Flooring America/Flooring Canada, International Design Guild(IDG) and The Floor Trader  convene for the first-time at Winter ConneXtion 2016 being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, FL. More than 600 independent floor covering retailers will connect at the bi-annual meeting, bringing three distinct retail groups together under one roof to have thought-provoking discussions and create actionable steps to drive business this year.

“Never has the philosophy of “stronger together” been more clearly demonstrated than with the addition of IDG and The Floor Trader groups,” said Keith Spano, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada and The Floor Trader. “Members now have the opportunity to augment their current retail platform and cast a wider net around a more diverse customer base than ever before through our three distinct business models; outlet, full service retail or designer/luxury.”

Continuing with its track record of developing the most innovative programs for its members, the executive teams will discuss the launch of new initiatives in all areas of the business from technology to marketing. According to Frank Chiera, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for the three groups,   “Every year we invest in the latest technology and create marketing programs that will work hard for our members. This year is no different. We’ve mapped out robust programs for each brand to leverage to elevate recognition in their respective markets, whether it’s targeting the outlet, mid-market or luxury audience.”

Key highlights include: Vision 20/20, Installing Happiness, website enhancements and strategic partnerships with brands who offer complimentary services such as the Tribute by KILZ paint program and iRobot for the Flooring America and Flooring Canada group.

For IDG, the Design for a Difference movement, the only community-driven designer movement and its designer program remain the priority for 2016. Krista Eliason, president of IDG comments, “Over the last several years, we’ve watched Design for a Difference gain tremendous momentum with our members and the huge impact these participating showrooms have had in their communities. We understand that Design for a Difference and the designer program are closely aligned. Our goal is to continue to support these programs to drive growth.”

Over the last few months, the executive team immersed themselves into The Floor Trader business. Executives will outline many exciting initiatives for The Floor Trader group including the rebuilding of its marketing positioning, access to robust social media and digital marketing programs, enhanced in-store design and new websites.

Throughout the 2-day meeting, members will have the opportunity to connect and network with other business leaders throughout North America; attend best-in-class education sessions and much more.

Spano concludes, “We are headed into the year stronger and more powerful then ever before by creating more bleeding edge technology for showrooms, developing new opportunities for the future and leveraging even more buying power with suppliers.  All of these elements coupled together position us to make a big impact in 2016 and capture more market share.”

About Flooring America and Flooring Canada

Flooring America and Flooring Canada are divisions of CCA Global Partners the nation’s largest floor covering cooperative. With more than 500 independent, locally owned flooring retailers, Flooring America’s member stores work hard every day to become the most recommended flooring stores in North America. Flooring America’s independent retailers strive to make customers deliriously happy by guiding, advising and finding the right floor to make homes beautiful. We are the flooring store where friends send friends for their new floors.

About IDG

IDG is the luxury division of CCA Global Partners the nation’s largest flooring cooperative. IDG focuses on making customers’ interior design ideas come to life through art, beauty, design and creativity. Customers (consumers, designers, builders and architects) want to work with us because we help transform spaces that create incredibly happy customers. Inherent in the DNA of every IDG showroom is our ability to bring our clients a personalized customer journey.

About The Floor Trader

The Floor Trader is a locally owned and operated flooring store and waiting to help you find the perfect carpet or floor for your home. The Floor Trader strives to be the best in the business when it comes to price, selection, quality, customer service and best yet in-stock flooring.