Jason Siesel, co-owner of Casual Cushion Corp. (Rock Hill, South Carolina), found himself face to face with President Donald Trump during the opening day of Made in America Week in July. The White House hosted companies for a product showcase that highlighted each state’s commitment to U.S.–made products.

Siesel was packing his wares at the ICA Preview Show™when he was called by a staff member of a South Carolina legislator. The caller asked about Casual Cushion, and Siesel explained that his company sources more than 90% of its raw materials from the Carolinas and has a commitment to making…

Outdoor-furniture manufacturer SunVilla Corp. has launched its new brand name, Portica, under the SunVilla umbrella. The Portica brand encompasses all existing and new specialty-only products.

Christy Peterson, national sales manager, explains, “Our goal is to help our specialty retailers separate themselves and the SunVilla products from what’s sold in markets outside of specialty. We continue to value and build those specialty-retail relationships. We want to do whatever we can to help our specialty retailers and consumers better understand the difference in products they will find in the specialty market.”

Matt Weiss, executive vice president, says, “We are excited…

outdoor by design (sarasota, Florida), a manufacturer of high-end aluminum outdoor furniture, has appointed Becky Sturdivant-French vice president of sales. Bill Echols, executive vice president, says, “We are thrilled to add Becky to our management team. With her extensive knowledge of the industry, her many relationships in the specialty market, and her stellar reputation, Becky will provide the senior sales leadership necessary to grow our company in the coming years.”

Most recently, Sturdivant-French served as a sales representative for Suncoast Furniture in Florida. Her past duties also include sales management at CFI Manufacturing, Carter Grandle Furniture, and Suncoast. She…

shade manufacturer Woodline (Jeffreys Bay, south Africa) has appointed a team to serve and develop the North American market for the 2017–18 season. Inventory will be available in the united states for fast delivery, and the company will introduce its products at Casual Market Chicago in september. Woodline is the principal supplier of umbrellas to the African market and has been manufacturing shade systems for 27 years, with many european and international customers.

Industry veteran Kathleen Poppe Ferry has joined the company as sales manager and joins Anita ueckermann, who is Woodline’s new American–markets business manager. Ferry, based in…

roy K. Allen bought thermorite ®Manufacturing (Akron, ohio) in 1985, taking the reins of a respected company that began in 1942. In the 1940s, thermo-rite originated the tempered-glass fireplace enclosure. In fact, thermo-rite was awarded the first u.s. patent for tempered- glass fireplace enclosures—a patent that it held exclusively from 1946 through 1963.

Since 1985, Allen has preserved and grown the company’s considerable legacy. Patio & Hearth Products Report sat down with him to discuss the company’s past and bright future.

What are the key elements in the company’s success and longevity?

Allen: the founder, John lydle,…

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Elmira Stove Works is partnering with craft brewers across the country in the Drink Real Canadian Beer From a Real Canadian Fridge campaign. To support this effort, the company is holding the Real Canadian Story competition. Through October 9, consumers are encouraged to submit their real Canadian stories to Elmira. The person who submits the best story will be awarded a special edition Canada 150 18–cubic-foot Northstar refrigerator, complete with a draft system and the Proudly Made in Canada slogan.

Stories will be judged based on nostalgic value; relevance to refrigerators, beer (especially…

For 2018, Castelle is set to launch a quick-ship program that encompasses hundreds of furnishing items from three of the manufacturer’s most popular collections, making them available to ship within 48 hours. The Monterey, Park Place, and Roma collections (as well as the coordinating Metro designs for each) will be warehoused for quick-turnaround shipment to Castelle retail partners nationwide that participate in this program.

Derek Ritzel, president/CEO of Castelle, says, “Castelle realizes that not all consumers give our retail partners enough lead time for a customized product, and they do not want to sacrifice quality to get the product…

Castelle collaborated with award-winning designer steve McKenzie on the Great reset vignette exhibition, a popular draw at AmericasMart® during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market®in July. the Castelle vignette, on the 14th floor of building 1, will be on display until November.

Derek ritzel, president/Ceo of Castelle, says, “Castelle is proud to be a part of the Great reset vignette program and to be collaborating with McKenzie for this designer-focused market destination. We are looking forward to attracting attention from design professionals and media personnel throughout the market and beyond.”

Redefining How We live, design, &…