| Flooring America
Members Learn From Each Other Through Newly Established Neighborhood
Network
Manchester, NH (March 4, 2004) – Since its inception
last September, more than 70% of Flooring America’s members
are actively participating in Neighborhood Network, an innovative
system for exchanging best practices.
There have been 67 neighborhood meetings held to date, with
half in person and half conferenced over the phone. The program
has proven a big success, according to Sally Kelly, Flooring
America’s Vice President of Communications and the Network’s
principal architect.
"Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and
encouraging,” said Kelly. "Our members have always
benefited from the collective strengths and ideas of each other.
Now we have a focused strategy on how they can achieve this
on a regular basis. We've found that members appreciate a program
like this. It gives them solid, 'peer-tested' ideas and strategies
which they can put to immediate use in their businesses.”
Participants in the groups discuss common issues, share marketing
insights, and brainstorm on solutions to mutual challenges.
"We’re very excited about how well the members have
received this peer-to-peer program," said Evan Hackel,
President of Flooring America. “Those who are participating
have quickly learned just how much there is to be gained through
sharing information in a non-competitive venue. The exchange
makes them better, more informed retailers.”
"Our group was quick to embrace this idea," said
Heather Grubic of Grubic's Flooring America, Harrisburg, PA.
"We've been very frank with each other in discussing common
problems, and we've had the chance to satisfy our curiosity
about how others operate."
Groups have their best practices posted on the members secure
website to be shared both with fellow members and home office
management. "Flooring America is very good about listening
to members and being reactive to our needs," said Grubic.
Wayne Gore, president of Flooring America of Terra Haute, IN,
has experienced similar enthusiasm within his group. "We
could meet through a phone conference, but our members prefer
in-person gatherings," said Gore. "Members drive as
much as four hours one way to attend a three-hour network meeting.
It's been great seeing each other more frequently than twice
a year at conventions." Kelly anticipates that participation
will increase as members learn of the practical gains in product
knowledge, merchandising skills, and problem solving currently
experienced by the network’s early adopters.
About Flooring America
Flooring America, with a sales volume of $1.4 billion, consists
of more than 500 member-owned floor covering stores throughout
the United States and Canada. Flooring America provides members
with exclusive brands and warranty programs, comprehensive multi-media
advertising programs, complete showroom merchandising packages,
plus training in management and sales. It operates as a division
of CCA Global Partners, the world's largest flooring group.
For information on becoming a member of Flooring America, contact
Tom Heffner, National Membership Director, at 800-466-6984,
ext. 1501.
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