How is it possible that we are already in November, looking down the barrel of the Christmas season AGAIN? This fall has been filled with the good and the bad: fraught with fires and floods, a pil- grimage in Spain for me (more to come in a later issue), and we are on the cusp of Total Solutions Plus, the all – industry conference that is growing by leaps and bounds every year – this time held in our nation’s capital. It’s also the month that we count our blessings – officially – with the holiday of Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for, personally or pro- fessionally? If you share with me at lesley@tile-assn.com, I can include your comments in an upcoming issue, as we move into the new year. As for me, I’m really grateful for all the focus on education and training NTCA has. Now, this has been part and parcel of the NTCA mission since it began, but in the last couple of years, we’ve seen it skyrocket to a new level, with the incredible resource known as NTCA University compiled by Becky Serbin, Dan Welch, Dave Rogers and others – and planning to make this available to support more people becoming educated and skilled tradespeople as we go for- ward. I’m grateful for the develop- ment of the Regional Training pro- gram, which had its debut in New Berlin, Wis., last month. Together with our ongoing workshops and the online opportunities, no seri- ous tile setter should be without the chance to learn more about products, methods and standards EDITOR’S LETTER Lesley A. Goddin “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward 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 ™ 10 TileLetter | November 2017