Hall of Fame Opens Nominations for Future Leaders

February 14, 2020  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, High Point, Industry, Market   

The talented emerging leaders will gather with inducted members of the Hall of Fame during an intimate evening designed to bring together the excitement, aspirations and leadership potential of today’s young leaders with the wisdom, achievements and integrity of Hall of Fame members.

“As part of our Leadership Initiative, each year we identify 10 Future Leaders based on their leadership, personal growth, communication skills and commitment to the industry,” said Martin Ploy, president of the Foundation board of directors, and president of AICO/Amini Innovation Corp. “The future of our industry depends upon the direction, desire and goals that these future leaders set for themselves. The chance to harvest advice and insights from those who have gone before, with their proven ability to lead, is invaluable.”

Twice during the April High Point Market, Karen McNeill, CEO of the Hall of Fame, and Steve Pond, founder of FurnitureToday, will open their home for a reception and dinner for the Future Leaders to gather with Hall of Fame board members and dine with Hall of Fame inductees.

“The reception is a wonderful opportunity for these bright young leaders to meet and talk with some of the most respected individuals in the home furnishings community,” Ploy says. “The dinner that follows, with just five future leaders and five Hall of Fame inductees, includes a guided discussion on leadership and innovation, led by Steve Pond. The spirited conversations form a platform for continued growth and influence in the home furnishings community.”

The Hall of Fame encourages companies and peers to nominate qualified candidates. Anyone connected to the home furnishings industry may submit a nomination. The profile of a Future Leader is:

• Under 40 years old
• An innovator
• A leader among peers
• Engaged with the home furnishings industry
• Not shy; willing to join a guided discussion with inductees
• Someone you would like to recognize and encourage

“We are seeking nominees from all segments and disciplines of the home furnishings industry,” Ploy says. “Our Future Leaders in 2018 and 2019 represented retail, home accents, case goods manufacturing, upholstery manufacturing, furniture design, technology, sales and more.”

In addition to the April dinners, the Hall of Fame plans to launch additional networking opportunities for the emerging leaders in the future.

To nominate someone as an American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Future Leader, download a nomination form at: homefurnishingshalloffame.com/leadership-initiative or call 336.882.5900 to request a form. Deadline for entries is February 28, 2020.