Carpet Capital History Inspires Despite Challenges

Challenges and Triumphs: Finding Inspiration in Carpet Capital History

In his August 12, 2011 column titled "Challenges and triumphs" for the Dalton Daily Citizen, Carpet and Rug Institute president Werner Braun discusses how Dalton, Georgia, the nation’s well-known "Carpet Capital of theWorld” works to keep up the spirits of its citizens during the economic downturn of recent years.

“With every triumph, there come a few challenges along the way.

As a town that is built on an industry, Dalton will continue to experience highs and lows in this economy. Metro Dalton (Murray and Whitfield counties) continues to have a higher than national average unemployment rate at 12.1 percent, though jobs in manufacturing and trade are beginning to increase as of June 2011, according to the United States Department of Labor.

But what I’ve come to realize over the years about Dalton and the flooring industry is we are more than highs and lows — we’re a continuous story of pride at its best, as we battle through hard times and make new paths through innovation for the future. 

As a town that was built from selling bedspreads on Peacock Alley, we know that our products have a direct connection with the housing/building market. This is one of our main challenges in the floor covering industry.

I’m confident when I say that the carpet industry will continue to succeed because of the innovation our members continually bring to the table. I’m convinced that carpet will always have a ‘home.’

And even more, I’m confident Dalton will always have carpet.”

Thank you, Werner.

~ Bethany