1. What is the PFIA?
The Professional Flooring Installers Association (PFIA) is the premier
professional flooring organization in the industry. Our members
are reliable contractors and flooring specialists who employ skilled
union installers and adhere to the highest quality and safety standards.
They are INSTALL certified.
We promote skilled and professional union labor in the workplace
and are committed to the advancement of the flooring industry. We
establish and maintain an effective working relationship with organized
labor and emphasize quality workmanship, safety training and the
continued education of our labor force.
2. How much does it cost to join the PFIA?
The cost of membership is $100, which is payable and renewed annually.
3. I've been in this business for 20 years without being
a member of the PFIA How will joining the PFIA benefit my company?
Joining the PFIA means you will be further investing in the long-term
profitability of your company. Our organization has a history of
successful negotiations with the union on behalf of members. You
can expect to receive greater exposure for your company. You'll also
have ongoing opportunities to learn from – and interact with – the
industry's leading experts in business, professional development
and safety.
4. How do I join the PFIA? What can I expect as a new member?
You can join the PFIA by completing and submitting the member application
form included in this package.
Once you become a member, you will be introduced to the PFIA membership
at a monthly PFIA meeting. You will receive access to a customizable
and comprehensive PFIA safety program that meets and exceeds industry
standards. You also will be invited to attend PFIA meetings.
Qualifying members also receive the opportunity for their children
and those of their employees to apply for the PFIA Jack Karp Scholarship.
5. What types of organizations, and how many of these organizations,
belong to the PFIA?
The PFIA membership is made up of more than 40 local and national
flooring businesses.
6. How many levels of membership are there?
There are four levels of membership:
1.) Member - A flooring contractor who employs union labor.
2.) Associate Member - A flooring maintenance contractor who employs
union labor.
3.) Vendor Partner - Either a flooring contractor who does not employ
their own labor, or a flooring supplier or manufacturer.
4.) Honorary Member - A member who has had membership bestowed upon
them by the PFIA, such as a retired member.
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7. What
type of programs does the PFIA offer?
PFIA offers two types of programs:
1.) Ongoing Safety Training
Safety training in the workplace remains a key issue for the PFIA.
Our training assures that workers stay up-to-date on current OSHA
regulations, as well as the proper use of chemicals, tools and
equipment. This comprehensive training program, which is continuously
updated, can be customized to fit each member's location or company
needs.
2.) PFIA Monthly Member Meetings
The PFIA meetings foster open communication and provide helpful and
relevant information. We aim to make our members "Experts through
Education" during these meetings, which are held on the last Wednesday
of the month. A wide variety of industry suppliers are invited
to present the latest products and industry developments.
8. How can I benefit from the PFIA's relationship with the
Union?
One of the benefits of PFIA membership is our organization's 25 years
of successful union negotiation experience. Our accomplished members
often serve as representatives in negotiating contract agreements
and can serve as liaisons in union matters.
9. Who are the organization's officers? Who is on the board
of directors?
Please visit Officers & Committees for
a complete list of current officers, directors and committees.
10. How is the board of directors (including its president)
elected?
Each year in October or November, the standing president appoints
a nominating committee that submits a slate of officers to the membership
for a vote. Nominations are always welcome from the floor.
The board of directors is made up of the current officers, the chair
of the Joint Labor/Management Committee, the treasurer of the Trust
Fund, and the past president.
11. What level of involvement can I expect to have in the
PFIA organization?
We value our member's expertise and therefore encourage of all them
to be involved in the organization. We have more than seven committees
and invite you to join an existing committee or submit your idea
on starting a new one. Please visit Officers & Committees for
a complete list of current officers, directors and committees.
We also encourage our members to submit their ideas and insights
for our PFIA newsletter and monthly meetings. |
1. How often are member meetings held?
During the months of January through October, PFIA meetings are held
on the last Wednesday of each month. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday,
the November meeting is held on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the
month. We do not hold a December meeting due to our annual holiday
party.
2. How are topics for the meetings chosen?
Topics for the monthly meetings are gathered from several resources
including the PFIA program committee, member suggestions, and current
industry hot topics.
3. What are some of the topics/items addressed at previous
meetings?
In our aim to make our members industry and business experts through
ongoing education, our past meetings have included relevant flooring
and enterprise-enhancing topics such as Job Cost Accounting, the
latest on Moisture Testing Equipment and Digitized Estimating Equipment.
Please visit the Meeting Archives page for
details about past meetings.
4. Where are the member meetings held?
The meetings are held at various locations throughout the city of
Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
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5. How much
are the meetings? Who can attend?
The cost to attend the PFIA meetings is $50 per attendee. All PFIA
members and their staff are invited. We also invite other organizations
and business in our industry in an effort to encourage their joining
and involvement in our organization.
Dinner is included in every meeting, which provides additional networking
and idea-exchange opportunities for our members.
6. What are the topics of future member meetings?
Please visit Upcoming Events Calendar for
information about future meetings and events.
7. Can I participate in a meeting? If so, how?
We encourage your active participation in our member meetings! Please
complete the application form. |