Hall of Fame Changes Name, Broadens Reach

January 20, 2015  by in Business Strategy, Industry   

The organization will now be known as the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation and will be open to a wider swath of the home furnishings industry, including bedding, decorative accessories, rugs, lighting and international companies.

“These changes come after extensive thought and discussion among the Board members of the Hall of Fame. The time is now to make these necessary changes in order to move the Foundation forward into the future in a relevant way for all members of the industry,” said Bill Kimbrell, board president.

Following careful consideration, the board of directors decided to implement the following changes:

· The selection committee will be entrusted with determining who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The seven-member committee, consisting of three board members and four members from various segments of the furniture industry, will conduct a five-month selection process and vote by a points-based system. It will require hours on the part of each committee member to search all segments of the industry for individuals whose careers represent enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity, and philanthropic generosity. 

· Each year the foundation will induct three to five individuals. 

· While there no longer will be an election involving members of the foundation, members will still have the privilege to nominate candidates for consideration by the selection committee.

· Along with the name change, new branding will be more contemporary to express the shift in programming to appeal to a younger generation.

All members of the industry are invited to attend the banquet Oct. 18 entitled “A Gathering of Leaders: A Celebration of the Industry”.           

“We promise a new sense of energy, entertainment, videos and in general a fresh approach to the industry’s most prestigious event,” Kimbrell said. “The Hall of Fame is about preserving stories of the home furnishings industry through video, photos and word. This is our beloved industry and it is up to each one of us to preserve our stories and to document our collective history for future generations. Join the transformation by becoming a member of the industry’s most prestigious organization today.”