Carpet, Good to Community by Werner Braun

Good Corporate Neighbors Give Back to Communities, Explains Werner Braun

In his April 22, 2011 column titled "Carpet has been good to community" for Dalton’s Daily-Citizen Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun describes how one local charity event illustrates the many ways the carpet industry benefits Dalton and North Georgia.

“Holding the title as “Carpet Capital of the World” is a reflection of many things for our community. It is obviously a source of pride to be identified as a haven for one of the last bastions of American manufacturing. But as we roll into the Easter weekend and I reflect on the many blessings in my life I would be remiss if I didn’t point out just how wonderful this industry is as a community partner and how it continues to make a difference in the lives of people who have nothing to do with our industry.”

Case in point occurred just recently as Mohawk Industries celebrated a new partnership with Harvey Norman Flooring.  It began as a simple lighthearted wager over singing skills and turned into a significant fundraiser benefiting the United Way of Northwest Georgia. On April 13 the two companies staged a “Battle of the Ballads” singing showcase at the Dalton Golf and Country Club. Approximately 250 guests celebrated the relationship between Mohawk and Harvey Norman Flooring and watched as Mohawk’s Steve Powers and Harvey Norman’s Shaun McGovern competed for the title of best singer, to settle a bet they had made with each other in Shanghai.

The “Battle of the Ballads” raised more than $6,500 in contributions, including $1,500 as top bid when McGovern auctioned the authentic Australian Rugby shirt he wore during his singing performance.

Our industry continues to step up to the plate time and time again through initiatives such these. While we have all been hit hard over the last couple of years in a challenging economy, it is refreshing to see how our carpet manufacturers continue to demonstrate their commitment to the community in which they live.”

Here’s a link to a news story about the Battle; it's titled  Mohawk, Harvey Norman have 'Battle of Ballads'.

Thank you, Werner.

~Bethany