Castelle recently released a series of professionally produced videos showcasing all of the company’s 2018 outdoor introductions, along with one video highlighting its industry-leading manufacturing process. The videos, which are produced as marketing tools for Castelle’s customers, provide a moving visualization of the details, finishes, and craftsmanship incorporated into making each piece of Castelle furniture.

Created to be used by specialty retailers in educating their sales personnel and customers, the videos can be accessed across multiple platforms, including online and mobile applications. Each video is available for viewing at any Castelle retail partner’s location or on the company’s website…

OW Lee has hired industry veteran Brenda Pereyda as the newest member of its salesmanagement team. Pereyda has been a key player in the casual-furniture industry for nearly 40 years. She began her career in the customer service-department at Mallin Casual Furniture and worked her way up to vice president of sales for Minson Corp. in 2013. Pereyda will be using her extensive knowledge of product development, marketing/ merchandising, trade-show planning, and (most important) establishing long-term relationships with customers to increase sales.

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining the OW Lee team to manage sales,” Pereyda says. “The…

It was 40 years ago that Castelle was founded. The eventful four decades of luxury outdoor living were marked with an anniversary brunch at High Point Market in October. Open to all market attendees, the brunch featured mimosas and a deluxe menu. As part of the festivities, High Point attendees previewed new introductions from Castelle, including its recently launched Barclay Butera Outdoor and Elements collections.

A social-media opportunity was launched during High Point Market, with pieces from the Castelle express-ship program on display at a See, Sit, and Select selfie photo booth. All participants who took selfie photos with…

The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) for the sixth straight year honored OW Lee with its Manufacturer of the Year Award at Casual Market Chicago in September. The Manufacturer of the Year Award is one of ICFA’s top honors. ICFA members were invited to vote on this award using these criteria: design and quality of products, merchandising, customer service, ethics, communications, and trade relations.

Terri Lee Rogers, president of OW Lee, says, “We feel so honored to receive the Manufacturer of the Year Award for the sixth year in a row. It means so much to be recognized by…

The Empire Group, the parent company of Empire Comfort Systems (Belleville, Illinois), has purchased majority ownership of SBI, a Canadian manufacturer of wood- and pelletfired heater/hearth products, along with venting. Empire manufactures gas-fired heaters, hearth products, and grills. Both Empire and SBI are family-owned manufacturers, and both have undertaken aggressive product-development programs.

While SBI’s primary market is Canada, it also distributes products in the United States, South America, Europe, and Australia. Its brands include Osburn, Caddy, Enerzone, Valcourt, Drolet, and Century Heating. Empire’s brands include American Hearth, White Mountain Hearth, Broilmaster Premium Grills, and Empire Heating Systems.

Nick…

Big Green Egg’s world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, has installed a charging station for electric vehicles. Visitors, grilling enthusiasts, and EGGsperts now have a place to recharge while attending Big Green Egg’s Culinary Center, perusing the Big Green Egg retail center, or visiting the Big Green Egg Museum. Jodi Burson, director of brand enhancement, says, “Since our middle name is Green, we thought an electric-vehicle charging station would be a natural addition to our company and an added convenience for our customers and visitors.”

Big Green Egg’s Clipper Creek chargers are compatible with all types of plug-in vehicles. Drivers…

Glen Raven Inc., a global provider of performance fabrics, announced that Allen E. Gant Jr. retired on October 5 as CEO of the family-owned company, founded by his grandfather in 1880. Gant will remain chair of Glen Raven’s operating board. He announced his plans to retire as CEO in 2013. The announcement activated a succession plan that named C.G. (Leib) Oehmig IV, a 28-year veteran of Glen Raven, president and COO, with the intent that he would become CEO upon Gant’s retirement.

“Leib’s previous leadership role will serve him well as the next CEO of Glen Raven,” Gant says.…

TUUCI Worldwide LLC (Miami, Florida), designer and manufacturer of distinctive umbrellas and cabanas, has acquired Pavilion Furniture (Miami). Tom Parker, president of TUUCI, says, “Pavilion represents TUUCI’s first effort via acquisition to leverage its strengths in design, manufacturing, and distribution, and we are excited to welcome its team to our family of companies.”

Parker continues, “Pavilion will continue to operate as its own company and brand, independent from TUUCI’s umbrella and cabana divisions. Pavilion has designed and manufactured quality exterior furnishings for over 40 years. We look forward to helping the Pavilion team with its strategic plan for growth.”…