JOINING Forces
The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and the Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) have acquired the National Fiber Institute Certification (NFIC). Established in 2006, NFIC is the oldest and largest recognized certification, education and training for installers, salespeople, and inspectors in the natural fiber industry. NFIC will operate under the CFI umbrella while maintaining its unique identity. NFIC has over 600 certified installers and covers a wide array of materials, including natural fibers such as woven/tufted wools, Axminster, Wilton, velvet, flat weave, sisal, handmade, and seagrass. Notably, NFIC’s certification serves as a prerequisite for CFI’s Master II certification.
The acquisition aims to: • Expand the opportunity for installers to obtain NFIC certification by broadening its reach. • Grow the scope of technical training provided by NFIC to non-installers. • Hold training sessions to develop new instructors, expanding the current team to increase the number of trainers. Steve Abernathy, COO of WFCA and Executive Director of CFI stated, “This merger will allow us to reach new heights in education and training for flooring professionals.” “Joining forces with WFCA and CFI is a monumental step for NFIC,” added P.J. Arthur, CEO and founder of NFIC. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to offer unparalleled training and certification options, fostering excellence in the natural fiber sector.” WFCA, CFI, and NFIC will continue to drive progress and set new benchmarks in the flooring industry, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
70 Premier Flooring Retailer D3 | 2024
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