NTCA NEWS 96 TileLetter | May 2017 During the recent Coverings ’17 Expo, NTCA had a grand showing and celebrated contractor atten- dance at the event, which was up 36% over last year’s attendance in Chicago, and up 12% over Coverings ’15, which was last held in Orlando. The show was a milestone in many ways for NTCA, which signed up 25 new members in Orlando. NTCA was involved in nearly every facet of the show, from its involvement with the Tiny House Installation Design Showcase that paired three designers with three Five Star Contractors to install tile in these functional homes dur- ing the show, to demonstrations on correct wall-tile installation techniques on the Installation Demonstration stage, to staging contractor lunches and happy hours at the Contractor Lounge, tours, and providing speakers and presenters in the conference pro- gram, including several sessions presented entirely in Spanish for Spanish-speaking tradespeople. NTCA was also involved in sup- porting the CTEF Certified Tile InstallerandAdvancedCertifications for Tile Installer exams during the show. Many member volunteers staffed the NTCA booth, answering questions and providing a network- ing space for installers. This year, NTCA also sponsored the NASCAR Experience, positioned beside one of its booths, which allowed attend- ees to drive a race car simulator and be entered for prizes. Another feature of the show was the NTCA Awards Ceremony, which commemorated NTCA’s 70th anniversary. A number of awards were presented there – the follow- ing were NTCA specific honors and awards. More to come in June! – Lesley Goddin NTCA recognizes Five Star Contractor Projects of the Year at Coverings The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) recognized industry leaders at its fifth annual awards ceremony during Coverings 2017 in Orlando, Fla. Among the awards presented were the Five