Throughout his five deployments to Afghanistan and Syria, SFC Davis was invested in leading servicemen and women on missions and enjoyed finding ways to inspire younger soldiers.  In 2019, while on deployment in Afghanistan, he and his team were conducting a raid when an explosion was triggered.  The blast caused severe injury, resulting in the loss of his right arm above the elbow, his right leg above the knee, and his left leg below the knee.

In addition to the 72 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 14 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction.  Currently, 153 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $6.9 million.  A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

Saint Louis, MO (October 17, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association has released its 2024 Hands-On Training Calendar. These events are held at various NWFA regional training centers across the United States and Canada. Each course is led by an NWFA Regional Instructor. These instructors are highly skilled and trained individuals who have a great passion for the wood flooring industry and are eager to share their knowledge with others.

“Participating in NWFA hands-on training is a pivotal step towards career growth and achieving NWFA certification, making it one of the best professional investments you can make to enhance your career and set yourself apart from the competition,” says Brett Miller, NWFA vice president of technical standards, training, and certification. “When you attend an NWFA hand-on training course, not only will you learn from some of the best in the industry, but attending also exposes you to valuable networking opportunities with other wood flooring professionals.”

The 2024 course schedule is as follows:

• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | San Jose, CA | February 6 – 9
• Wood Floor Repairs | Dallas, TX | February 8
• Wood Floor Sales and CP Testing | Dallas, TX | February 9
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Nashville, TN | February 13 – 16
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish | St. Louis, MO | February 20 – 23
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Waco, TX | February 27 – March 1
• Circles, Curves, & Bending Wood | Clarksville, TN | February 28 – 29
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish (Bilingual) | Dallas, TX | March 5 – 8
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | March 12 – 15
• Stair Balustrade (Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association) | St. Louis, MO | March 18 – 20
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Atlanta, GA | March 19 – 22
• Wood Floor Claims, Evaluations, and Inspections | Wadesboro, NC | March 21 – 22
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Denver, CO | March 26 – 29
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | King of Prussia, PA | May 14 – 17
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Clarksville, TN | May 14 – 17
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | May 21 – 24
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish | Wadesboro, NC | June 4 – 7
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Bowling Green, OH | June 4 – 7
• Wood Floor Repairs | Boston, MA | June 4
• Wood Floor Sales and CP Testing | Boston, MA | June 5
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish | Denver, CO | June 11 – 14
• Wood Floor Repairs (Bilingual) | Los Angeles, CA | June 20
• Problems, Causes, & Cures | Bloomington, MN | June 20
• Subfloor Preparation | Syracuse, NY | June 20
• Wood Floor Repairs and Bonus Mill Tour | Syracuse, NY | June 21
• Wood Floor Claims, Evaluations, and Inspections | Bloomington, MN | June 21
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Clarksville, TN | June 25 – 28
• Installation CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | June 27
• Sand & Finish CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | June 28
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Wadesboro, NC | July 9 – 12
• Medallions & Parquetry | Denver, CO | July 11 – 12
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Kansas City, KS | July 16 – 19
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Tukwila, WA | July 16 – 19
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | York, PA | August 27 – 30
• Medallions & Parquetry | San Jose, CA | September 5 – 6
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish | St. Louis, MO | September 10 – 13
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Denver, CO | September 10 – 13
• Textured Wood & Color Finishes | Bowling Green, OH | September 12 – 13
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Charlotte, NC | September 17 – 20
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish (Bilingual) | Oakland, CA | September 17 – 20
• Inspector School | St. Louis, MO | September 23 – 27
• Basic Installation and Sand & Finish | Boston, MA | October 1 – 4
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Wadesboro, NC | October 8 – 11
• Advanced Installation | St. Louis, MO | October 15 – 18
• Intermediate Installation and CP Testing | Bowling Green, OH | October 22 – 25
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | Tukwila, WA | October 22 – 25
• Advanced Finish | St. Louis, MO | November 5 – 7
• Intermediate Sand & Finish and CP Testing | San Jose, CA | November 12 – 15
• Problems, Causes, & Cures | Clarksville, TN | November 13
• Wood Floor Repairs | Clarksville, TN | November 14
• Subfloor Preparation (Bilingual) | Waco, TX | November 21
• Moisture Testing (Bilingual) | Waco, TX | November 22
• Installation CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | December 5
• Sand & Finish CP Testing | St. Louis, MO | December 6

Each NWFA hands-on class includes an educational reference manual, access to online courses that reinforce the hands-on training being taught, safety goggles, disposable respiratory mask, earplugs, instructor directory, and lunch.

View full event calendar, course descriptions, and register here.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies worldwide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. NWFA members receive the best in educational training, benefits, technical resources, and networking to advance their professionalism and success. The NWFA is located at 14 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or online at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (October 11, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 71^st home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).  The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.  The home dedication for United States Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Ian Prescott took place on September 20, in Crestview, FL.  Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Premiere Finishing & Coating.

In 2018, while on patrol with his team and Afghan counterparts, SFC Prescott was shot by enemy forces.  Suffering from heavy internal bleeding, doctors were forced to remove his left kidney, spleen, and portions of his pancreas, while repairing damage to his left lung, diaphragm, and intestines.  In addition, he had two shattered vertebras and his spinal cord was injured, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.

“Following his initial surgeries, SFC Prescott returned to the U.S. and spent the remainder of his recovery at Brook Army Medical Center and then at Shepherd Center in Atlanta,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin.  “During his years of military service, he was deployed 10 times to Afghanistan, Iraq, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, and was awarded four Bronze Stars and one Purple Heart.  We’re honored to partner with Premiere Finishing & Coating to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”

In addition to the 71 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 11 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction.  Currently, 153 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $6.9 million.  A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org. The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (October 4, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 70^th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).  The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.  The home dedication for United States Army Sergeant (Ret.) Shane Parsons took place on August 17, in Columbus, OH.  Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Sheoga Flooring.

In 2006, Sgt. Parsons was off duty while stationed in Iraq, but volunteered to go out on a mission.  As the lead driver, he drove over an improvised explosive device (IED) that was designed to cut through metal and protective gear.  The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knee, and a traumatic brain injury.

“When Sgt. Parsons was air lifted out of Iraq, he suffered three cardiac arrests,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin.  “The longest one lasted 45 minutes, which left him unable to read, write, or manage daily basic living skills.  Through his hard work, he has regained the ability to read, speak, and care for himself.  We’re honored to partner with Sheoga to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”

In addition to the 70 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 13 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction.  Currently, 153 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $6.9 million.  A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (September 25, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recently welcomed AHF Products, Mirage, Vintage Hardwood Flooring, and Preverco to the NWFA Engineered Refinishable Program, bringing the total number of participating companies to 23. The program was established to identify engineered wood flooring products with wear layers thick enough to be sanded and refinished. The program is voluntary, and offers certification reciprocity for products certified to the European Parquet Federation’s (FEP) Parquet Refinishable Program.

“With the growing number of engineered wood and look-alike flooring products available, there is definitely confusion in the hard surface category,” says Julien Dufresne, Vice President of Sales at Preverco. “We welcome the introduction of the NWFA-certified refinishable logo into the marketplace. It is a clear way to bring the long-lasting benefits of hardwood flooring to the forefront.”

The ability to refinish a wood floor extends its service life, making it a more-sustainable, multi-generational product. The color and sheen can be updated during the remodeling process or to suit the taste of a new homeowner, providing a completely new look.

All types of engineered wood flooring products are eligible to apply to carry the NWFA’s engineered wood flooring refinishable logo. To learn more about joining the program, visit https://nwfa.org/manufacturing or contact John Forbes at john.forbes@nwfa.org or 800-422-4556.

NWFA members that have completed the product evaluation process to be included in the program include AHF Products, Appalachian Flooring, Appalachian Lumber, BARLINEK Floors Forever, Breezewood Floors, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, Concord Flooring, Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring, Maxwell/Ouachita Hardwood Flooring, Middle Tennessee Lumber, Mirage, Mullican Flooring, Pacific Hardwood, PID Floors, Preverco, Reliance Hardwood Flooring, Saroyan Hardwoods, Schafer Hardwood Flooring/V3 Brand, Somerset Hardwood Flooring, Superior Flooring, Vintage Hardwood Flooring, Wickham Hardwood Flooring, and Woodwright.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 14 Research Park, St. Charles, MO 63304, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (September 18, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 69^th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).  The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.  The home dedication for United States Army Captain (Ret.) Jason Church took place on July 20, in Oconomowoc, WI.  Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member WD Flooring.

In 2012, Captain Church was out on his first deployment to Afghanistan conducting a routine patrol with this unit.  It quickly became clear that they were walking into an ambush and standing in a field of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).  Before long, a blast occurred nearby, resulting in the loss of both his legs below the knee.

In addition to the 69 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 11 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction.  Currently, 148 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $5.7 million.  A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (August 30, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has established an NWFA Named Scholarship for Paul Stringer, who retired from Somerset Hardwood earlier this year. Stringer spent more than 30 years as a leader in the hardwood flooring industry, with the past 20 years at Somerset Hardwood. There, he led the sales and marketing efforts, growing the company from an unfinished strip mill to one of North America’s largest pre finished solid and engineered manufacturers.

“Paul has been an inspiration to many of us in the industry for a long time. Behind his humble charm is a fierce competitor who always made sure to have a winning solution for his customers,” says Dan Natkin, Chief Commercial Officer of Bauwerk Group North America. “Paul has the utmost respect of those who worked with him, as well as those who competed against him. This scholarship is the perfect way to honor a man who gave so much to the industry and helped many of us build careers in wood.”

Collective contributions from industry members cu mulatively surpassed $ thereby fulfilling eligibility criteria for the NWFA’s Education Research Foundation ( Named Scholarship, which honors those who make significant and lasting contributions to the hardwood flooring industry.

NERF was established to provide industry research and educate future wood flooring professionals. The NERF Named Scholarship program helps the NWFA keep training costs to a minimum for participants. Through NERF, NWFA offers educational opportunities like hands on training, NWFA University, NWFA Live Edge, and scholarships. Since 2014, NWFA has awarded scholarships totaling more than $ To learn more about the NERF Named Scholarship program and other scholarships the NWFA offers, visit NWFA’s scholarship page at https://www.nwfa.org/scholarships.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not for profit trade organization with more than 3,000 member companies worldwide, dedi cated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders about the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (August 2, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has launched a new sales course, “Selling Against Wood Floor Look-alikes,” aimed at helping industry professionals effectively sell real wood flooring in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“In recent years, real wood flooring has faced stiff competition from vinyl and plastic composite “look-alike” flooring, which have gained significant market share. Ironically, these synthetic products often attempt to replicate the look and feel of natural wood,” says Michael Martin, NWFA CEO and President. “The NWFA’s innovative course challenges this trend, asking a critical question: If customers want wood, why sell them an imitation?”

“Selling Against Wood Floor Look-alikes” provides several effective strategies for positioning and selling real wood flooring over vinyl, laminate, and LVT flooring alternatives. The interactive, video-based course equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to champion the value, beauty, and authenticity of real wood flooring.

Now available on the NWFA University as part of the Sales program, the course features a mobile-responsive design, allowing learners to access course materials anytime, anywhere, from any device. This flexible learning option aligns with today’s on-the-go lifestyles, offering a convenient educational resource for busy professionals.

For more information about “Selling Against Wood Floor Look-alikes” and other educational opportunities offered through the NWFA University, visit https://www.nwfa.org/university.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (July 5, 2023) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 67th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for United States Army First Sergeant (Ret.) John Borders took place on May 4, in Brooksville, FL. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member AHF Products.

After a year-long tour of duty in Iraq, and just six months before he was scheduled to return home, First Sergeant Borders was participating in a routine convoy when his Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was critically injured, resulting in the loss of his left leg and the partial loss of his right leg.

“First Sergeant Borders was scheduled for surgeries every other day for several months, enduring more than 55 during his recovery,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin. “After more than three years, he completed his medical evaluation and returned to active duty as a counterintelligence special agent. He was deployed five times, serving his last tour in Afghanistan with his new leg, and served more than 27 years in the Army, 12 of which he served as a handicapable individual. We’re honored to partner with AHF to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”

In addition to the 67 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 18 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 148 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $5.7 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (June 6, 2023)

The National Wood Flooring Association has announced the winners of its 2023 Wood Floor of the Year Awards. The awards were developed to encourage and recognize innovative craftsmanship and design in wood flooring installations. Since the program began in 1990, more than 300 awards have been presented. Winning entries were chosen by a panel of judges selected for their industry and design knowledge.

As in previous years, NWFA members from across the globe voted online for their favorite floor to determine the association’s highest award – Members’ Choice. This process allowed NWFA members to evaluate the entries based on technical difficulty, quality of installation, and overall appearance.

Recipients of the 2023 Wood Floor of the Year awards are as follows:

• Members’ Choice: Czar Floors | Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
• Best Circular/Curved: Ourada Designs | Nine Mile Falls, Washington
• Best Color/Finish & Textured Wood: Floor Master Company | Crystal Lake, Illinois
• Best Parquetry: Custom Floors Unlimited | Houston, Texas
• Best Marquetry/Inlay: Floor Master Company | Crystal Lake, Illinois
• Best Historic Restoration: RippnFinish | Gladstone, Missouri
• Best Use of Technology: Czar Floors | Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
• Manufacturer Spotlight: Peachey Hardwood Flooring | Reedsville, Pennsylvania
• Best Staircase: Walk On Wood Inc. | Winter Park, Florida

The 2023 Wood Floor of the Year Awards were presented during the NWFA’s 2023 Wood Flooring Expo, held May 2-4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A video highlighting this year’s award winners can be viewed here.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.