Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
June 5,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on June 6, 2011
Solon, Iowa-based executive wood furniture retailer Thresher Enterprises has launched a new e-commerce Web site, ExecutiveWoodFurniture.com.
The site offers a wide range of quality wood filing cabinets in different color and sizes. All products offered on the site are marked below suggested retail price. Products are searchable by keyword, or customers can sort products by name and price point.
"Our new site is for business owners and home-owners looking to purchase high quality furniture for their office," said Thresher Founder and President Edward Droesch. "In a professional setting, it's important to have upscale items that reflect the professionalism and quality of your business."
June 5,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on June 6, 2011
Furniture and bedding component vendor Hickory Springs has promoted Stephen Ellis, Lee Lunsford and Dwayne Welch to executive vice president and corporate officer.
All three report to Hickory N.C.-based Hickory Springs President Don Coleman.
Ellis, executive vice President and chief financial officer is responsible for finance, treasury, accounting, information technology functions, manages acquisition and joint venture work, and serves on the company's board of directors as treasurer and assistant secretary. He started with the company in 2006 after 18 years with publicly traded and privately held domestic and international corporations.
Ellis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Memphis. He also holds an active Certified Public Accountant license and has earned additional qualifications as a Certified Management Accountant, is Certified in Financial Management, and is a Certified Information Technology Professional.
Lunsford, now executive vice president and chief operations officer, assumes the responsibilities of ensuring that operations are efficient in terms of manufacturing products, meeting customer requirements and maintaining strong communication with the executive management team.
Lunsford came to Hickory Springs with an extensive background in both operations and manufacturing. Prior to joining the company, he was the president of Guilford Mills' apparel division; vice president of operations at Dyersburg Corp.; and worked with Dan River Mills for over 18 years. Lunsford holds a Business Administration and Marketing Management degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
Welch, now executive vice president and chief sales & marketing officer of Hickory Springs, is responsible for development of sales and marketing strategies to open up new growth markets for Hickory Springs throughout the nation and worldwide. He will oversee all aspects of sales and marketing corporate wide. All national product managers will now report to him.
Welch is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a degree in business. He has a proven background as a business executive with more than 20 years involvement in the home furnishings industry. An 18-year veteran at Hickory Springs, he has served as executive vice president of sales and marketing since 2009. He also served five years as president of the Hickory Furniture Mart, one of the largest retail attractions in the state of North Carolina.
"Each of these executives has demonstrated tremendous experience and leadership skills valuable to the ongoing success of Hickory Springs," Coleman said. "This team will focus on further alignment with key management personnel to develop a strong internal organization to plan for new growth and diversification opportunities."
June 5,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in licensing on June 6, 2011
Fox Broadcasting has given the green light for a new antiques reality show starring celebrity antique dealers Leigh and Leslie Keno.
With the new series, titled "Buried Treasure," the Keno brothers, who designed a furniture collection for Theodore Alexander and are best known from PBS' long-running Antiques Roadshow, will travel the country hunting for hidden gems in peoples' homes.
Using their expertise and technology to determine authenticity and condition, the duo will reveal each item's estimated auction value and gives the family a chance to sell. In some instances, the Kenos will bring the items to top antiques buyers. At the end of each episode, viewers will learn if the item sold and for how much.
"Right now, a lot of people in America need cash, and were helping them find it in their own homes," said Joe Livecchi, series co-creator and executive producer. "We're transforming lives with every treasure we find."
ITV America will produce the show, which will likely launch later this summer, with Livecchi, Paul Buccieri, Tim Miller, the Kenos and Tim Eagan as executive producers.
"We're thrilled to be in partnership with Fox and the Keno Brothers on this exciting new project," said Paul Buccieri, president and CEO, ITV Studios America. "We have had an incredible working relationship with Fox, and look forward to expanding with this initiative."
June 5,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on June 6, 2011
Craig Nelson has joined Lane Furniture as regional sales manager in the north central region.
Nelson came to Lane from Ft. Myers, Fla.-based furniture retailer Robb and Stucky Interiors, where he was general Manager of the company's Palm Beach location. Prior to Robb and Stucky, he served as the market general manager for La-Z-Boy, where he oversaw eight South Florida stores and a distribution center.
His earlier experience includes midwest regional sales manager for Broyhill Furniture, where he started as a sales representative with territories in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. In 1999, he was Broyhill's Salesperson of the Year.
"I am very happy to welcome Craig to the Lane family," said Greg Roy, president of Lane, Tupelo, Miss. "As a 25 year veteran, he brings an unusual blend of both retail and manufacturing to Lane. His experience and background will be invaluable to us as we have a strong finish to 2011, and look forward to 2012."
June 5,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on June 6, 2011
Belfort Furniture's YMCA Loudoun County Annual Charity Golf Tournament last month raised more than $45,000 for the YMCA Loudoun County Building Bridges Program.
Building Bridges provides quality after school and summer camp opportunities for families in Loudoun County. The tournament took place May 5 at Loudoun Valley Golf and Country Club in Purcellville, Va.
Mike Huber, CEO of Dulles, Va.-based Belfort Furniture and his wife, Kristi Huber, vice president, quality, hosted a pre-golf event at Mike's vineyard, Stone Tower Vineyards, in Leesburg, Va. More than 100 industry partners attended the casual gathering for a cocktails and barbeque amidst the very picturesque landscape.
Since Belfort Furniture became the tournament sponsor in 2005, the retailer's efforts have helped raise almost $300,000 for the YMCA Loudoun County.
"It sounds like such a simple thing¦giving a kid a chance to take part in camp, learn worthwhile skills, have fun and make new friends. But it is not a small thing," Mike Huber said. "Organizations like the YMCA and the Building Bridges Program, make a real difference in the lives of real families here in Loudoun County. I'm proud to be part of it, and proud that Belfort Furniture was able to once again sponsor this wonderful event."
Laura Fears, associate executive director of YMCA Loudoun County, expressed her gratitude for Belfort's contributions: "We are so grateful to Belfort Furniture and their industry partners for their continued support of our programs, lending a helping hand to the families in Loudoun County who truly need our support."