FCICA Holds 2 Days to CIM Training Event and Regional Meeting in Suwanee, GA

FCICA is excited to share it held a successful 2 Days to CIM training event and an Atlanta-area Regional Meeting in Suwanee, GA.

FCICA contractor member, Atlanta Flooring Design Centers, served as host to 2 Days to CIM Suwanee-Atlanta, Wednesday and Thursday, August 16-17, followed by the Regional Meeting Suwanee, a one-day educational and networking event Friday, August 18.

19 flooring professionals participated in the 2 Days to CIM training becoming newly designated CIMs – Certified Flooring Managers. Program mentors, Don Styka, CIM, Tarkett and Mike Kelly, CIM, Synergy Flooring led the accelerated and intensive instruction. 

2 Days to CIM Suwanee-Atlanta was FCICA’s first. Previous CIM training events were conducted over 3 days. The in-person training not only provides a supportive group learning experience but also professional camaraderie – at the conclusion of the first day of training, candidates gathered at a local brewery to socialize and network.

The Regional Meeting Suwanee followed the CIM training. Commercial flooring contractors, distributors and manufacturers convened for this one-day event featuring an educational session, four product demonstrations and time to network. The day’s program opened with a presentation from CJ Church, FCICA Executive Director and a tour of AFDC’s campus. Attendees learned about FCICA, how it serves the commercial flooring industry and ways to leverage member benefits to advance training, certification and business development. The schedule also included the education session Wood 101, presented by John Neugent, Director of Sales and Product, Cain & Bultman and 4 product demonstrations/presentations including: Adhesives and Moisture presented by Patrick Whaley, Regional Sales Manager Stanley Stephens Company and Sonny Callaham, Technical Director, Divergent Adhesives; The Resurgence of Laminate Through New Innovative Technologies, presented by Karel Vercruyssen, President, US Mills; Flooring Supplies - Basics Involving Floorcovering Installations, presented by Tom Talty, Account Executive, JJ Haines; and A Better Tile Installation - Large Format Mortar and Grout presented by Mike Glass, Sales Representative - GA/SC, MAPEI Corporation and Sandy Fowler, Senior Vice President, Southern Wholesale Flooring.

FCICA initiated the regional meetings to connect with contractors and flooring professionals on a local level to provide learning opportunities, networking and share how to leverage membership benefits. The meetings are part of the organization's regional outreach efforts to engage current members and introduce the association to nonmembers. The Regional Meeting Suwanee was the 4th outreach initiative held. Previous meetings were held in Wayland, MI (November 2022), Baltimore, MD (May 2022) and Atlanta, GA in (April 2021). The Suwanee event realized the largest number of participants. Participation was free.

FCICA is very grateful to Atlanta Flooring Design Centers for hosting these events and to their team for their generous support, time and commitment to FCICA and the CIM Program's validity as a highly-regarded industry designation. Their leadership team was instrumental in the coordination of the CIM training and Regional Meeting. AFDC’s facilities provided the space and equipment needed for the candidates to learn and concentrate as well as host over 45 Regional Meeting attendees in their newly renovated meeting rooms. FCICA also extends its thanks to Cain & Bultman, MAPEI Corporation, Olfa, Southern Wholesale Flooring, Stanley Stephens Company and Tarkett for underwriting event meals and beverages. 

FCICA congratulates its newest CIMs. The following professionals completed their Certified Installation Manager (CIM) training. Congratulations to:

Alejandro Alvarez, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Jamie Aristizabal, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Christopher Auer, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Drew Bivens, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Sean Foy, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Cindy Gailey, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Tracy Guidry, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Brian Hummer, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Sergio Ibarra, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

James Keaney, Zambo Interiors LLC

Kelly Lee, Romanoff Floor Covering

Matthew Meredith, The Matworks LLC

Stain Naustdal, Noco Contracting

Christy Olguin, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Al Perreca, Romanoff Floor Covering

Sheila Plemmons, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Mats Vercruyssen, US Mills

Jae Yoo, Atlanta Flooring Design Center

Minette Zambo, Zambo Interiors LLC

FCICA will hold additional 2 Days to CIM training sessions and Regional Meetings. If you are interested in participating or hosting one of these events at your facility, please contact Catherine Church, FCICA Executive Director.

The Certified Installation Manager (CIM) Program, the only certification program available for floor covering installation project managers, sets the industry standard for those involved in the management of commercial flooring projects. The Program provides video training modules led by experts who speak from years of floor covering experience. Paired with assessments, the modules enhance the qualified flooring professional’s core skill set, experience and knowledge base necessary to successfully manage commercial flooring projects. Individuals who reach this level of expertise will be easily distinguished by their Certified Installation Manager (CIM) designation. Launched in 2015, this certification program has graduated over 375 installation managers.

FCICA, the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association, is a nonprofit trade organization formed in 1982 to provide education to the flooring industry. Today, FCICA’s mission is to help make commercial flooring contractors successful through expert education, sharing best practices and professional networking.and headquarted in Glen Ellyn, IL, is the resource for premier commercial flooring contractors. IIts mission: We make FCICA strives to promote the advancement and continuous development of Certified Installation Managers (CIM); provide technical education, business support and industry expert networking; and deliver skills and knowledge to enhance the professionalism of commercial flooring contractors. FCICA is an international association whose contractor members serve the continental U.S. plus Burma and Canada. For more information about FCICA visit www.fcica.com or contact us at (630) 672-3702.

The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA) was formed in 1982 as a nonprofit to provide education to the flooring industry. Today, FCICA’s mission is to help make commercial flooring contractors successful through expert education, sharing best practices and professional networking.

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