Volume 8, Issue 2
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Upcoming Industry Events
ISFA Maker's Monday Meetings
Fabricator's online conference to discuss COVID-19 problems & share solutions

Every Monday at 2pmEST with the next event April 20
Click for More Info

Coverings Connected Digital Expo Experience

April 20-23

Click for More Info

Park Industries
Virtual Demonstration Expo

April 23
Click for More Info

IWF 2020
Aug. 25-28
Atlanta, Ga.
Click for More Info

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PO Box 627 Ingomar, PA 15127

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(888) 599-ISFA

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2020
You Are Not Alone - Numerous Resources to Assist with COVID-19 Made Available

Just like you, we are monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on our economy, travel and daily lives. As an industry leader, ISFA is committed to being a good steward and doing its part to slow the virus and protect the vulnerable, while still bringing you quality education and information.

Throughout at least April, and potentially longer, in lieu of live events and on-site trainings, we are redirecting our focus and efforts to bring you timely information, best practices and fresh ideas for ensuring business continuity. We recognize that you are all facing unforeseen challenges, and that a significant amount of uncertainty still lies ahead. 

It is our intent to cultivate, aggregate, and deliver education that is relevant to your  current needs. As such, we have added numerous resources to our website and will continue to do so. Check out our COVID-19 Resource Page for a variety of useful links to assist. To stay up to date, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we post the latest information available for the industry daily.

While it is easy to get caught up in the negative when we're all feeling isolated, don't let that be your focus. Instead, take calm, decisive action in a positive direction and know that we will get through this.
Every Monday at 2pm EST, ISFA will be hosting online fabricator meetings (with the next one to take place April 20), where you can exchange concerns, ideas and solutions with your fellow fabricators. More information is available here.
We are a strong and united industry, and we’ve faced challenges before. We're all in this together and we have no doubt that we can weather the storm once again. Above all, please stay safe and remember that you are not alone.

Industry News
The Show Must Go On - Coverings Trade Show Announces 'Coverings Connected' Online Event
While Coverings was forced to cancel it's live show for 2020, it has announced it will hold "Coverings Connected" online during the same dates, April 20 to 23.
It will feature the latest tile and stone trends, a variety of product galleries, a chance to connect with exhibitors, and access to learning opportunities via webinars, podcasts and live chats.

Coverings Connected online experience includes:

  • A digital showcase of 900+ exhibitors
  • Access to the floor plan, exhibitor profiles, product galleries
  • View hundreds of items in the new product showcase
  • Selected learning opportunities via live webinars
  • Video tours of latest tile & stone trends by industry expert Alena Capra
  • Podcast interviews with industry experts
  • Live chats to provide you with resources on how to build your online brand
  • Connect and make appointments with exhibitors
  • CID Award winning projects
  • The 2020 Coverings Rock Stars
More information is available HERE.
EPA Suspends Enforcement of Federal Environmental Compliance Rules During Pandemic

On March 26, the U.S. EPA announced in a news release that because of the COVID-19 outbreak it is suspending the issuance of financial penalties to companies that can show they are unable to fulfill environmental compliance rules because of disruption caused by the pandemic. The suspension is retroactive to March 13.
"EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment, but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This temporary policy is designed to provide enforcement discretion under the current, extraordinary conditions, while ensuring facility operations continue to protect human health and the environment."

In a memo, Susan Parker Bodine, assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance, wrote, "The consequences of the pandemic may affect facility operations and the availability of key staff and contractors and the ability of laboratories to timely analyze samples and provide results. As a result, there may be constraints on the ability of a facility or laboratory to carry out certain activities required by our federal environmental permits, regulations, and statutes.”

There has been no end date for the compliance suspension set, but the EPA will provide at least a week's notice before reinstating the penalties.
Large Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties on Chinese Ceramic Tile Expected
On March 31, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final determination on Chinese ceramic tile imports. The Commerce Department said Chinese tile is being sold at less than fair value and is being subsidized by China. As such it is recommending the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) levy anti-dumping duties from 229 to 256 percent in conjunction with countervailing duties of an additional 358.8 percent. If the USITC agrees, the combined range of tariffs will be between 587 an 715 percent. If USITC disagrees with the recommendation, the case could be terminated. The USITC is expected to make its final determination in mid-May.
The investigation was initiated by a petition filed last year by the Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile (CFTCT), which is made up of eight U.S. ceramic tile producers:  American Wonder Porcelain; Crossville Inc.; Dal-Tile Corp.; Del Conca USA Inc.; Florida Tile Inc.; Florim USA; Landmark Ceramics; and StonePeak Ceramics.
Articles
Product News
Park Industries Releases New CNC, Offers Message of Strength and Resiliancy

With the growing concern over the challenging times, Park Industries® put forth a "Safe and Strong" message/ video highlighting the importance of being safe and agile during this challenging

time. While the company recognizes the difficulties presented, it also remains optimistic about the future and demonstrated it's faith in and dedication to fabricators by launching the new redesigned TITAN® 3000 CNC Router Series. The upgraded routers include :
  • Refinements for high-speed tooling
  • Faster movements and tool change
  • Maintenance automation and reduced labor
  • Operator friendly upgrades
  • More protection on rails & spindle
  • There are two models Available: TITAN® 3700 & TITAN® 3800
Dekton by Cosentino Unveils Two New Ultra Compact Surface Series, Virtual Visits

In the face of the current adversity, Cosentino continues to remain strong  and has introduced two new Dekton® ultra-compact large format surface collections. It also is offering virtual Cosentino Center visits, allowing material selection

while maintaining social distancing.
The two new series are the Avant-Garde and the Portfolio Series. The Avant-Garde series includes three new hues: Laurent, which has a dark brown background with criss-crossed gold-colored veins (joining the Natural Collection) ; Helena, with translucent white and gray hues inspired by onyx (joining the XGloss Stonica Collection; and Khalo (pictured here), which is inspired by Patagonia natural stone (joining the XGloss Stonica Collection). The three new colors of Dekton in the Portfolio Series are:
Bromo, which is a dark blue shade,
inspired by metamorphic, smooth rocks such as slate; Rem, which is inspired by Calacatta Lincoln marble with a white base and brown and gray veining with touches of gold; and Milar, which features gray and brown tones, inspired by rusty and eroded materials. For more information CLICK HERE.

 Making Designs Take Shape Is Now Easier and More Efficient with Corian Solid Surface in Widesheet Dimensions

The Corian® Design support network has stood side-by-side with architects, designers and fabricators across the globe for more than 50 years, working to provide local service and support to customers so they can create solutions that

solve the toughest design challenges. Corian® Solid Surface in Widesheet Dimensions enables the fabrication of larger, more complex applications. They also help optimize the fabrication process for faster installations in applications that previously required multiple sheet seams to be joined. Additionally, they cover more space with less material waste! All while contributing to Green Building and LEED building accreditation. For more information CLICK HERE.

About ISFA
ISFA's mission is to help members become more profitable in their businesses by promoting ISFA members and their products, educating ISFA members to help them become better craftsmen and business people, and improving the industry through professionalism and honesty. For more information contact info@isfanow.org.
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