March 2, 2020

Attachments:

Timmins_Release.doc

[ ]

38 kB

SOLON, OH, MARCH 2, 2020 —Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring, has introduced two new modular carpet designs—Vellum and Bindery. Through crisp pattern detail, color contrast and lustre variation, these complementary patterns draw on the rich tradition of book binding and impart the handcrafted patinas of early papermaking, enabling architects and designers to craft a story through interior spaces.

“The passing down of story is an honored tradition in every culture, and the attention given to the craft of book binding has as much to say as the words on the page—adding a memorable richness to the experience,” said Terry Mowers, vice president, commercial design, Tarkett North America. “In this highly digitized age, Vellum and Bindery celebrate the tactile feel of holding a vintage book in one's hands and turning its beautifully weathered pages.” 

Abstract design. Tangible performance.

Using the same eight gentle colorways, Vellum and Bindery marry geometric and organic themes with clear and crisp color separations. A hand-drawn feel carries through both patterns, with linear striations coming and going in the background. The styles are bold and refined, yet their abstract nature warms commercial interiors with a soft elegance. Constructed with Tarkett's proprietary fiber innovations and honed tufting techniques, Vellum and Bindery offer the perfect blend of value, performance and style.

Featuring Tarkett’s ethos^® Modular with Omnicoat Technology™, a non-PVC backing made from recycled windshields, Vellum and Bindery are highly sustainable carpet solutions. The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Silver and ILFI Living Product Challenge Imperative certified backing material has enabled Tarkett to recycle the PVB film from 28.2 million windshields between 2004 and 2019 which kept about 29,000 tons out of landfills. Furthermore, when installed with TarkettTAPE™, ethos Modular with Omnicoat Technology is unaffected by moisture and pH, eliminating the need to test for pH, RH and MVER. 

Tarkett is committed to developing flooring solutions that support the health and wellness of people and the planet, with continuous optimization of every material and process to reduce its carbon footprint and move toward a circular economy. All Tarkett soft-surface products manufactured in North America include Eco-Ensure™ soil protection technology, a fluorine-free chemistry that is Cradle to Cradle Certified Platinum for Material Health.

Vellum and Bindery are sampled in 24 x 24 inch tiles, but are also available in 18 x 36 and 9 x 36 inch planks. For more information about Tarkett and Tarkett’s comprehensive range of flooring solutions and accessories, visit www.tarkettna.com.

PLAINFIELD, IL, OCTOBER 17, 2019 -- Following a decade of record growth, hotel franchisors are putting new focus on ensuring their brands’ flags are in tip-top condition. Tired, neglected properties with lower quality index scores are being issued property improvement plans (PIPS) to upgrade. Failing to comply with even the smallest PIP detail may put the hotel owner in jeopardy of having their flag pulled.
 
PIPS are an expensive proposition. Not unsurprisingly, few hotel owners welcome them. But because PIPs are part and parcel of hotel ownership, the challenge is how to make an older hotel thoroughly brand compliant, while keeping PIP cost reasonable.
 
According to Cicero's Development Corp., a general contractor specializing in hotel renovations, before signing off on a PIP agreement, hotel franchisees should pay close attention to avoid potentially costly mistakes. Although situations differ from brand to brand, terms are typically negotiable. Brands are especially receptive to negotiating PIPs with hotel owners who have existing relationships with the brand or who own or manage other franchised properties. 
 
TIPS FOR PIPS
If owners are careful about expenditures, they can save money during a PIP, reports Sam Cicero, president of Cicero's Development Corp., who offers the following Tips for PIPS.

1. Painstakingly review PIP requirements with the PIP brand representative to quantify its content and to assist with judgment calls. It is not uncommon for franchisors to oversimplify PIP elements with words like “all” or “throughout the property,” which leaves contractors having to price in the most expensive scenarios.

2. Identify other negotiable items in the PIP agreement such as the types of flooring tiles or wall finishes. These can vary widely in price. Ask your general contractor to break out the price of alternative items because they may be the first things to propose as "value engineering" points to the franchisor. 

3. As a rule, any long-term maintenance items should be removed from the PIP. Yes, the hot-water heaters and roof will have to be replaced at some point, but if it’s not immediately necessary, wait.  

4. Sometimes franchisors allow PIP work to be broken into several stages that coincide with the hotel’s cash flow. While this sounds good in theory, it usually increases the overall PIP cost because the contractor has to repeatedly restage. Don’t take the bait. A better approach is to devise a plan keeping the work to a single floor at a time, while other floors are left open for guests. Besides keeping revenues flowing into your operation, it isolates the work and will minimize guest inconvenience.

5. It is not uncommon for time-consuming disruptions to occur in the course of implementing a PIP. Before getting started you will want to discuss the implications of disruptions with the franchisor as it effects deadline requirements and possible penalties.

6. If you feel your property is being unfairly targeted for an extensive PIP, research if there is another property under the same flag that recently underwent a PIP but was not subjected to the same requirements. This knowledge may give you leverage during negotiations. 

Finally, once you have settled on the entire scope and details with your franchisor, be sure to select a team of contracting professionals who specialize in hospitality work. Choosing the wrong contractor can negate all the benefits made in steps one through six.
 
CONCLUSION
Like most elements of a business transaction, PIPs are negotiable in both their scope and timeframe. It is recommended that hotel owners negotiate as much as they can up-front before signing off on their PIP agreement, or before sharing the PIP with potential investors. Keep in mind that it is the end-goal of the franchisor to not only make the best deal, but to maintain the highest brand standards and the best appearance for your hotel. The key is to find a balanced cost solution that meets brand requirements and the hotel owner's budget.

For more information visit www.cicerosdev.com.

February 27, 2020

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Ms. Jo-Ann Williscroft as the newest member of the Holiday Inn Winnipeg Airport West.

Jo-Ann joins us as our Director of Sales and Marketing with an enthusiastic personality and dynamic outlook on sales where relationship building is her Number 1 priority.

We are thrilled to have her join our team of professionals and welcome all of Jo-Ann’s former friends and clients to stop in and check out the Holiday Inn Winnipeg Airport West where coming back is like coming home