Phifer’s new 2018–19 Designed Fabrics stock line offers a generous helping of ideas for making subtle or dramatic updates to indoor and outdoor spaces. The new collection features softly textured, milky pearl colorations. New gray introductions will help bridge the yellow-based neutrals of the past with emerging color trends in cool grays. High texture and natural imperfection will continue to be important as new stock patterns mimic natural woven materials with handmade attributes.

Phifer’s new two-year binder showcases the full Designed Fabrics line of GeoBella® cushion and Phifertex® sling fabrics. The refreshed binder features color-themed swatch cards to distinguish…

Treasure Garden’s outdoor-rug program is growing, with four new designs introduced during Casual Market Chicago. The outdoor-rug program, introduced in 2013, will now boast 18 designs (each in two popular sizes). The rugs are produced exclusively for Treasure Garden by Belgian artisans and constructed to the highest quality standards. Crafted for easy care, the rugs are of 100% uV-stable polypropylene, with a one-year warranty against fading.

Candy Chase, national sales manager, says, “With this year’s introductions, we are offering on-trend designs and colorations, while each continues to coordinate with products and fabric selections in our shade lines, as well…

Raymond Harm has been named sales representative for the Southeastern united States for Agio, uSA. Harm will represent Agio in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. “Agio is a recognized leader in the outdoor industry and a brand name that I’ve been familiar with for years. I’m excited to join the team,” Harm says. “Maintaining Agio’s strong relationships in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic is my top priority, but I’m also looking forward to the challenge to increase the adoption of the outdoor category by traditional-furniture retailers in those areas.”

Mike Gaylord, vice president of sales…

The much-anticipated collaboration between Castelle, awardwinning manufacturer of luxury outdoor furnishings, and renowned author and interior designer Barclay Butera debuted for the casual industry at Casual Market Chicago. A meetand- greet reception kicked off the launch and introduced retailers and designers to Butera and his creations for Castelle.

The custom expertise of Castelle and the artistry and aesthetic of Butera were on display across the Barclay Butera Outdoor collection for Castelle, previously introduced during High Point Market. Derek Ritzel, president and CEO, says, “The Barclay Butera Outdoor collection has received a very positive response during previous introductory markets. We…

Employees turned out in droves for the 85th anniversary Family Day of Empire Comfort Systems (Belleville, Illinois) on August 26. This was no surprise, as employee loyalty has played a critical role in the success and longevity of the family-owned hearth company. Roughly 500 employees and their families attended the event, which included games, raffles, an obstacle course, a corn-on-thecob cook-off (using Broilmaster®grills), kid-sized hamster balls, live music, and food. An open house allowed employees to show their families their job locations and tasks; raw materials at the beginning of the production line became finished products at the end.

CARTERSVILLE, GA - Surya continues its tradition of presenting events where High Point Market attendees can expand their industry knowledge and network with peers and influencers over daily complimentary catered meals, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at Showplace 4100.

“Every year, we set out to host events that engage market attendees in insightful discussions about topics that impact their businesses and the overall design community,” said Satya Tiwari, president of Surya. “This year, we are excited to not only bring the discerning business mind of designer Denise McGaha to the Surya showroom, but also present our own original CEU course…

CHICAGO - OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories located in Ontario, Calif., presented Ed Joseph with the Sales Rep of the Year award for 2017. This special presentation was made during a sales meeting dinner at The Untitled Supper Club during the International Casual Furniture Market in Chicago, Illinois.

Ed Joseph got his start in the industry on the retail side, working for Rich’s for the Home stores in the Seattle area in 1998. Ed began working with OW Lee as a sub-rep for Dennis Thurmer in 2006 and subsequently took over the…