NWFA: From Ed Korczak To Michael Martin

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)’s Ed Korczak took his last bow at the NWFA Annual Wood Flooring Convention and Expo last month in San Diego. Although we initially thought that he would stick around until the end of the year, Ed has made the decision not to wait to hand over the reins to Michael Martin.

As he explains to Hardwood Floors, “It was a lot of fun looking back on the many friendships I’ve made in this industry, but the time has come for me to move on. NWFA’s lecadership transition is well underway, allowing me the luxury of retiring earlier than I had originally planned. I thank everyone for a memorable 17 years with the NWFA. God bless you all.”

Ed joined the NWFA in 1994, when total membership was 800. He leaves his position as Executive Director/CEO of the association with about 3,100 member companies from 51 countries.

Ed Korczak has been instrumental in developing a wide range of educational programs during his tenure.  He has also expanded the reach of the organization to a global platform. In addition to his long list of accomplishments, Ed contributed to NWFA’s Responsible Procurement Program, which promotes sustainable forestry, and NWFA’s installation guidelines, technical training programs, and annual Wood Flooring Expo and Education Conference, which is the largest trade show and convention anywhere dedicated exclusively to wood flooring.

It's an understatement to say the Ed Korczak will be missed at NWFA;  his influence and knowledge of the wood flooring business is invaluable to the industry. I personally would like to thank Ed for all his support with our global DOMOTEX events. All of us on the DOMOTEX team would like to wish him and his wife Jackie the best of luck in the future. Enjoy the lake house!

[If you'd like to enjoy the Roast given in honor of NWFA's Ed Korczak, feast your eyes on Part I, Part II and Part III.]

New NWFA Leadership

Although Michael Martin, the new CEO of the NWFA, has very large shoes to fill he comes to the association and the industry with an impressive resume. Michael served as a Vice President of the National Association of Electrical Distributors for the past 13 years, where he helped develop the association’s strategic direction and budget.

One of his primary functions within this role was to serve as publisher of The Electrical Distributor (TED) Magazine. He also was responsible for overseeing the association’s websites, communications, and public relations. Michael has a BA in Communications from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and belongs to a number of professional organizations, including American Society of Association Executives, American Society of Business Publications Editors, Missouri Association of Publishers, International Association of Business Communicators, Society of National Association Publications, and St. Louis Society of Association Executives.

Since coming on board at the beginning of the year, Michael has been working closely with Ed to learn about programs specific to our industry, such as the NWFA’s Responsible Procurement Program. This program brings together the wood industry and environmentalists for the first time to promote responsible forest management. Michael also has been working with Ed to meet key industry leaders, Board members, and NWFA members as well. One of his goals for the association is to grow the trade show back to its pre-economic downturn status, as well as to strengthen NWFA’s core member services – education and training. DOMOTEX welcomes Michael to the industry and looks forward to a great working relationship.

Related Post: Floor Covering Weekly, Changing of the guard

Ed, congratulations on your retirement and thank you for being such a friend to Domotex and the industry.

Michael, welcome aboard. We look forward to working with you and making the NWFA even stronger!

~ Katherine

Katherine León
Director of Sales - DOMOTEX and LIGNA Worldwide Events

Hannover Fairs USA
1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404.214.0432

NWFA 2011 Convention Draws Wood Flooring Attendance

The 2011 NWFA Convention hits the West Coast, drawing 'solid' wood flooring attendance

The 26th Annual National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Convention took place in sunny San Diego April 26 through 29m, 2011 with a little over 2,000 attendees and 181 exhibiting companies.

Although the numbers were lower than in previous years, the industry is showing small signs of growth. According to Ed Korczak, Executive Director and CEO of NWFA, 2011 will continue to improve during the last half of the year and the home remodeling business is expected to pick up due to pent-up demand.

This demand along with new home developments gaining traction in 2013 or 2014 indicates that the future of the industry is looking better.  

During the NWFA Convention, there were many hands-on demonstrations on the show floor as well as educational sessions that were conducted in the exhibit hall for NWFA attendees.

The following photos give you a feel for the displays and demonstrations that took place during the 2011 NWFA Convention.

Along with the activities on the show floor, The Annual Awards Dinner was held on Wednesday, April 27th where members were presented with awards for educational achievement, community service, craftsmanship and design. Also announced at the awards dinner were the new members of the NWFA board of directors. The Board consists of four officers and 11 directors, each of whom is voted into office by the NWFA membership to serve a three-year term.

Here is the NWFA's blogpost recapping the 26th Annual NWFA Convention, the Floor Covering News recap of the event in NWFA convention theme: Back to basics, green awareness and Floor Covering Weekly's description of NWFA gives out annual awards.

Did you attend? What did you enjoy most about NWFA's 26th Annual Convention?

~ Katherine

Katherine León
Director of Sales - DOMOTEX and LIGNA Worldwide Events

Hannover Fairs USA
1170 Howell Mill Road, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404.214.0432