Discusses Key Policy Issues in the Ceramic Tile Industry

U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan, SC-3, spent time one Wednesday afternoon meeting with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) staff and touring TCNA’s facilities. Executive Director Eric Astrachan provided Duncan with a brief current state of the ceramic tile industry and discussed issues in Washington most relevant to the tile industry including U.S. trade agreements, EPA regulations, and increasing problems with fake ceramic tile products and false advertisements. Duncan’s visit ended with a tour of TCNA’s state-of-the-art performance testing laboratories, led by Lab Manager Katelyn Simpson.

“We are honored U.S. Rep. Duncan took time out of his busy schedule to stop by the Clemson Research Park for a visit with TCNA,” stated Bill Griese, Director, Standards Development & Sustainability Initiatives, TCNA.  “With our association headquarters, right here in the Congressman’s backyard, we wanted him to see firsthand the relevance of the ceramic tile industry and our organization’s involvement in research, testing and the development of standards.”

“It is certainly an exciting time for tile in the U.S.,” adds Eric Astrachan.  “New designs, innovative technologies and increased popularity have resulted in significant industrial growth.  The Congressman’s quick grasp of the tile industry was certainly impressive. As leaders like U.S. Representative Duncan become more familiar with our industry, we look forward to opportunities for increased advocacy in Washington.”  

 The TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products.

Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, offers professional training, and publishes industry-consensus guidelines and standards, economic reports, and promotional literature.