ADL Honors 3 Furniture Industry Leaders

January 29, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

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Slated for honors this year are Michael Traub, CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC; Simon Kaplan, CEO and chairman of Crest Furniture; Ellen Gefen, president of the Gefen Company, Inc.

“ADL is one of the nation’s premier human relations and civil rights agencies, so it’s fitting that all three of these individuals are being recognized not only for their accomplishments in the home furnishings industry, but also for their modeling and influence of positive change in the community and the workplace,” said Neil Goldberg, chairperson of ADL’s National Home Furnishings Industry chapter. “As an industry, we are proud to be traveling with these three people on the path to building a better world.”

At the awards tribute dinner, Michael Traub will receive ADL’s Humanitarian Award, “presented to those individuals who personify the highest ideals of our nation and  ADL,” Goldberg described. “They translate the vision of freedom, justice and equality into a living reality.”

Retailer Simon Kaplan will receive ADL’s Lifetime Achievement Award, created to recognize those who have demonstrated love, compassion and sensitivity for mankind, through contributions of time, energy and efforts with their commitment to spreading the message of ADL among friends, colleagues and the community. An industry icon, and World War II-combat veteran, Kaplan founded Crest Furniture, based in Dayton, N.J., in 1971.

Gefen—who has provided generations of retailers, manufacturers and consumers with an in-depth look at the best in home furnishings products and designs—will be presented with ADL’s American Heritage Award. The award was established to honor leaders in the business and professional world who in their careers and communities personify the ideals of the nation and the spirit of the ADL and serve as shining examples to others for their leadership, dedication and energy.

The National Home Furnishings Industry honors individuals annually for their dedication, leadership, accomplishments and contributions to the Home Furnishings Industry, while providing influence and inspiration for positive change in the community.