"Developing a TCNA 'Why Tile' program to educate consumers and the industry on the many benefits of tile is high on my list of priorities," said Franceschelli. "It's important to lead this charge of informing the public and training our industry professionals in order to make a positive impact in the flooring market."

His list of objectives for the coming year highlight the ambition and dedication he and TCNA have for the tile industry. He plans to develop the TCNA "Why Tile" program to inform consumers and the industry regarding the health, safety, environmental, cost and design benefits of tile; work with labor organizations to support career training and certification programs; continue to facilitate the development of standards to better define technical product performance and to inform consumers about the safe use of tile surfaces; maintain the collaboration of the TCNA Handbook Committee and the publication of installation details relevant to today's products and practices; promote further collaboration with other major trade organizations including Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), National Tile Contractors' Association (NTCA) and the Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA); develop an even stronger bond between members in the U.S. and Canada and their TCNA colleagues in Mexico; promote cooperation within the global tile manufacturing communities in Italy, Spain, Brazil and around the world; and contribute on an international basis to ISO standards.