The Carpet & FabriCare Institute held it annual business meeting and awards ceremony during the Connections Convention recently in Las Vegas. The dress-up affair was well attended by association members and representatives from the supplier and manufacturing segments of our industry.

The Dick Maplesden Award went to Matthew Sanders for his helping and sharing selflessly to others in our industry. Kay Exner won the Jackie Maplesden Award for being the most supportive spouse of our members. Aaron Gloseclose of MasterBlend was awarded the coveted Joe Laurino Award for his dedication and support to our industry and our association.

Lisa Wagner was awarded the Bill Bailey Award. This award was designed to perpetuate the memory of this industry pioneer. Bill was a sharer of all things in the beginning days when the Southern California Rug Cleaners Association was formed. He would travel to help other cleaners out, and never walked away from a problem until he had it figured out. Lisa is a grand example of the spirit of this award.

Interlink Supply of Orange County donated two Air Force Air Movers for a drawing at the CFI booth in the trade show. Winners were Vance Abercrombie of RubaDub Rug Cleaners in Las Vegas, and Cesar Funtes, Alpha Carpet Care in San Diego.

For upcoming events, visit the CFI Web site at www.carpet9.org or call (800) CARPET9.