CFI Chapter Reports

CFI capped off a very busy year with our annual general membership meeting. Held in conjunction with the Connections Convention in Las Vegas, there were several past presidents in attendance, including Mike West (also past president of the IICRC), Carl Williams (also a director emeritus), Ralph Denning, Lewis Clements, Dennis Iverson, and the master of ceremonies Gene Marcinkowski. Gene is also a director emeritus and past president.

New officers and directors were sworn in for the coming year. Our new president is Eric Bollman. Lisa Wagner is the chairman of the board. Secretary/Treasurer is Shawn Forsythe. The Central Coast director is Scott Miller. Los Angeles has dual directors in Matt Sanders and Gabriel Peretti, as does the Orange/Inland area with Tony Cappellano and Larry Wilson. The San Diego director for 2005 is Greg Trigeiro.

Awards were presented for outstanding service during the past year. The Bill Bailey Memorial Award for dedication and service to our industry was presented to Mike Perras. The Dick Maplesden Memorial Award is given to the most outstanding director for his or her contribution to CFI; congratulations to Gabriel Peretti, this year's recipient. The Jackie Maplesden Memorial Award goes to the most supportive spouse for their sacrifices and indirect support of the CFI. This year's winner is Morena Santin.

The following awards are not given out ever year, but only when there are worthy recipients. The Joe Laurino Memorial Award was given this year to Joe Domin, who recently retired from ProChem. Joe received the award this year for his dedication to our industry and specifically for his support of the CFI and our chapters for many years. Thanks again Joe. The Golden Quill Award is given for outstanding writing for the education and advancement of our industry and associations. This year the award was given to Lisa Wagner.

Chapter News
The Orange/Inland chapter has meetings planned Feb. 18 at Cleaners Heaven in Laguna Hills. Carl Williams will be the speaker talking on marketing. The March 21 meeting will also be at Cleaners Heaven. It will feature Aaron Groseclose speaking all about Oriental rug cleaning.

The Los Angeles chapter has a mill tour of Royalty Carpet Mill planned for Jan. 25. On March 8 there will be a hands-on carpet repair meeting with Mike Perras at Cleancrafters Carpet in Reseda.

The San Diego chapter is planning a March cleaning day for charity with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The residents of Habitat-built and refurbished homes will receive free carpet cleaning.

Upcoming events are posted on our website. Please check for educational classes and IICRC classes scheduled in our region. To learn more about CFI, call (800) 227-7389 or go online to www.carpet9.org.