6 2019 | TRENDS necessary to embrace new training by manufacturers or labor associa- tions, keep looking for an installation professional. Once you find a quali- fied installer, one who has made the investment into specialty tools, techniques and materials-handling equipment, design away and let your imagination guide you. With few exceptions, the roadblocks have been removed to assure that these materials can be properly and suc- cessfully installed in both specialty and production applications. Having observed the development of the installation standard, I can assure you, the process to confirm that these materials can be installed properly was an arduous process. Many people participated, but spe- cial thanks need to be extended to Crossville, Inc. – and Noah Chitty, Crossville’s Director of Technical Services in particular – for leading a transparent and inclusive effort shar- ing installation and materials test- ing information with the entire tile installation and standards communi- ty. Others were also busy developing their methods. All of the information provided through manufacturers’ recommendations allowed Noah and his group to push the ANSI stan- dard over the finish line. Many of those same folks are busy developing the GPT and GPTP TCNA Handbook installation method as well as the Exterior Installation Standards. Thank you again, Noah. A nod also needs to go out to NTCA’s hosted training through Dal- Tile Corporation and active indepen- dent distributors. These companies have been hosting training programs throughout the country for the last several years with the NTCA. By pro- viding access to this information, they are elevating the industry by training installers using new products and methods. Dal-Tile’s dedication to education of the industry has helped to open the door to these new – pro- fessionally installed – products to the tile consumer, installed by qualified labor. Chris Walker NTCA President Vice President, David Allen Company Chairman, ANSI A-108 Chairman, US TAG ISO T-189 Board of Directors ABC-VA Voting Member TCNA Handbook Voting Member NTCA Reference Manual chriswalker@davidallen.com PRESIDENT'S LETTER (continued) High Quality Metal Trims and Pre-Molded Expansion Joints for all of Your Flooring Needs Carpet/Vinyl Trim Reducers Reverse Trim Ceramic Tool Call or click today! 800.236.5230 www.ceramictool.com Designers and manufacturers of superior quality anodized aluminum flooring transitions & custom stainless steel products MADE IN USA