The Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA)

in Georgia, which was open longer during the pandemic compared to other states. Other than grappling with COVID-19, the industry continues to face the skills challenge, which was a major issue for the sector prior to the pandemic. To address this issue, the FCICA has its in-house Flooring Installation Training or ‘FIT’ program. It comprises eight manuals, with four books on carpeting and four books on resilient flooring. Members and non-members alike can buy the training manuals to then be used for the training of their own employees. Notably, one larger member works with a local high school each year in which students go through the FIT program and then have a graduation ceremony at its conclusion. It’s a novel way of getting more visibility for the commercial flooring installation industry. Responding to how she feels the association would continue to be a viable voice for members in the coming years, Church states, “In a late 2020 survey, members were asked how they think the FCICA should strategically plan for the next three years. The association is collating the results of the survey, with the aim of developing a three-year strategic plan with “smart goals”. Accountability in reaching goals is key, as is attaining growing membership numbers.” Staying relevant into the future is extremely important for the FCICA. Making sure that its members can remain relevant too is equally important. Church reflects: “Honestly, making sure we’re providing our members with everything that they need to be successful is imperative to our association. When our members are successful, the association is successful and that’s what we’re all about.”