March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on March 15, 2013
The Antique & Design Center is staging a full slate of lectures and world-class speakers for the upcoming High Point Market.
Sponsored by V&M, an online source for unique vintage furniture, antiques, art and content, all lectures take place in the Antique & Design Center Lecture Room on the ground level of Market Square. There is no charge to attend and continuing education credits are attached to two of the seminars.
The series represents a learning experience in a unique setting unlike any other at the High Point Market, according to Karen Luisana, managing director of the Antique & Design Center. Seminars kick off on opening day of Market, Saturday, April 20 with David Lindquist of Whitehall Antiques. A full-time antiques dealer, appraiser and authenticator since 1974, and a senior accredited member of ASA for more than 25 years, Lindquist works as a consultant to appraisers throughout America.
Lindquist will present "Simple Rules for Authenticating Antiques" at 10-11: 30 a.m.
"Come with a great sense of style and educated eye for proportion and David will show you how those attributes are the keys to the authentication of antique furniture," Luisana said. "This hands-on working session teaches the simple rules you need to know to advise clients with confidence, as well as a rejuvenated sense of fine style. As he says, 'Every major designer is returning to classic antique furniture in their work, judiciously mixed with soft modern, as evidenced in the shelter magazines and online buzz. Make sure you ride the crest of the wave!'"
All attendees will receive a free copy of Lindquist's book on discerning the differences between period furniture and look-a-likes of the 19th and 20th centuries. Q&A follows and CEU credit will be awarded.
Next up is Sheilah MacSporran and "How to Create 2D & 3D Room Designs On Olioboard That Your Clients Will Love," at 12:15-1:45 p.m. MacSporran is the chief executive and co-founder of Olioboard, an online interior design mood board creator and social shopping platform.
Olioboard allows members to create 2D and 3D room designs using real products that they can save, shop and share. Her goal is to change the way people shop online by allowing them to first try it, before they buy it. In this Olioboard presentation, MacSporran will show designers how to create realistic 3D room designs by breaking the tools down into easy-to-understand tutorials. The presentation will also cover some of the latest tools and additions to Olioboard, as well as a broad overview on how designers can use Olioboard to make a profit and streamline their work process.
Following the talk, Olioboard is sponsoring a complimentary lunch for Seminar attendees.
Bill Indursky, co-founder of V&M, returns Saturday to deliver his report: "2013 Trends in the Antique and Home Furnishings Industries." From 2-3:30 p.m., he'll provide an in-depth and up-to-the minute analysis of where the antique and home décor industries are headed. An award-winning designer, architect, realist painter and author, Indursky returns for the fifth time to offer his design trend forecast, and to explain the larger context that continues to shape his forecast.
Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis wrap up opening day from 3:30-5 p.m. with a "Taste of Design Camp." The HGTV interior designers and creators of Design Camp have spent decades educating designers and design enthusiasts. For this presentation, Ellis and Dennis take the stage with industry leaders and a panel of "Camp Counselors" that includes Leslie Newsom Rascoe, decoration and design editor, Veranda Magazine; Helene Hollub, principal of Hollub Homes, Inc., a building and design company in South Florida; Katy Garrett, interior design business coach, systems educator, and award-winning custom home furnishings consultant; Ronda Carman, the force behind the All the Best blog, and Lisa Mende, founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design.
Following the Design Camp panel discussion, there will be a book signing with Dennis, Newsome Rascoe and Carman.
The fun will continue with a special social event and cocktail party, "Design Camp in the Courtyard," outside under the stars in the Market Square Courtyard 7-9 p.m.
On Sunday, the stars come out again, and this time, all that's missing is the red carpet. At 10 a.m., Hollywood comes to Market direct from the Academy Awards, as Leslie McDonald, Oscar-winning art director and antique dealer takes the stage for her presentation on designing for film with unique insights into the production process, "So You Want to Be in Pictures." Art director for the blockbuster hit "Lincoln," McDonald has nearly three decades of experience as an art director and production designer for the motion picture industry, with clients including Disney, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Universal, Sony, Warner Bros and Columbia Pictures. With work on hits like "Forrest Gump," "Field of Dreams," "Minority Report," and "Bugsy" (awarded an Academy Award for best art direction), McDonald offers an insider's view of the film industry.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to obtain pieces from her movies, along with the mid-century art and furniture in which Leslie specializes," Luisana said.
Leslie Carothers, follows at 2-3:30 p.m., with "Slow It Down Social."
"Anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of time social media takes to do well should make plans to join Leslie, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Partnership, a global social media agency, for her time-saving top tips on which social media platforms you should be using, and how you can cross-leverage social media platforms to maximize ROI faster for your design business," Luisana said. "Learn how to #slowitdown to increase the amount of quality, offline time you have to invest in your family, friends and fun!"
At 3:30 p.m, MacSporran returns for an encore of "How to Create 2D & 3D Room Designs That Your Clients Will Love." "Olioboard is a phenomenon and an incredible tool for designers, and we know Sheliah's presentation on Saturday will be packed," Luisana said. "We wanted to be sure that everyone has an opportunity to hear her and ask questions."
On Monday at 10 a.m., Rob Luisana presents "Healthcare Reform and How the New Rules Will Affect Small Business." A frequent presenter at seminars on health care reform and a contributor to health care discussions on National Public Radio (NPR), Rob Luisana is managing partner of Pilot Benefits, a brokerage firm that provides Medical benefit solutions to businesses and individuals. Rob Luisana assists clients in managing Health Care Reform regulations and negotiating health care insurance costs.
Kandrac Kole is next up at 2 p.m., to examine "The Art of Repurposing and Using Vintage Items in Design." An interior design firm founded by principal designers Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole, this duo has established a reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities, signature use of color, and one of a kind, custom designs. Their work has been featured by "The New York Times," "House Beautiful," "The Atlanta Journal Constitution," "HGTV.com," "Atlanta Home Improvement" and Houzz.com. Bloggers since 2009, their blog has become popular for all types of design related conversations and has won the allegiance of thousands of readers per month.
Capping the series is designer Allison Paladino, "Why the Bad Economy Has Been the Best Thing for My Business," at 3:30-5 p.m. Paladino focuses on what's important now, from the creative process to building a personal brand as a designer, and why the challenging economy may actually be the best thing that happened to her high-end interior design business. From landing her first job directly out of design school with Thomas Pheasant, to being named "One of America's 25 Top Young Designers" by "House Beautiful," to launching her own design practice serving luxury consumers in the rarified world of Palm Beach, she'll offer the inside story on the licensed collections she's created for E.J. Victor, Trowbridge and Starck. This is a not-to-be missed presentation for any interior designer who has ever dreamed of making the leap to product design or building a major brand, featuring actual samples of the forms and methods Allison utilizes to make her business sing every day. Attendees receive 1 CEU credit.
March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 15, 2013
Bassett Furniture Inds. (NASDAQ: BSET) has adjusted its management structure to better serve its dualchannel marketing strategy and support revenue growth.
First, Bruce Cohenour has been promoted to the new position of senior vice president of sales and merchandising.
As the geographic footprint of our Bassett Home Furnishings Store network has become more defined, the need for additional vigor in our sales initiatives in areas of the country that do not have Bassett stores has become increasingly apparent, , said Robert H. Spilman Jr., president and CEO, of Bassett, Bassett, Va. " ¦ Bruce is a strong complement to Jason Camp, our senior vice president of retail and marketing. Jason and his team have led an impressive turnaround in the performance of our corporate retail division. With these two men in place, we have strong leadership in both components of Bassetts growth strategy."
Cohenour and Camp continue to report to Spilman.
Additionally, Mike Daniel has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in private and corporate accounting and has done an outstanding job of streamlining our accounting processes, said Spilman. I look forward to continuing to partner with Mike as we strive to improve our financial results and further augment shareholder value.
In the new position of vice president, sales and merchandising for HGTV, Matt Johnson is responsible for HGTV open market business development and the implementation and execution of the HGTV Home strategy with major retailers. Since beginning his career with Bassett in 1984, Johnson has served in various sales management, product development and design roles. He reports to Cohenour.
Bassett veteran Pete Morrison has been promoted to vice president, retail marketing, reporting to Camp and is charged with the development of marketing and promotional programs for the BHF retail store network. His tenure with Bassett includes marketing creative and advertising roles.
Ed Avery has been promoted to vice president, upholstery product development, reporting to Senior Vice President of Upholstery Mark Jordan. Avery has product development responsibility for all motion and stationary leather and fabric frames. His 30-year association with Bassett includes upholstery sales representation and retail management.
Finally, Carlos Bosch has joined the company as national sales manager for upholstery, reporting to Cohenour. In this new role, he is charged with the development of upholstery sales by leveraging Bassett Upholsterys fashionforward styling and custom capabilities in the open market. Bosch comes to Bassett after representing upholstery brands such as Natuzzi and LeatherTrend.
March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on March 15, 2013
The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association will honor Ed Myers of the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association with the Rudy Steltemeir Award.
This award recognizes an IHFRA member who has exceeded the call of duty as an IHFRA member and sales representative.
Rudy Steltemeir was a beloved Tennessee sales representative for 66 years who passed away in 1993 at the age of 92, and many successful representatives attribute their success to his help. Many sales representatives can recall Rudy going to bat for them, helping them get lines, or lending them money to get through the leaner times. He was proud to be a furniture salesman and often told other representatives, you make your living selling furniture, and you must support your association.
The Rudy award honors an IHFRA member who has demonstrated the qualities of outstanding service to fellow representatives as exemplified by Rudy Steltemeir.
Ed Myers has been an active member of IHFRA for many years. He started his career in the furniture industry at Drexel Hill Furniture in Springfield, Pa., where he was COO and merchandiser until 1999. He has been employed by Broyhill Furniture for more 13 years and is currently a territory manager for Broyhill in Pennsylvania and Maryland. he was awarded Sales Representative of the Year for Broyhill in 2009.
Myers served as the 71st president of IHFRA in 2009 and chairman of the board for IHFRA in 2010. The High Point Market Authority has also appointed Myers as a Rep Ambassador where he continues to serve in that capacity. In addition to his service to IHFRA, Myers has been very active in the Tri-State Chapter of IHFRA. He has served in many chairmanships and is a Past President and current Board of Director for both Tri-State and IHFRA.
A graduate of St. Josephs Preparatory School and Drexel University, Myers has been married to wife, Barbara, for 33 years and has a son, Ed Myers Jr.; and daughter, Shannon Myers Virtue.
The 70th IHFRA Presidential Gala and Awards Dinner will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 6 p.m. in the IHFC Ballroom, Green Wing 11th Floor. For more information on the event, contact IHFRA at 336.889.3920 or e-mail. Reservations can be made online here.
March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on March 15, 2013
Galeries Acadiana in Baton Rouge and Lafayette is the first retailer in Louisiana to display the HGTV Home Furniture Collection.
The retailer's floors include all of the brands collections: Classic Chic, Woodlands, Meadowbrook Manor and Modern Heritage along with fashion upholstery and collected accent pieces.
To celebrate the debut of the HGTV Home Furniture brand, the company hosted unveiling parties at both locations on Saturday, March 9. The Casemore family dedicated the Lafayette locations opening with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. and the Baton Rouge store at 3 p.m. The public was invited to both events where refreshments were served and those in attendance entered to win prizes including a $500 HGTV Home Furniture collection gift card and subscriptions to the new HGTV magazine.
We are very excited to share the HGTV Home Furniture collection with our customers, said Damon Casemore, president of the family-owned business. The HGTV philosophy of providing smart, fresh design fits perfectly with our belief that beauty and comfort is every homes right. We embrace the idea by working with our customers to create stylish and livable environments in their home. The new HGTV Home Furniture collections make it easy to redefine comfort and style as we create warm, welcoming spaces for our customers.
The HGTV Home Furniture collection is prominently displayed in home-like environments.
Our spaces have been professionally decorated with input from the HGTV design staff to inspire and give our customers who are looking for style, function and fantastic design the true flavor of HGTV Home, Casemore said.
March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 15, 2013
Furniture and bedding components vendor Hickory Springs has made executive appointments supporting changes in corporate structure.
Taken together, these assignments comprise a leadership team that will work with me to direct the companys transition to a market-focused strategy, noted Hickory Springs president and CEO Dave Colburn. I am confident we have assembled the best group of people to enable the execution of our strategy, while focusing on delivering value to Hickory Springs current and future customers.
The following executive-level positions will provide instrumental leadership in the strategic transformation of the company and will report directly to Colburn:
* Jimmy Bush, senior vice president corporate development: Bush joined the company in 1978 as a sales trainee and has held a variety of leadership roles with Hickory Springs, most recently serving as senior executive vice president wire products group. As he moves into his new role, Bush will continue to participate in key bedding industry events.
* Lee Lunsford, executive vice president chief operating officer: Lunsford came to Hickory Springs in 2003 with extensive background in operations and manufacturing. Hired to the new position of senior vice president operations, he was promoted to executive vice president and chief operations officer in 2011.
* John Mayo, vice president general council: Mayo began his career with Hickory Springs last June as general counsel for the company.
* Jim Packer, vice president human resources: Packers career with Hickory Springs began in 1979 as a personnel trainee. He progressed to supervisor and manager before holding positions as area personnel manager, corporate human resources administrator and manger and director of human resources.
* Valerie Reid, chief financial officer and corporate treasurer: The former corporate assistant treasurer brings 14 years experience with Hickory Spring to her new position. Hired as a senior accountant in 1999, she later served as corporate controller and director treasury and analysis before being promoted to finance director in 2011.
* John Saladino, vice president strategy and acquisitions: Saladino is new to the organization, assuming this position last October. He brings with him more than 40 years of design, manufacturing and consulting experience.
* Don Simpson, corporate director administration: Simpson joined Hickory Springs in 1989 as an accountant. Since then, he has held positions as general manager Pacific Northwest, operations manager west coast, director of administration and, most recently, general manager.
* David Underdown, senior vice president supply chain: A 30-year veteran of Hickory Springs, Underdown began his career as a management trainee. His experience includes work in a number of purchasing positions, most recently as secretary/vice president of purchasing. In addition to his supply chain responsibilities, Underdown has been named chairman of Hickory Springs Mfg. Co.
* Dwayne Welch, executive vice president chief marketing and innovation officer: An 18-year veteran of Hickory Springs, Welch was named executive vice president sales and marketing in 2009 and promoted to executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer in 2011.
In addition to these executive-level appointments, Hickory Springs announced the leadership structure for all manufacturing, quality and logistics. Reporting to Lunsford, the leadership team members are:
* Rich Derian, director corporate logistics: Derian joined Hickory Springs one year ago to direct logistics, distribution and fleet operations. His work history includes more than 24 years of experience in supply chain and logistics.
* Buster Mann, senior vice president manufacturing: Since joining the company in 1975, Mann has held several positions in his 37-year career with Hickory Springs, including plant manager, general manager and vice president eastern division. He most recently served as senior vice president foam operations.
Lunsfords list of reports also includes leaders of the companys four new business units--bedding solutions, furniture solutions, transportation solutions and diversified solutions--and the recently appointed vice president of corporate sales.
Additional details will be provided in coming weeks regarding the build out of the team reporting to Welch as he assumes responsibility for engineering, research and development, marketing and communications, international sales and incubation markets.