During my first trip to Dalton in 2010, people kept on telling me that what I was seeing wasn’t the Dalton pre-Great Recession. I know for sure now that it wasn’t even close. But after a few more trips south and a few more years, the sprouts of new growth were visible. Boutique shops in downtown were opening along with restaurants and hotels. Things were happening and in July of 2014, we went to print with our Dalton Revival Issue celebrating the rebirth of the industry’s epicenter.
That issue took a deep dive into all the things that made the Dalton area ideal for this business — the economy, jobs, commerce, training, research and logistics. We continue to celebrate the critical infrastructure of this region — now extended beyond Dalton boundaries to adjacent areas that support the flooring business. Roads, rails, ports, workforce and more all play a part in the livelihood of this industry.
While government support, logistics and other foundational aspects continue to be important to the area’s health, there is also a certain communal vibe that is a part of Northwest Georgia’s fabric and deserving of attention as well.
Walk into Cyra’s, for example, on any given night and you will see competitors by day getting up and visiting each other’s tables, sharing a story and a laugh. The likelihood is that their kids ride the school bus together; maybe a family member works for the competing company; they probably belong to the same club or house of worship. It is the definition of community and yet a unique permutation of one.
This cover of FCW is devoted to the moments those in the Flooring Belt come together and do good works, hand-in-hand, side-by-side for the greater good of the community they all live, work and play in. The United Way is central to the vitality of the region, working with local organizations to care for its population.
It’s money, it’s work and it’s a bonding agent. From fundraising tricycle races to volunteer hours and food pantries, the flooring industry joins forces in a way you may not see at a trade show or retail event.
The Dalton area continues to evolve and grow. Even now, there are new hotels going up and new watering holes and restaurants to try. The area thrives even as business softens. And the commitment to United Way continues to strengthen. It is a pure example of “Love thy Neighbor.”
All of the foundational things that make this region work for the flooring industry continue to grow and give Northwest Georgia and surrounding areas a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Indeed, there are regions across the country where the flooring industry has planted roots and have unique stories to tell. This country is a tapestry of landscapes, cultures and logistics that, woven together, create ideal areas to grow a business. The same holds true for retail where dealers find their niche in a particular market. This year we revived our in-person Retail Road Trip series. We didn’t get to as many locations as we would have liked but entered some of the most unique and successful businesses in three areas.
Our Surfaces Issue featured Southern California. Early spring we traveled to the Denver area and we finished up the first half of the year in Wisconsin.
Each story is so powerful because these retailers shared transparently how they got there, their strategy and tactics for winning in their given marketplace and their future plans. Our list for 2024 is long!
What we look forward to most, and what stays with us long after a store visit, is that special something that only they have or the story only they can tell. Maybe they started as an installer and grew a business to 19 stores. Or maybe they are situated close to the country’s retirement mecca. Or maybe they are located at the mouth of a national park where moose sightings on Main Street are a regular occurrence. Each location and story is something a bit different and we are thankful for the hospitality we have been shown.
Stay safe. Stay inspired.