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Robert A.
Hill, who built a group of floor covering businesses from a
single store in suburban Chicago to a $100 million-plus
operation today, takes over as Chairman of the Board of the
World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) on July 1.
He is
initiating a program for the association that "is not
business-as-usual. This is a unique time in our industry,"
says Hill, "a time that creates an opportunity for this
organization to grow in membership, resources and services.
It is a time when we can make a difference by simplifying a
complicated world."
"Unlike
most trade associations, the WFCA has the financial
resources to back its initiatives," the new leader observes.
"The sale of the 'Surfaces' show for $45 million in 2000 has
made it possible for us to undertake programs that can make
a difference, not only for our members, but also for
consumers. We have the resources to deliver on our
promises."
Among the
programs that will debut this year is a $1 million-plus WFCA
website directed to the general public which will be a
national clearinghouse for high quality consumer information
on how to select, purchase and care for all types of floor
covering. "It's designed to be truly helpful, to de-mystify
the whole buying process, and to make decisions easier. It
will also enable consumers to find local WFCA dealers and
members who are WFCA-certified flooring experts."
Hill notes
that the 3,000-member WFCA is "the only place where every
segment of the floor-covering industry can come together-not
only retailers, but manufacturers, distributors, installers
and members of the related service industries -for
information and ideas that will create a stronger business
future."
Hill plans
to emphasize the strengths of the organization to expand
membership during his term in office. "Our members benefit
from access to unbiased information on everything from new
installation techniques and creative problem- solving to the
latest consumer behavior marketing research. Our
certification program enables members who qualify by taking
a test to call themselves WFCA-certified flooring experts,
thus giving them a distinction in the marketplace."
Hill is the
founder and Chairman of Floor Covering Associates, Inc., a
Midwest-based group of businesses which include a chain of
floor-covering centers, a home-furnishings and design center
and the national FCA-Network of stores in more than 40
states. He is a national leader in the industry, who also
serves on the board of the National Floorcovering Alliance.
Hill has been the recipient of numerous industry awards,
including the Chicago Floorcovering Association's "Retailer
of the Year."
Born and
raised in northern
California,
Hill is a graduate of the University of California at
Berkeley. He began his career in floor covering with his
first job, as a mill contract salesman in San Francisco. He
is has four children, Vicki and Miranda Hill and Jonathan
and Alison Flaum. He and his wife, Thea, live in Chicago.
Hill takes
over as WFCA Chairman from Aaron Pirner, CEO of Cap Carpet,
Inc. of Wichita, KS.
Chris
Davis continues as President and CEO of the association, a
post he has held since 1994.
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