Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
November 13,
2008 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 2008
Hickory Chair, Hickory, N.C., has won the inaugural Sage Award competition sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and Cargill’s BiOH Polyls business unit. Hickory Chair President Jay Reardon accepted the award at a reception Thursday evening during AHFA’s Sustainability Summit at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.
The competition recognizes environmental accomplishment in the home furnishings and bedding industries.
Hickory Chair employees implemented more than 1,200 improvements in 2007 for better machine utilization, reduced energy consumption; process improvements that eliminated rework and wasted materials; eliminated non-value-added operations; improved productivity and reduced energy and material usage. The 97-year-old company has implemented these and other environmental practices while growing profits and growth, adding an average of 30 employees a year the past three--all while holding prices for more than five years even as employees received raises and bonuses.
The reception also honored the competition’s other two finalists, Cisco Brothers, Los Angeles; and Valley Forge, Pompano Beach, Fla.
This year’s competition drew 14 entries that included retailers, manufacturers and suppliers. A panel of 10 judges from the industry, environmental and social organizations, and trade and consumer press evaluated the entries for positive environmental impact, social responsibility and contribution to business success.
November 13,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Display on November 2008
Buyer registrations at the High Point Market’s October event totaled 44,634, a 6 percent decline from the previous event. Organizers said the lower figure was expected, given the uncertain economy, and said registrants include 8,844 buyers who signed up for Market for the first time and another 2,107 who registered after absences of a year or more.
“From the softened housing market to bloated inventories, tightening credit and the meltdown on Wall Street, home furnishings professionals across the industry have been struggling to cope with some of the most difficult business conditions they have ever encountered, and Market registrations reflect this,” said Brian Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “Across all categories, and all facets of the business, we are seeing unprecedented change. Our industry is contracting and consolidating in ways never before experienced.”
He said thousands for furniture stores have shut their doors over the past five years.
“At the High Point Market, we’re focusing on attracting new buying organizations and constituencies such as interior designers,” Casey said. “At the same time, we’re reaching out to buyers who have not registered in some time and encouraging them to experience all the changes that we have instituted throughout the past two years.”
Including exhibitors, sales personnel and other attendees, registrations totaled 76,403, a decline of 7 percent, at the Oct. 20-26 event.
November 13,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 2008
Hooker Furniture Corp., Martinsville, Va., has promoted Anne Jacobsen to vice president of human resources. She had joined Hooker in January 2008 as director of human resources with 20 years of experience in human resource management.
Jacobsen oversees personnel policies, establishes and administers benefit programs and is developing robust wellness and continuing education programs for Hooker employees.
“Anne has worked hard to shape the human resource function to fit the company we are today,” said Larry Ryder, executive vice president of finance and administration. “Her ability to multi-task, deal with many complicated issues, provide the right blend of benefits at the right price, all the while taking time to listen and respond to employee concerns, makes her a valued member of the Hooker family.”
November 13,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Accessories on November 2008
Winning designs in a rug design competition presented by Capel Rugs at the October High Point market are going into production due to strong buyer response. Capel, Troy, N.C., sponsored the competition last spring to encourage innovation among up and coming designers.
Students from North Carolina State University’s College of Design submitted designs exploring contemporary color, balance and compositions.
In addition, Capel Rugs announced nine winners of a “fuel your buying power” drawing for gas cards valued at $50 and $100, with one winner receiving a free year of gas.
November 13,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on November 2008
The World Market Center Las Vegas announced Thursday that it has hired trade show veteran Phillip McKay as senior vice president. He had been president and CEO of PPM Media, a trade show production company he founded.
In his newly created position, McKay will be responsible for leasing to the gift, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories segments as well as launching new product line categories. McKay also will oversee the development of existing and future trade show events at World Market Center.
“Phil’s extensive background in the trade show industry is a great resource for World Market Center Las Vegas as we position ourselves for the future,” said Robert Maricich, president and CEO.
McKay’s experience includes positions with event organizers that include Gartner Vision Events, Penton Media and Key3Media.
Tradeshow Week magazine awarded McKay with a Lifetime Achievement Award from for his outstanding contributions to the global events industry.