MoreDALTON, Ga. -- After several years of planning, the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Seal of Approval Program, was expanded early last year to include cleaning contractors and training facilities.
"The response has been excellent," said Werner Braun, CRI president. "Since the inception of the additions in May, more than 50 cleaning contractors have earned the CRI Seal of Approval, along with five training facilities. We are very pleased with the confirmation of this program by the cleaning and training communities. The Seal program will definitely help consumers identify more qualified cleaning professionals."
The program was designed to identify manufacturers, retailers, installation contractors and others who distinguish themselves by committing to a higher standard of service and customer satisfaction. The program helps protect consumers from poor business practices by identifying companies that maintain higher standards.
Since its 1996 inception, more than 17,000 tests have been sent to companies who desire this seal to show their high industry standards and to stand out in their communities. The program started with manufacturers' sales personnel, retailers and installation contractors.
Many renewals for the year 2002 have already been received, reflecting a welcome "vote of confidence" for the program's value and its administration by Dalton State College Continuing Education. Retailers make up 63 percent of those who have reaffirmed their commitment to comply with the program's "Basic Principles of Consumer Satisfaction," the "Code of Conduct" and "Subscription Agreement" for 2002.
Companies participating in the program total 371 and involve thousands of their employees.
"The number is continually growing, but we still don't have nearly enough to satisfy the demand for qualified installation/cleaning contractors across the country," Braun said. "There is a great need for more qualified businesses to meet the requests from consumers in both large cities and small towns."
A listing of Seal of Approval participants can be reviewed on the Web at www.carpet-rug.com, then click "Seal of Approval' and 'Approved Companies."
The Carpet and Rug Institute is the national trade association representing the carpet and rug industry. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., its membership consists of manufacturers representing 94 percent of all carpet produced in the U.S., and suppliers of raw materials and services to the industry. There is continued coordination with other segments of the industry, such as distributors, retailers, and installers.
