Professional Education,
Professional Education, Giving Back To Community: Themes Underscore NWFA Expo’s Focus Photos By Terry Miller St. Louis, MO–The Edward Jones Dome at the America’s Center, located here, recently served as the site for the annual National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Flooring Expo. This marked the NWFA Expo’s return to St. Louis, where the parent organization began 30 years ago. This event attracts attendees from around the world who showcase the industry’s latest products and services. Educational and networking events are plentiful at this Expo as well. The educational portion of the Expo was led by keynote speaker Bill Courtney. Courtney is owner and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods in Memphis, TN. He also is the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary, “Undefeated,” and author of the book “Against the Grain.” This book details his journey of “Playing It Forward” by volunteering to coach an impoverished local high school football team. At NWFA, Courtney shared his insights about business, life and giving back to the community. Actor Gary Sinise also appeared at the NWFA Expo. Best known for his portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the movie “Forrest Gump,” Sinise announced a partnership between the NWFA and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s RISE program. RISE provides smart homes for veterans who have lost multiple limbs during tours of duty. NWFA has committed to providing material and labor for more than a dozen veterans’ homes currently planned, as well as future homes. Other guest speakers at this year’s NWFA Expo included John Mozeliak, general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Cardinals’ legend Ozzie Smith, who addressed the mission of Gateway PGA REACH Foundation. NWFA is partnering with this foundation to build an inner-city sports complex in downtown St. Louis. The project will include installing the basketball court’s wood floor. The NWFA Certified Professionals Symposium, which was held during the Expo, included more than 20 hours of education sessions. Sessions featured five business tracks: marketing/sales, management, technical skills, architecture/design, and a collaboration track that brings attendees together to share experiences and best practices. For more information, visit online at www.nwfa.org. n Rob Paradise, Devereaux Sawmill Inc., Pewamo, MI; Jack Shannon III, J.T. Shannon Lumber Co. Inc., Memphis, TN; Crystal Oldham, Hardwood Forest Foundation, Memphis, TN; Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; and Kelly Sutherland, Midwest Walnut, Willow Springs, MO 24 JUNE 2015 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
Steve Smith, Mullican Flooring, Hamburg, NY; Melvin Burkhardt, Mullican Flooring, Johnson City, TN; Louis Gordillo, Mullican Flooring, Northern California; and Greg Burleson, Mullican Flooring, Johnson City, TN Chris Mongrain, Emerson Hardwood Co., Portland, OR; Rick Barrett, Midwest Hardwood Corp., Maple Grove, MN; and Josh Brennan and Mark Miller, Frank Miller Lumber Co. Inc., Union City, IN Jim Cook, Somerset Wood Products Inc., Atlanta, GA; Scott Burega, Somerset Wood Products Inc., Pittsfield, MA; Vicky Sanders and Diana Gurley, Somerset Wood Products Inc., Somerset, KY; Grant Hayes, Somerset Wood Products Inc., San Francisco, CA; and Tony Miraldi, Somerset Wood Products Inc., Crossville, TN Tommy Maxwell, Rose Mary Cummings and Wayne Daniel, Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, Monticello, AR; and Shay Dugal, Ouachita Hardwood Flooring, Warren, AR Mike Flynn, Diane Pevy, Keith Waldrop and Jim Duffey, LaCrosse Flooring by Westby Hardwood Products, Westby, WI Additional photos on page 36 JUNE 2015 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 25
