Carpet One Presents Awards at Winter Convention

Manchester, NH, February 16--Carpet One congratulates the top retailers and industry leaders who were recently recognized at the 2005 Carpet One International Winter Convention held in Grapevine, Texas. "This year, we reevaluated the awards that we present," explained Evan Hackel, president of Carpet One. "We wanted to make sure that these awards are meaningful to our members – they should be something that our retailers strive for each year and are really proud to receive." Carpet One presented awards in eight different categories, based on enthusiasm, participation and percentage of sales increase during the past year. In addition, they recognized an outstanding business partner for its dedication to the Carpet One membership. "All of the award-winners are extremely committed to improving their businesses and have been very successful during the past year," said Carpet One COO Charlie Dilks. "They are setting a strong example for other members – we really commend them for their efforts and accomplishments." Carpet One presented the following awards at their 2005 Winter Convention: Spirit of Carpet One Award: Carpet One in Fort Wayne, IN This award recognizes the retailer that most embodies the Carpet One spirit. This member is enthusiastic and involved in Carpet One and is continually striving to improve their business by participating in Carpet One programs, like Installation Excellence, the “Destination: Carpet One” store planning program and “Carpet One Welcomes Your Support,” the community relations campaign that raises funds for breast cancer awareness. Wally Hileman Award: Bachmeier Interiors Carpet One in Coralville, IA This award was created in honor of Carpet One’s Vice President of Membership from 1991 to 1998, Wally Hileman. This was a pivotal time of growth for the company, during which membership increased by 350 percent and members from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand joined the organization. The Wally Hileman Award recognizes a new Carpet One member who has been with the company for no more than two years and has shown a significant increase in sales, while demonstrating commitment to Carpet One and a desire to improve their business. Titanium Sales Achievement Award – percentage: The Great Home Store Carpet One in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada This award recognizes the member who has been with Carpet One for more than two years and has shown the greatest percentage increase in purchases from the previous year. Titanium Sales Achievement Award – dollars: Floors, Inc. Carpet One in Texas This award recognizes the member who has been with Carpet One for more than two years and who has shown the greatest actual increase in purchases from the previous year. Commitment to Education Award: Migala Carpet One in Michigan This award goes to the member who has demonstrated the greatest commitment to educating his or her staff during the past year. This retailer attends University events throughout the year with a goal of graduating 100% of his or her staff from Carpet One University. 5-Diamond Award of Excellence: Foxy Carpet One in Ocala, FL This award recognizes the Installation Excellence Five Diamond member who exhibits the most outstanding level of customer relations on a consistent basis. Foxy Carpet One received the highest average score on their customer satisfaction surveys over the past year, representing the very best in customer service excellence. Community Service Award: Carpet One of the Gulf Coast in Panama City, FL This award recognizes one retailer that has made an outstanding commitment to their community through Carpet One’s community relations programs during the previous year. Carpet One of the Gulf Coast participated in the "Carpet One Makes A Difference" campaign for breast cancer awareness and Toys for Tots. The store sold over 160 welcome mats, donating profits from sales to their local American Cancer Society chapter.