b'YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 was not without challenges.thankstostrongsupportfroman Leadingthewaythisyearisaactive board of directors who helps growing concern that plastic-basedto spread the word about the value materials,likeLVTandothers,ofNTCAtotheirpeersintheir aretakingindustrymarketshare.region.Wewillcontinuetoadd Risingtariffcosts,concernsthatvalue by introducing new programs economic growth is slowing down,and benefi ts, and we hope to con-andthecontinuedlackoftrainedtinueonourpathtowards2,000 and certifi ed tile installers are stillmembers in the next few years. attheforefrontofchallengesourIn an effort to increase value for industryfaces.NTCAiscommit- membershipandserveourindus-tedtoaddressingtheseconcernstry, NTCA added benefi ts programs butisadditionallyforgingaheadforhealth,lifeandsupplemental to promote new opportunities thatinsurance, dental and vision plans, will help our members continue to401(k)plans,andmore.Weurge thriveintheyearsahead. Weseeyou to check out the NTCA website the ceramic tile market as one withfordetailedinformationonallof endlesspotential,withproductsthese programs.helping us to grow per capita con- AsNTCAExecutiveDirector sumption for walls and fl andsince 2002, I am honored to con- oors in interior and exterior applications.tinuetoservethisvibrantand Membershipcontinuestogrowgrowing association. NTCA Board Advisor Dan Welch in Michigan taking part in recruitment and training efforts to high school students.Membership growth contin-ues to be a focal point of our association. NTCA Training Director Mark Heinlein with new member Gabriel Hanceri at a NTCA workshop inNTCA has committed to a stronger level of support to Sterling Heights, Michigan. the CTEF. NTCA and CTEF staff with CTI test takers.20 TileLetter | December 2019'