Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
WithIt Honors WOW Winners
August 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on August 25, 2011
WithIt honored six industry professionals at its annual WOW Awards dinner and reception during its conference in Raleigh, N.C.
WOW Awards recognize the leadership achievements of exemplary individuals and/or companies who embody the organization's mission.
Aminy Audi, CEO and president of L. & J.G. Stickley, was presented the 2011 Legacy Award, which celebrates Audi's significant lifetime contributions to the home and furnishings industry.
"As I accept this award, I want to acknowledge my late husband, Alfred, with whom I was fortunate enough to share the journey of revitalizing the Stickley brand," Audi said. "For the Stickley team, no task is impossible, no deadline is unattainable and no
mountain is to high to climb."
Connie Lineberry, vice president of marketing, Sandow Media Retail Group, earned the inaugural Leadership Award, an honor WithIt created to recognize the contributions of a woman over age 40 who has demonstrated successful leadership in her company, WithIt and/or the home furnishings industry. Tom Mitchell, president of home furnishings for International Market Centers, presented the award.
Lauren West, director of communications for Natuzzi Americas Inc., earned the 2011 Education Award honor for her efforts to educate associates, retailers and/or consumers about home furnishings. Natuzzi Americas Senior Vice President Brad Cates presented the award
Peggy Burns, the "Queen Bee of Circle Furniture, Acton, Mass., received the 2011 Mentoring Award, which recognizes an executive who has fostered advocacy, development or promotion of women in his or her company. Burns' husband and business partner, Richard Tubman, presented the award.
The 2011 Future Leader Award was presented to Tammy Nagem, chief operating officer of the High Point Market Authority. Kevin OConnor with Samson Marketing presented Nagem's award.
WithIt President Mary Leigh Howell, Howell Communications, presented the 2011 President's Award to WithIt Regional Vice President Kassie Smith of Kassie Smith Lifestyle Group.
"In a region where WithIt had little support and virtually no membership base, Kassie has developed sponsors and supporters, and built a strong member network that spans the home furnishings, design and hospitality industries," Howell said.
WithIt also presented the 2011 Jena and Stephen Hall Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to a student to cover tuition expense, to Breanne Lutz, who studies interior design at Meredith College.