Miles Distributing is going the distance for 2007 Coverings this April 17-20 in Chicago, leasing a caravan of coach buses to bring its customers to the doorsteps of McCormick Place Convention Center. According to Miles, its mission is to help its dealers and customers experience first-hand what the 1,200 tile and stone exhibitors around the world have to offer.

“It dawned on me how much our customers would benefit from attending,” explains Doug Miles, president. “So I began to put out feelers, and there was definitely a strong interest among them.”

Miles’ game-plan is a one-day excursion April 18th, declared “Covering’s Day” in which buses will be dispatched from all its outposts to bring an estimated 1,000 of their customers for a ‘free’ business trek. Headquartered in South Bend, Ind. with businesses in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, MI and Louisville, KY, all locations will be closed that day so that Miles’ staff can also attend. Coverings has offered to help subsidize some of the transportation costs, provide promotional brochures and will host a welcome reception for Miles’ guests at the show.

“We think what Miles is doing is extraordinary and feel it’s important to match his efforts with some special attention and support.” said Tamara Christian, Coverings show director and president of National Trade Publications.

Information for other distributors wanting to pattern Miles’ program can contact Coverings marketing director Susan Burkhart at (703) 683-8500 ext. 218, orsburkhart@ntpshow.com.