learning, and keep trying new ways of selling.” 

Looking ahead, CCA Global University remains committed to expanding its offerings, introducing new learning modules, and providing innovative training opportunities to ensure members stay educated, informed, and ready to tackle their evolving industry landscape. 

CCA Global University, the dedicated training division of CCA Global Partners, has been recognized for excellence in professional development by winning the prestigious 2025 Training Apex Award from Training magazine—marking its fifth consecutive year earning this award.  This accolade is a testament to CCA Global’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning and development through innovative and impactful training programs. 

CCA Global Partners earned this recognition for its comprehensive training initiatives, including the Ready, Set, Go onboarding program, which sets a gold standard for new employee integration. The organization’s online University empowers learners with access to hundreds of industry-specific modules focused on product knowledge, leadership, and sales education. Additionally, CCA Global’s continued investment in training for Retail 2.0, the most advanced showroom system in flooring, highlights its dedication to equipping members with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market. 

“We are thrilled to receive the 2025 Training Apex Award for the fifth year in a row,” said Nicole Harding, Vice President of CCA Global University. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing members with the best resources, tools, and education to thrive. Programs like Ready, Set, Go and our training for the Retail 2.0 selling system reflect our team’s innovative spirit and dedication to empowering businesses. To be recognized on this level alongside the industry’s top performers is truly an honor.” 

The Training Apex Awards celebrate organizations’ excellence in training and development. Training magazine’s Hall of Fame members and Editor/Publisher Lorri Freifeld select winners through a rigorous evaluation process. 

“The 2025 Training Apex Awards winners have earned a special place in the rich history of Training magazine’s celebration of stellar human capital development over the last 25 years,” said Lorri Freifeld, Editor/Publisher of Training magazine. “We applaud their impressive achievements in and steadfast commitment to employee learning and development over the past year.” 

CCA Global Partners will be formally recognized at the 2025 Training Conference & Expo, hosted by Training magazine in Atlanta, GA, in February.