IHFRA Names John Bassett Pillar of the Industry

February 29, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on March 1, 2012

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association has named Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. Chairman John Bassett III a Pillar of the Industry.

IHFRA will honor Bassett at the 18th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala during the spring High Point Furniture Market.

The Pillar of the Industry Award is presented to an industry leader who has distinguished himself with creative work and effort to improve, enhance, and benefit relationships among representatives and other segments of the industry. This person's actions and deeds have shown their commitment to the home furnishings industry, their community, and to mankind.

Bassett, a third-generation furniture man, has worked in the industry for 53 years. He began his career at Bassett Furniture Inds., and has been at Vaughan-Bassett, Galax, Va., since 1983. He worked in the factory as a teenager, and has held roles in sales and marketing, as well as plant manager, president and CEO. Bassett Furniture, along with Vaughan-Bassett Furniture, was founded by his grandfather, J.D. Bassett Sr.
 
Under the leadership of John Bassett III, Vaughan-Bassett has become the largest wooden bedroom manufacturer in the United States, with 700 employees and sales of more than $84 million. Ninety-eight percent of Vaughan-Bassett's products are made in the United States. Earlier this year Vaughan-Bassett bought and is reopening the old Webb No. 1 furniture factory in Galax. At least 115 new jobs will be created here in the United States due to this expansion.

Bassett is a past president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, and former chairman of the International Woodworking Fair. He won AHFA's Distinguished Service Award in 2001, was named Furniture Today's Manufacturer of the Year in 2001, and was InFurniture Magazine's Man of the Year in 2003. John's son Wyatt is Vaughan-Bassett's president and CEO; his son Doug is executive vice president and COO; and his daughter Fran is on the Board of Directors.

The Furniture Industry Awards Gala will be held on Monday, April 23, in the IHFC Ballroom on the 11th Floor of the Green Wing. The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association and the National Home Furnishings Association sponsor the annual event. For reservations and information regarding the Furniture Industry Awards Gala, contact the IHFRA Office at 336.889.3920 or e-mai to ihfra@ihfra.org.