Willie Phares, a distributor representative for USG Flooring, explains the properties of Durock Tile Membrane to National Floor Trends magazine columnist and industry veteran Warren Tyler and his wife.

Editors of TILE Magazine, along with its sister publications National Floor Trends and Floor Covering Installer, returned from an exciting Surfaces 2008 show that shed new light and ambition on the topic of environmental concerns. Not only were there more “green” products and companies on display, but the prevalence of technology, design and function proved to be a key point in the majority of the participating companies.

Here is a brief glimpse of what was seen during the show. A full recap, along with that of Cevisama’s, will follow in the March issue of TILE, so make sure to check back!

NAC Products, Inc. marked its 25th anniversary during Surfaces 2008, with show attendees invited to take part in the milestone event. NAC president/CEO Tom Duve (center) shares the moment with son Nick Duve, customer service manager (left) and Brian Petit, vice president of sales.

David Rothberg, LATICRETE’s chairman and CEO welcomes members of the press to the company’s booth during Surfaces where several new products were introduced. Additionally, Rothberg stressed that the company’s commitment to energy-efficiency and environmental impact rate high at LATICRETE’s.

An early morning press conference revealed much of MAPEI’s growth strategy increased involvement with environmental impact matters, and the general quality of life (such as moisture mitigation), as well as a new company motto — “Technology You Can Build On.” Addressing the attendees are (from left): Rainer Blair, MAPEI Americas president and CEO; Dr. Neil McMurdie, MAPEI Americas R&D director; and Jeff Leone, MAPEI director of strategic marketing.

Eleganza’s newest products are on display being taken for a “test walk” as retailers and distributors check out the company’s latest additions.