Greater New York HFA Honors Jeff Katz

September 27, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 28, 2010

The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association has awarded the 2010 Jerry Gans Memorial Award to Jeff Katz, general manager of The Fulton Stores.

The Fulton Stores operates in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, New York.

The Jerry Gans Memorial award honors prominent members of the furniture industry for distinguished service. This year, for the first time, this award will be presented at a jointly held formal dinner and dance that includes members of both the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association and Metropolitan Furnishings Association at The Landmark, located on Route 17 South, East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday evening, Dec. 4.

Katz has devoted himself to pursuing best practices in furniture retailing throughout his career. He oversees merchandising and buying for the six-store chain, and manages the substantial accounts receivables portfolio that Fulton has accumulated over the years.

He also was instrumental in helping the GNYHFA to head off retail licensing legislation that would have forced New York retailers to post large bonds with New York City.

"We are so pleased that Jeff will be accepting the Gans award this year," said Andy Gans, for whose father the Award is named. "He is widely respected in the home furnishings community, not only for his ability to run a profitable family business through these tough times, but also for being a good friend to his suppliers, and a role model to his employees. His leadership is reflected in the way Fulton Stores is perceived in the industry and by its customers."

Katz will share the spotlight with two individuals honored by the Metropolitan Furnishings Association. Eric Bernstein of Berkshire Furniture, Union, N.J., will receive the Howard Liveright Award. Chris Clarizio, a furniture representative widely known for his work with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, will be named Dean of IHFRA.

"This event will be a fantastic holiday season party for New York and New Jersey retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers," said Chris De LIsa, president of GNYHFA. "We've chosen a beautiful new venue for this year's dinner and dance that offers a central location, beautiful facility, fantastic food, drink, networking and entertainment."

A commemorative Journal is being prepared so that friends, family and business associates can honor Jeff Katz, Eric Bernstein and Chris Clarizio with a message.

For more information about the event, to make dinner reservations or reserve space in the journal to honor Jeff Katz, please contact Alan Granetz, by e-mail; or telephone, 908.725.3460.

Production questions about the journal should be directed to Russell Bienenstock by e-mail; or telephone, 914.235.3095.