PRESIDENT’S LETTER Martin Howard Leaders of the National Tile Contractors Association were recently honored guests at the Cersaie CeramicTileTrade Fair, held annually in Bologna, Italy. Cersaie took place September 25th-29th, and is the world’s largest exhibi- tion of ceramic tile and installation materials. NTCA executive director Bart Bettiga, chairman of the board James Woelfel and I attended the exhibition and collaborated with leaders of several international associations dedicated to the pro- fessional installation of ceramic tile. In addition to attending the fair and technical seminars, with an emphasis on large-format and gauged porcelain tile panels, NTCA leaders participated in an exclu- sive meeting with representatives of Assopossa, the Italian association dedicated to ceramic tile installa- tion. The emphasis on the meeting was on training and education, and promoting best business practices of tiling contractors. In addition to the board of Assopossa, leaders of the EUF, the European Federation of National Tilers Associations, also participated in the summit discussions. Topics on the agenda included different systems of cer- tifications, for both installers and contracting companies' education and training initiatives, including apprenticeship programs, keeping pace with changing and innovative technology, and safety in the work- place, especially as it relates to the creation of dust during work place operations. NTCA participates in international outreach during Cersaie in Bologna, Italy Innovative Solutions For Bath & Spa New! EXCLUSIVE! 800.215.0203 www.hollspa.com Floating Shower Bench Kit Revolutionizing The Shower Visit at Total Solutions Plus 2017 TABLE TOP N134 ™ 16 TileLetter | October 2017