From the Desk of David Calderon,
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
I had the opportunity to attend the TISE, The International Surfaces Event in Las Vegas earlier this year. The International Surface Event unites professionals from flooring, stone, tile, and beyond in two dynamic neighborhoods: SURFACES and TILE + STONE. The event features cutting-edge products, trends, and design solutions, with experts across an unparalleled showcase of materials, tools, installation products, and curated exhibitors. TISE is the ultimate annual resource for sourcing the newest industry products, networking with industry leaders, learning trends, and advancing businesses within the surface, stone, and tile industries.
There were also different crafts represented with our fellow affiliates from DC-16’s flooring division taking part in an apprenticeship competition for soft floors in carpet and linoleum. I was accompanied by Vice Chairman Colin Johnson. I’m pleased to report that we spoke with numerous vendors who showed interest in giving presentations on their materials and tools at both of our apprenticeship training centers. Additionally, some were also willing to donate their products to support our apprenticeship programs. We were also introduced to lots of new tools and techniques for cutting, sawing, drilling and installing all the different solid surfaces and materials that our members work with daily. It is imperative that BAC keep up with new applications, materials and safety equipment to support our membership and apprentice programs.
We also received support from our BAC International Western Region Director Darin Compton, along with Scott Conwell an architect from Chicago with the International Masonry Institute. We appreciated the input from Darin and Scott on a local and international level and gave us some perspective on how new products will affect BAC.
It was good to see numerous cranes on the skyline in Las Vegas. A sizeable project was ongoing next to City Hall with stonework being performed by BAC craftworkers. As we move into the second quarter of 2025, let us all continue to be focused on safety in our daily endeavors on the job site. I have high hopes that we will see some more cranes in our areas sooner than later.
In solidarity,
David Calderon