HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association announces finalists for the 2021 Sales Representative of the Year following a call for nominations in July among the membership.

The award recognizes an outstanding sales representative within the casual furnishings industry. Finalists were selected based on leadership, professionalism, exceptional service, communication skills, knowledge and product training expertise.

The 2021 winner will be selected from among the five finalists through online voting of the ICFA membership. Finalists include:
   
Paul Bentley, Birmingham, Ala.,

Joe Crandall, Marietta, Ga.,

Billy Markowitz, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.,

Courtney Randolph, Irvine,…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Five manufacturers of outdoor furnishings have been named finalists for the International Casual Furnishings Association’s 2021 Manufacturer of the Year Award. 

The five companies were selected for ICFA’s Manufacturer Leadership Award after a call for online nominations in July among ICFA’s membership. This year’s honorees include Castelle Furniture, Lloyd Flanders, Summer Classics, Telescope Casual Furniture and Treasure Garden.

The finalists were selected based on the overall design and quality of their products, along with their merchandising, customer service, ethics, communications and trade relations. Company profiles of the finalists will be distributed to ICFA members for…

SARASOTA, FL -  Windward Design Group has rejoined the International Casual Furnishings Association and will renew its participation in the 2021 Casual Market Chicago with a showroom space at 7-10052 from September 21 – 24, 2021. The association membership and trade show participation are a part of marketing initiatives being instituted by recently named chief information officer, Rachel Peace.

“Windward Design Group has always been proud to be a part of the growing casual and outdoor furnishings industry,” said Rachel Peace, CIO, Windward Design Group. “With this renewed membership, we look to become a great participant in the promotion…

HIGH POINT, N.C. - Oscar Reig-Plaza has been named CEO of American Silk. Plaza is the former vice president of Sales at Covington Fabrics and owner of Barcelona Sales. Reig-Plaza joins an executive team at American Silk that already features seasoned home furnishings player Jeff Smith as senior executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, and furniture industry merchandising veteran Kena Cohenour as director of Design & Merchandising.

Reig-Plaza will also be responsible for American Silk’s parent Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited’s home textile division. The operational synergies created by the two companies will enhance the ability for American Silk Mills…

CAMBRIDGE, ON – Glen Dimplex Americas (GD Americas) has appointed Kevin Rantin as director of Sales and will lead the US Trade Flame Sales Team for the company’s fireplace brands including, Dimplex, Faber and Nectre. Under the Dimplex brand, Glen Dimplex Americas offers a range of solutions for virtually every commercial sector and recently added the luxury Faber gas fireplace brand and the trusted Nectre wood-burning stove line to its expanding product portfolio.

“We’re very excited to add Kevin as the leader of our fireplace sales team in the U.S.,” says Jim Bottrell, vice president of Sales/Marketing Flame. “Kevin’s arrival…

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Members of Nationwide Marketing Group have waited more than a year and a half to come together for a PrimeTime event. Nationwide Marketing Group has plans to pull out all the stops for the 57th (in-person) edition of PrimeTime, in the form of education, networking, and more.

“Words cannot express how ready and excited we are to meet face-to-face with our members here in Nashville,” says Nationwide president and chief member advocate Tom Hickman. “A great deal has changed since the last time we were all together as a group. We have a lot of catching up…

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Gabriella White, LLC, parent company to Summer Classics and Gabby, has formed an Advisory Board of Directors. Bew White, founder and CEO, will lead as executive chairman of the Board. William White will transition to the role of CEO and Greg Goetcheus will assume the role of president. This announcement comes as the company begins to implement its succession initiatives outlined in its three-year strategic plan. 

“These changes will allow Bew to focus on working with the outside expertise of the newly formed advisory board and will ensure sustainability of the business as…

FORT LEE, NJ – Couristan, Inc. has appointed Bob Tucci to the position of executive vice president of its Residential Broadloom Division. As an industry veteran with over 23 years of experience in floor coverings and home furnishings, Tucci will lead and execute Couristan’s exploration and strategic development of new business opportunities within all account segments for the company’s Premiere, Creations™, Purity® residential broadloom brands. 

George Couri, who serves as chairman of Couristan noted: “Bob’s leadership skills and unique experiences in sales, merchandising and operations within the residential broadloom industry will provide tremendous value to his…