WIFI & WiN Go Beyond Balance

[Dalton] Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) and Shaw’s Women’s Innovation Network (WiN) came together here for a powerful and empowering day full of networking, collaboration and inspiration. The Beyond Balance conference for women and those who support them featured compelling speakers, dynamic breakout sessions and most importantly, comradery, as nearly 400 women gathered to share their stories and empower each other in the industry.

Strategies for success, such as Authentic Leadership, and “ah-ha” moments, like seeking fulfillment rather than happiness, provided insight into finding harmony at home and at work. Here women, and men, were transparent with their stories about success but also failures.

One of the biggest “ah-ha” moments for the group came in keynote speaker Tara Renze’s address. She noted that “mistakes are when you do something twice. The first time, it’s a lesson,” giving the sold-out audience a strong message to have courage, try new things and work towards finding fulfillment, not just on “being happy.” As she said, “you have permission to not always be happy.”

Shaw Floors’ WiN and Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI) welcomed guests with custom cookies.


WIFI Board members and volunteers at Dalton Convention Center celebrate after a full day of programming and networking.


Keynote speaker Tara Renze captivated the audience with her address as she focused on her message of “being who you came to be.” Renze shared her compelling personal story, focusing on how her successes and failures helped shape her career and life.


Danielle Lancianese of Shaw, Marissa McKoy of Shaw, Whitney LeGate of Mannington Mills, Torrance Ford of Shaw, Emily Finkel of Engineered Floors and Amy Rush-Imber of FCW. Rush-Imber led the panel discussion as they talked about their successes, failures and lessons learned in their careers.


Brenda Knowles of WIFI and Shaw with Susan Farris of Shaw kicked off the Beyond Balance event with personal and inspirational stories of their lives and careers.


WIFI Board members Emily Finkell, Amy Rush-Imber, Brenda Knowles, Andrea Blackbourn, Dori Blitzstein, Betsy Amoroso, Tanja Kern, Chanel Clifford and Whitney LeGate, celebrate after the Beyond Balance conference.


Amy Ross of The United Way with Shaw’s Christine Mullan, Cassie House, Candi Hampton and Curtis Callaway at the pre-event reception.


The Mannington Mills team joined flooring colleagues at the Beyond Balance event in Dalton last week.