Jim Jolly became the sixth recipient of the Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award during the Annual Conference of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

The award states, "Many of the technical achievements in the carpet industry can be attributed to the leadership of this exceptional individual, scholar, scientist, respected researcher and teacher."  This award recognizes individuals who have similarly shown unusual and exemplary service to the carpet and rug industry.

Dan Frierson, chairman of the CRI board of directors, said, "Jim Jolly has worked tirelessly for the carpet industry - in his own company and at CRI.  He has given very generously of his own time and of his employees' time to work on numerous CRI committees.  There really are no words to adequately express how dedicated this man is toward serving the carpet industry.  I don't know of anyone more deserving of this award than Jim Jolly."

In addition to serving on numerous committees, Mr. Jolly has served on the CRI Board of Directors, the CRI Executive Committee, as CRI's Treasurer, and as CRI's Chairman.

Past winners of the prestigious award include Carey Mitchell, Howard Elder PhD., Robert Cannon, Alan Luedtke PhD., and Dr. E.P. "Rusty" Willimon.