Members of the floor covering industry facing catastrophic illness and financial hardship have been assured of financial assistance well into the future thanks to a long-term commitment made to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) by Hanley Wood Exhibitions.

Hanley Wood Exhibitions, producers of the Surfaces trade show, recently entered into an agreement with World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) from which they purchased Surfaces in 2000, guaranteeing a payment of $20,000 annually to FCIF every year through 2033, for a total of $500,000 over the next 25 years.

“We believe very strongly in the work of the FCIF and think this is an appropriate way for our organization to contribute and give back to the floor covering industry,” said Galen Poss, President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions and a member of the FCIF Board of Directors. “Hanley Wood’s generosity can be a perfect model for others in the floor covering industry to emulate,” said D. Christopher Davis, President and CEO of WFCA and President of FCIF.

“Hanley Wood has demonstrated their commitment and participation in the floor covering industry in a very meaningful and impactful manner and reinforced their image as an excellent corporate citizen,” Davis said.

The Hanley Wood agreement is the largest and longest over-time commitment made to the FCIF in its 28-year history, according to Davis, and also includes long-term commitments to provide both complimentary booth space at Surfaces as well as public service advertising space in the Surfaces show directories over the extended time period.

The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable, 501(c)3 that was founded in 1980. The sole purpose is to provide financial assistance to those in the floor covering industry facing catastrophic health issues coupled with financial hardship. The organization relies entirely upon contributions by manufacturers, distributors, retailers and individuals in the floor covering industry who believe in “looking after their own in time of need.” Grants are available to anyone earnings their living in the floor covering industry in any capacity for at least five years.

Over the last 28 years over $2 million in assistance has been provided to those in the floor covering industry requiring help during their time of greatest need. The organization is managed by the World Floor Covering Association without fee, meaning donor contributions go directly to recipients who need it rather than to overhead expenses of administration. The FCIF has a 29-member Board of Directors, a virtual “who’s-who” of executives in the flooring sector, led by Chairman of the Board, Keith S. Campbell, Chairman of Mannington Mills, Inc.

For further information on how you can contribute to the FCIF, or if you know of someone who needs the services of FCIF, visit www.fcif.org or call Connie Buda, FCIF Executive Administrator at 714-634-0302.