CCA Retail Group Highlights Member Excellence at 2025 conneXtion Convention with the NEX40 Award, The Wally Hileman Award, and the Alan Greenberg Award
Jan 20th 2025
Three outstanding members of CCA Global Partners Retail Group cooperative were honored for their exceptional achievements and contributions during the annual conneXtion™ convention this week at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
Vylett Cross of Ed’s Flooring America (Hooksett, NH) was presented with the NEX40 Award; Kayla Simons of Desert Design Carpet One Floor & Home (Elko, NV) earned the Wally Hileman Award; and Shannon Byerly of Burlington Carpet One Floor & Home (Burlington, NC) received the Alan Greenberg Award. These awards reflect their dedication, innovation, and leadership within the cooperative and flooring industry.
The NEX40 Award
Vylett Cross, Co-Owner of Ed’s Flooring America, was recognized as this year’s recipient of the NEX40 Award, which honors a next-generation leader under 40 who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to CCA.
Having grown up in her family’s flooring business, Vylett entered a full-time leadership role after completing college in 2009, becoming the primary business manager and earning partner status in 2017. Beyond her daily contributions, Vylett has played an active role in the NEX40 group, helping plan events and webinars, and fostering collaboration amongst emerging cooperative leaders. Her dedication earned her an unprecedented fourth year on the NEX40 Council, alongside her position on the Flooring America Advisory Council.
Since its establishment in 2017, the NEX40 group has empowered and connected the next generation of industry leaders through networking, development, and sharing of best practices.
The Wally Hileman Award
Kayla Simons, now the owner of Desert Design Carpet One Floor & Home, was honored with the Wally Hileman Award for her remarkable contributions within just two years of membership in Carpet One Floor & Home.
After joining Desert Design in 2016 as a Design Consultant, Kayla quickly advanced and took on additional responsibilities, becoming Sales and Advertising Manager, before ultimately purchasing the business in 2022. Under her leadership, Kayla has since revitalized the company, remodeling two legacy locations with the innovative Room by Room selling system in 2023 and expanding into Carson City with a new store in 2024.
The award, named in memory of Carpet One’s first Vice President of Membership, Wally Hileman, celebrates new members who embody cooperative values and show exceptional commitment to its growth and success.
The Alan Greenberg Award
Shannon Byerly of Burlington Carpet One Floor & Home was this year’s recipient of the Alan Greenberg Award, recognizing her remarkable 35-year career in the family flooring business and her tireless commitment to the greater cooperative community.
Shannon has been instrumental in growing her family’s business while fostering innovation and customer value. Celebrating her 10th year as an RNG Coordinator, she consistently promotes shared success by sharing best practices, mentoring peers, and organizing initiatives like “Tunnels to Towers.”
This award, named in honor of CCA Global Partners co-founder Alan Greenberg, recognizes members who embody the cooperative spirit through active participation, contributions to the collective, and support of fellow members.
A Word from Leadership
Keith Spano, President, CCA Retail Group and Carpet One Floor & Home praised the award winners, stating, “The dedication and drive displayed by Vylett, Kayla, and Shannon exemplify the best of our cooperative. Their passion, leadership, and forward-thinking contributions inspire us all.”
Steve Sieracki, President of Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader, and International Design Guild, echoed those sentiments. He added, “Our award recipients illustrate the values and collaborative spirit of CCA. They are true leaders who exemplify what it means to be part of a cooperative committed to innovation, growth, and shared success.”
