The ‘70s The 1970s were a tumultuous time. In some ways, the decade was a continuation of the 1960s. Women, African Americans, Native Americans, gays and lesbi- ans and other marginalized people continued their fight for equality, and many Americans joined the protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam. In other ways, however, the decade was a repudiation of the 1960s. A “New Right” mobilized in defense of political conservatism and traditional family roles, and the behavior of President Richard Nixon undermined many people’s faith in the good intentions of the federal government. By the end of the decade, these divisions and disappointments had set a tone for public life that many would argue is still with us today. With strong volunteer leadership led by Bob Roberson of the David Allen Company, the STTMCA board of directors named Joe Tarver, an industry veteran from the manufac- turing sector, as its executive director in 1972. Joe would go on to lead in this role for 30 years, and helped to transition a southeastern group to the national trade association it is today. NTCA adds annual TRENDS and TECH issues to its 13 annual issues of TileLetter NTCA celebrates its 1,300th mem- ber: Ben Santos, Hamilton Tile, Woodstock, Ga. CTI program expands with the hire of Kevin Insalato to train and lead a team of regional evaluators Barbi Phillips is hired as office support Allison Morris joins NTCA to handle social media and weekly digital news NTCA celebrates 70th anniversary Mark Heinlein is hired as NTCA trainer and presenter Becky Serbin is hired as training and education coordina- tor; develops NTCA University online curriculum Trainer/presenters Robb Roderick and Luis Bautista join the staff NTCA celebrates 50th Five Star Contractor member: Brad Trostrud,Trostrud Mosaic &Tile Co., Wood Dale, Ill. Amber Fox leads the growing Five Star Contractor program 2015 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 7 0 Training, like this session at an annual convention, became a strategic initiative for installers. Back in the day, the association’s annual conventions were the industry’s only expo- sition of tile and stone. Joe Tarver was named STTMCA exec- utive director in 1972. Celebrating 70 years TileLetter | September 2017 81