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CCA Global University Honored With 2025 Training Apex Award for Fifth Year

Posted on by Jessica MacGillivray

CCA Global University, the dedicated training division of CCA Global Partners, has been recognized for excellence in professional development by winning the prestigious 2025 Training Apex Award from Training magazine—marking its fifth consecutive year earning this award.  This accolade is a testament to CCA Global’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning and development through innovative and impactful training programs. 

CCA Global Partners earned this recognition for its comprehensive training initiatives, including the Ready, Set, Go onboarding program, which sets a gold standard for new employee integration. The organization’s online University empowers learners with access to hundreds of industry-specific modules focused on product knowledge, leadership, and sales education. Additionally, CCA Global’s continued investment in training for Retail 2.0, the most advanced showroom system in flooring, highlights its dedication to equipping members with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market. 

“We are thrilled to receive the 2025 Training Apex Award for the fifth year in a row,” said Nicole Harding, Vice President of CCA Global University. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing members with the best resources, tools, and education to thrive. Programs like Ready, Set, Go and our training for the Retail 2.0 selling system reflect our team’s innovative spirit and dedication to empowering businesses. To be recognized on this level alongside the industry’s top performers is truly an honor.” 

The Training Apex Awards celebrate organizations’ excellence in training and development. Training magazine’s Hall of Fame members and Editor/Publisher Lorri Freifeld select winners through a rigorous evaluation process. 

“The 2025 Training Apex Awards winners have earned a special place in the rich history of Training magazine’s celebration of stellar human capital development over the last 25 years,” said Lorri Freifeld, Editor/Publisher of Training magazine. “We applaud their impressive achievements in and steadfast commitment to employee learning and development over the past year.” 

CCA Global Partners will be formally recognized at the 2025 Training Conference & Expo, hosted by Training magazine in Atlanta, GA, in February. 

CCA for Social Good Wins Recognition in NHBSR Sustainability Slam, Highlights Their Unique Solutions to Critical National Child Care Issues

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

CCA for Social Good (CCAFSG) wins the Community Small Company Category at the New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) Sustainability Slam on November 8th, at LaBelle Winery.

“We are so humbled to be recognized at the NHBSR Sustainability Slam and to share the stage with such esteemed regional participants,” said Kaeleigh Barker, Director of Business Development and Engagement of CCAFSG. “One thing is not up for debate today, and that is the demand for affordable, quality childcare only continues to rise. We are working to elevate this conversation and the role we are playing in bringing solutions to scale across the country, so we see positive, sustainable change for childcare providers and the working families seeking care in our communities.”

For over a decade, CCAFSG has been a leader in transforming early childhood education businesses through its groundbreaking ECE Shared Resources™ platform, helping programs access workforce benefits, save thousands in purchasing, reduce hiring costs, and reinvest in staff and high-quality care. Today, CCAFSG’s impact extends across 38 states, directly benefiting over 40,000 businesses and the care of over 2 million children.

Locally, CCAFSG’s client Early Learning NH is putting the platform to work, enabling childcare programs to save an average of $10,000 annually on business expenses, an estimated $2,600 on hiring expenses, which can be reinvested in staff salaries and high-quality programming.

In addition, CCAFSG was recently named one of the Top Women-Led Businesses in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine.

For more information, or to inquire about an interview please contact Kaeleigh Barker at (603) 628-2396.

CCA Global Partners Retail Group Announces Bob Costas as Keynote Speaker at 2025 Member Convention

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

CCA Global Partners Retail Group announces that legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas has been selected as the keynote speaker for its annual member conneXtion™ convention in January 2025.  Held annually, the CCA Global Partners Retail Group’s conneXtion convention brings together nearly 1,200 members from Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild for education and networking events designed to fuel business growth.  

The event will take place at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and promises an unforgettable experience for all members who attend, featuring a lineup of renowned speakers and a fun closing event at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure. 

Bob Costas to Deliver Keynote Address 

Bob Costas, a name synonymous with excellence in sports broadcasting, will deliver the keynote address at conneXtion 2025.  A 29-time Emmy Award winner, Costas is most renowned for his work with NBC Sports, covering a wide range of sporting events, including Major League Baseball, the NFL, and 12 Olympics.  His articulate and insightful storytelling has made him a household name and one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.  Costas extensive history in sports journalism and other sports-related experiences will be highlighted during his keynote address.  Whether discussing the intricacies of a game or interviewing sports legends, Costas continues to set the gold standard in sports journalism.  Costas’ ability to connect with audiences through his profound expertise and engaging style promises to bring a unique and memorable experience to conneXtion 2025 attendees. 

Additional Esteemed Speakers 

Alongside Costas, conneXtion 2025 will feature a diverse lineup of speakers: 

  • Jason Dorsey – Known for his expertise in understanding Generation Z and Millennials, Jason Dorsey is one of the foremost generational experts.  His high-energy presentations have earned him over 1,000 standing ovations.  His extensive research has made significant appearances on renowned media platforms like 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and CNN.  As the President of The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason’s insights have become indispensable for leaders across various industries, helping them bridge the generational gap in their organizations. 
  • Connor Lokar – A dynamic economist known for his practical economic intelligence and engaging presentation style.  Since joining ITR Economics in 2014, Connor has captivated thousands of business leaders with his wit and expertise.  Specializing in construction and industrial markets, Connor’s insights help businesses grow revenue and remain profitable through changing business cycles. 

A Night to Remember at Universal Studios 

ConneXtion 2025 will culminate with an exclusive closing event at Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.  Members will have unlimited access to thrilling rides and attractions at Marvel Super Hero Island®, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and more.  It promises to be a night filled with action, excitement, and lasting memories. 

“We are incredibly excited to have Bob Costas as our keynote speaker for conneXtion 2025.  His unparalleled achievements in broadcasting and ability to connect with audiences make him the perfect fit for our event,” said Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and the International Design Guild.  “We look forward to an inspiring and memorable event.” 

“Our mission at conneXtion is to provide our members a roadmap and the tools they need to succeed, and conneXtion 2025 is a testament to that commitment.  With speakers like Bob Costas, Jason Dorsey, and Connor Lokar, we are confident that this event will offer invaluable insights and actionable steps to take market share in 2025.” added Keith Spano, President of Carpet One Floor & Home® and President, Retail Groups.  

© 2024 MARVEL. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

New Appointees Bring Fresh Perspectives to Flooring America Advisory Council

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

Flooring America is excited to announce and welcome four esteemed members to its Advisory Council. Joining us are Linsey Kimbrough, Gary Johnson Flooring America in Tacoma, WA, Dan Ginnaty, Flooring America, Great Falls, MT, Dan Hussey, Totally Floored by Flooring America in Prescott Valley, AZ, and Josh Glaze, Brazos Valley Floor & Design, College Station, TX. These individuals bring vast experience, valuable regional perspectives, and a profound dedication to our cooperative’s values and growth objectives. 

The Advisory Council convenes multiple times throughout the year to guide senior management and influence the strategic direction of our programs. Members are chosen based on their unwavering commitment to the cooperative and their proven record of business excellence. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Linsey Kimbrough, Dan Ginnaty, Dan Hussey, and Josh Glaze to our Advisory Council,” said Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild. “Their extensive experience and dedication to our cooperative make them invaluable additions. We look forward to their insights and contributions as we continue to drive growth and innovation within our organization.” 

Meet the New Advisory Council Members: 

Linsey Kimbrough, Gary Johnson Flooring America  

With nearly 30 years at Gary Johnson Flooring America, Linsey Kimbrough brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. She has navigated many highs and lows in the flooring industry and spent 19 years as a store manager, gaining extensive business insights. Linsey views this appointment as an opportunity to give back to the cooperative and help guide its future direction. 

Dan Ginnaty, Flooring America  

Dan Ginnaty’s commitment to the advisory council is rooted in his belief in active involvement. With over two decades of membership, Dan consistently addresses issues and works towards solutions. He began his career in flooring alongside his father before establishing his own business. His leadership has been crucial to his store’s enduring success, a testament to the support from the cooperative. Dan actively engages with fellow members, collects feedback, and helps shape the cooperative’s strategies. 

Dan Hussey, Totally Floored by Flooring America  

With 34 years in retail flooring, including many years in a co-op, Dan Hussey has spent the last eight years improving his operation’s financial health. During his travels, he visits Flooring America members to learn from their successes and implement improvements in his business. Dan values the independent spirit of co-op members and the mutual benefits of cooperation. 

Josh Glaze, Brazos Valley Floor & Design  

Josh Glaze firmly believes in the value of the cooperative to its members. Josh has successfully revitalized the company’s market presence with over 24 years of experience in design and construction and over two years as president and store manager at Brazos Valley Floor & Design. He expanded the business with new stores and will support members through his seat on the Advisory Council. 

Carpet One Floor & Home Welcomes New Advisory Council Members

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

Carpet One Floor & Home is proud to announce the appointment of four new members to its Advisory Council. Matt McCarthy, Atlas Floors Carpet One Floor & Home in San Antonio, TX (Midwest Region), Lauren Allwein-Andrews, Allwein Carpet One Floor & Home in Annville, PA (Mid-Atlantic Mid-South Region), Justin Bussiere, Western Carpet One Floor & Home, Saskatoon, SK (Canada Region), and Scott Lippert, Lippert’s Carpet One Floor & Home, Oregon (South West Region) were selected to join the group. These new members bring experience, regional insights, and a deep commitment to the cooperative’s values and goals. 

The Advisory Council meets throughout the year to advise senior management and help shape the direction of programs developed by the flooring retailer cooperative. Members are selected for their dedication to the cooperative and proven track record of business success. 

“The Advisory Council is integral to our success, providing invaluable feedback and guidance that helps shape the future of Carpet One Floor & Home,” said Keith Spano, President of Carpet One Floor & Home® and President, Retail Groups.  

“We are thrilled to welcome these new members who will play a crucial role in representing their regions and advocating for the needs of their fellow members. We are also grateful for our outgoing Advisory Council members Adam Joss, Daniel Arita, Richard Dalene, Richard Dobson, and Tammy Gurski, who helped represent members and shape the cooperative during their tenure.”  

Meet the New Advisory Council Members: 

Matt McCarthy, Atlas Floors Carpet One Floor & Home 
Midwest Region (AR, AZ, CO, KS, NM, NV, OK, TX, UT) 
With a legacy spanning 76 years and three generations, Matt McCarthy brings extensive experience from his family’s business, which includes two retail stores and a corporate office/warehouse. As a former RNG coordinator and current NEX40 council member, Matt has fostered strong relationships and aims to provide a fresh, youthful perspective to the Advisory Council. 

Lauren Allwein-Andrews, Allwein Carpet One Floor & Home 
Mid-Atlantic Mid-South Region (DC, DE, MD, NC, OH, Western PA, VA, WV) 
A second-generation owner, Lauren Allwein-Andrews has been deeply involved with Carpet One, having served as one of the first NEX40 council members. Her commitment to utilizing and improving Carpet One’s programs and her experience in advisory roles position her as a valuable advocate for current and potential members. 

Justin Bussiere, Western Carpet One Floor & Home 
Canada Region (AB, BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PEI, SK) 
Operating a large, single-location store serving all of Saskatchewan, Justin Bussiere brings a strong belief in Carpet One’s value to its members. With significant growth and a diverse service offering, Justin is dedicated to asking tough questions and working towards practical solutions, particularly for Canadian members. 

Scott Lippert, Lippert’s Carpet One Floor & Home 
South West Region (AK, CA, HI, OR) 
Scott Lippert leads a diverse organization with four brick-and-mortar locations and one mobile unit, representing three generations of family involvement. His extensive experience managing multiple locations and vendor relations makes him a valuable asset to the Advisory Council. 

CCA For Social Good, A National Champion of Early Childhood Education, Recognized as Top Women-led Business in NH

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

Denise Sayer, Vice President of CCA For Social Good, and her all-women team have been honored by Business NH Magazine as one of the Top Women-Led Businesses in 2024.

At the heart of their transformative work is ECESharedResources.com, an online knowledge hub providing innovative systems and resources that unlock childcare program directors’ and business owners’ ability to focus on what truly matters – advancing quality and increasing programmatic impact.

This recognition comes during a critical time when the childcare industry faces unprecedented challenges, and the need for strong, sustainable support is more urgent than ever. Under Sayer’s leadership, the organization has become a crucial asset to the childcare community, offering essential resources designed to reduce costs, streamline administrative processes, and support financial sustainability. To address pressing issues of hiring and staff retention’s role in sustaining quality care, CCA For Social Good has just launched competitive, budget-friendly workforce benefits and business insurance options on the platform to boost accessibility for childcare businesses and home-based providers at scale. Today, over 40,000 childcare businesses in 38 states access the platform driving positive outcomes for almost 2 million children.

Right here in New Hampshire, CCA For Social Good’s client Early Learning NH is putting the platform to work, enabling childcare programs to save an average of $10,000 annually on business expenses, an estimated $2,600 on hiring expenses, which can be reinvested in staff salaries and high-quality programming.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Sayer. “Our mission is more important than ever as communities across the country struggle to provide affordable, high-quality childcare. We are proud to lead the charge in empowering early childhood programs with the tools they need to thrive.”

As demand for accessible and high-quality childcare continues to grow, CCA For Social Good stands at the forefront of driving change, helping to shape the future of the industry while advocating for the sustainable development of early childhood programs nationwide. For more information, please contact Kaeleigh Barker at (603) 628-2396.

Key Leadership Changes at CCA Global Partners Set the Stage for Continued Growth

Posted on by JJ Hatzibiros

October 2, 2024 – CCA Global Partners, Inc.® (“CCA”) is pleased to announce a series of changes in its senior management team, effective October 1, 2024.  These changes are part of a management transition plan.

Eric Bernstein has been appointed CEO of CCA.  Eric said, “Howard Brodsky and Rick Bennet built an impressive business founded on the principle of helping entrepreneurial businesspeople grow and succeed.  Along with the entire CCA team, I look forward to building on that legacy, and growing and extending the business for the benefit of our member-stockholders.  We believe the CCA brands are the strongest in the industry, and our members are very well positioned to succeed as the industry rebounds.”    

Keith Spano has been appointed President of Carpet One Floor & Home® and President, Retail Groups.  Spano was President of Flooring America®, Flooring Canada®, The Floor Trader®, and International Design Guild®.  He joined CCA in 2011 after holding a series of positions in the floor covering industry.  Spano said, “I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in this next chapter of Carpet One Floor & Home, building on the incredible legacy created over the last four decades.  I’m thrilled to serve our members, bolster their profitability, and lead our world-class corporate team’s focus on the success of the members and stockholders of Carpet One.  The next few years will be exciting for Carpet One and its members as we snap a new line, redefining retail flooring excellence throughout the United States and Canada.” 

Steve Sieracki has been appointed President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild.  Steve joined CCA in September 2023.  He was previously with Shaw Industries in a variety of positions since 1990.  Sieracki said, “I am excited to help our members build on the programs and services Keith Spano and the team have developed.  The initiatives we have rolled out will position members for growth.  Our retail team is energized to partner with our members by bringing solutions to win in the marketplace for 2025 and for years to come!” 

John Gilbert has retired as President of Carpet One Floor & Home, a position he held since 2018.  Eric Bernstein said, “John’s strategies and initiatives made a significant impact with our membership, particularly the transition towards both digital marketing and the pioneering use of data in Carpet One’s tools and services.  We thank John and wish him well in retirement.”

Rick Bennet has been CEO of CCA since 2008.  He continues as a member of CCA’s Board of Directors.

Other senior executives remain in place:  Scott Wheeler, COO of Retail Groups; Charlie Dilks, Chief Product Officer; Andrew Shulklapper, President, and Rachael Walschleger, COO, of ProSource Wholesale®; Matt Wilkins, CFO; and Bob Wilson, CAO.

CCA Global Partners Retail Group Raises Over $130K for Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Posted on by Drew Walker-Myers

CCA Global Partners Retail Group met its fundraising goal and raised over $138,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, thanks to the combined efforts of a dedicated team of staff, vendors, and retailer members from Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and the International Design Guild. This milestone was achieved during the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K race in New York City this past weekend.

The event commemorates the heroic final footsteps of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, in an attempt to save lives. In tribute to Siller’s sacrifice and the 343 firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who perished that day, more than 40,000 participants gathered for the 5K, including CCA Global Partners members, staff, and vendors.

The event kicked off on Saturday with a ferry ride to Liberty State Park, where participants enjoyed a concert and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. The 5K race took place on Sunday and was followed by a celebratory block party featuring live music from country artist Tyler Hubbard, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

As part of CCA Global Partners’ commitment to giving back, this year’s participation extended beyond the race. Numerous in-store fundraising events throughout 2024 will further support Tunnel to Towers’ programs, including the Smart Home Program for wounded veterans and the Gold Star Family Home Program for the families of fallen first responders.

“Each year, I’m astounded by the dedication of our divisions, staff, and vendors who come together for this impactful cause,” said Theresa Fisher, Senior Vice President of Visual Merchandising and Brand Development, CCA Global Partners. “It’s incredibly moving to see our community unite with a shared mission: to honor the selflessness of America’s heroes by giving back to their families in meaningful ways.”

Tunnel to Towers continues to expand its reach, building homes for catastrophically injured veterans and ensuring families of fallen military members are supported. The Smart Home initiative has provided over 70 mortgage-free, technology-enabled homes that allow veterans to regain independence upon returning from combat.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a worthy cause. CCA Global Partners’ culture is deeply rooted in helping those in need, and this weekend’s event demonstrated our continued commitment to giving back, especially to those who have selflessly given so much,” said Keith Spano, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, International Design Guild, The Floor Trader, and NISI. “I’m proud to see how our entire team rallied together to support the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country.”