Protecting an investment is more important than ever in today’s economy. That’s why IMI helps consumers recognize the difference that quality offers, through events like the recent Coverings show, which included the well-attended IMI booth and seminars.

 At last week’s show, where some 37,000 distributors, contractors, specifiers, designers, builders and developers gathered for the latest news, IMI seminars offered insight on ways to improve traditional applications, while also preparing for new markets.

 At our Concrete/Substrate Tolerances seminar, IMI demonstrated that improved communication between concrete and tile contractors will lead to better performance. Specifiers welcomed the advice, and contractors appreciated the “real world” perspective that helps them get a quality job.

 The Tile Facades seminar helped people get comfortable with new rain screen walls (shown above), including specifics like anchoring details and code issues. Designers feel better specifying it, especially when seeing how BAC contractors are uniquely positioned to do the work, and how IMI helps them. Upcoming standards will raise comfort levels even more.

 Visitors to the IMI booth also appreciated the IMI LEED Checklist, with many telling us it was the best “how to” handout at Coverings.

 But, as usual, the biggest draw was IMI training. Whether it’s traditional tile or tomorrow’s products, this audience knows that quality training translates into quality installations. As one attendee put it,

“No one else does it like IMI.”

Daily news coverage of job layoffs makes everyone nervous. But instead of just worrying about it, some BAC members are taking advantage of specialized refractory training available through IMI to boost their job options.

Ted Champ, President of BAC Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky, knows firsthand what a difference it can make. Rocked by last week’s news that a huge steel plant in his area was cutting 400 jobs, Champ was relieved to hear that the 90 or so “highly skilled” Local 4 refractory members are not only working now, but plant managers are so impressed that they are doing everything they can to keep them working.

“Refractory training has been positive for us,” says Champ. “We got IMI in the door and explained that IMI can take care of any specialty need. The relationship has really helped out now. “

Champ notes that having training specialists on tap really solidified the union’s relationship with the plant. Plant managers, who are not shy about voicing concerns, especially about getting their money’s worth, are really happy about IMI’s refractory program, and hope to send more people to The Flynn Center soon.

 

“Through this training, we’re keeping members working. If you have the skills, it’s extra insurance.”

The people taking the current refractory class at The Flynn Center come from many backgrounds, but they share one goal: enhancing their skills to increase their options in an unpredictable economy.

For information on specialized training through IMI, call 800-JOBS-IMI or go to http://www.imiweb.org/training/schedule/imi.

For photos of refractory training at The Flynn Center, go to http://www.flynncenterphotos.org/ and check out the Refractory Training albums.