Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Colin Powell to Keynote Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
April 17,
2017 by Larry Thomas in Industry, Special Events 
The retired general is among the most admired and respected leaders in the world today.
“I can’t think of a better way to honor our Hall of Fame inductees than to have an inspiring, globally recognized leader like Gen. Powell deliver our keynote address,” said Bob Maricich, president of the Foundation board of directors. “One of the most important roles of the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame is celebrating extraordinary individuals who, through their accomplishments and service, have helped build and define our industry. We are celebrating leadership at its best.”
For more than 50 years, Powell has devoted his life to public service. The son of Jamaican immigrants, he served in the U.S. Army for 35 years, rising to the rank of Four-Star General. He was President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor from 1987-89, and later served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. He was the youngest officer and first ROTC graduate ever to serve in that post, as well as the first African American.
Under President George W. Bush, Powell was named 65th Secretary of State and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
In addition to numerous U.S. military awards and decorations, as well as many civil honors including two Presidential Medals of Freedom, Powell has received awards from over two dozen countries, including an honorary knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
Powell is the chair of the board of visitors of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at his alma mater, the City College of New York, and is founder and chairman emeritus of America’s Promise Alliance, dedicated to ensuring that children have the fundamental resources they need to succeed. Powell also serves as a board member or adviser with several other renowned firms and organizations.
His autobiography, “My American Journey,” was a bestseller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. His second book, “It Worked for Me,” also a bestseller, focuses on the lessons that shaped his life and career.
Powell and his wife, Alma, live in McLean, Va., and have three children and four grandchildren.
Maricich said the Induction Celebration also extols the 2017 Hall of Fame Foundation campaign theme: Aspire to Lead.
“For the past several years, we’ve worked to get out the message that we are an inclusive organization of leaders of all ages in every segment and facet of the industry,” he said. “We hope those who view themselves as leaders – or envision themselves becoming leaders – will support the Foundation. We believe Gen. Powell’s message will inspire each of us to greater leadership, and that is good news for the future of our industry.”
The evening’s sponsors include:
- Presenting Sponsor: Ashley Furniture Industries
- Cocktail Sponsor: International Market Centers
- Platinum level sponsors: AICO/Amini Innovation Corp.; FurnitureDealer.Net; Berkshire Hathaway Furniture Companies; Global Views; Leggett & Platt, Inc..; and Wayfair
- Gold sponsors: Klaussner Furniture; Palliser Furniture LTD; and Zenith Global Logistics
- Silver sponsors: City Furniture; Karen E. McNeill; Rooms to Go; and Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company
To become a Foundation member, purchase Induction Celebration tickets or become a sponsor, visit www.AspireToLead2017.com.