A Brief History of CFI

In 1954 a small group of rug and upholstery cleaners led by Gene Jackson formed a non-profit association called the “Rug Cleaners Institute.” Their aim was to share their individual skills and knowledge about rug and fabric cleaning procedures. This was an era in which most of us had hardwood floors covered with area rugs to add warmth to our homes.

By the early seventies, much of the professional rug cleaning was being performed on “wall-to-wall” carpeting by “on location cleaners.” This broadening of the cleaning industry led to the renaming of the organization to the “Carpet Cleaners Institute.” It was felt by those involved that this name more clearly depicted the services being offered during this period.

Our organization underwent one more name change in the early nineties in order to reflect our concerns with all fabric covered furnishings together with our involvement in the restoration business. From a handful of members in 1954, our association has grown to a membership which covers a three state area (Arizona, California and Nevada). We are known as the Carpet and FabriCare Institute, and we are one of the largest regional non-profit inspection, cleaning, remediation and restoration trade associations in the United States. Don’t forget! Be sure to come by our booth at Connections Las Vegas this month! We’re at Booth #7 by the entrance to the trade show floor, and welcome you to stop by.

Also, please join us at our Annual Business Meeting on Sept. 17 from 10 am until 2 pm.  This year it’s being held at the Academy of Textiles & Flooring in Whittier. Free food and drinks for all. Meet new CFI Directors & Executives and see who will be receiving awards this year. Don’t miss it! Call CFI at 800-227-7389 for more information.

Chapter News
Central Coast Chapter Director Josh Adler announces that Noel Frank of Chemspec will be doing a hands-on product demo on September 20th from 5:30-9:00pm. Location: Carpet Maintenance Supply, 3991 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403. Call 925-580-0041 for more information.

Norma McCormick, Arizona Chapter Director, says that her chapter is putting on a Stone Care Basics workshop in October. “With a large portion of our Arizona market going to hard surfaces you need to know how to clean natural stone to capture your share of the market,” McCormick said. Learn how to make more money doing natural stone flooring and counter tops. Hands-on training. Call 480-821-1481 for time and location.

Orange County/Inland Empire Director Jason Hensley and Assistant Director Terrence Jones submitted to the CFI Board of Directors a plan which divides up the highly dense OC/IE Region. Because the chapter covers a large geographic and highly populated area, this split will make it easier for members to attend monthly Chapter Meetings. Terrance Jones will now be the Director of the Inland Empire Chapter of CFI, while Jason Hensley will remain Director of the Orange County Chapter.