SWISS GRILL IS IMPLEMENTING a new strategic plan to restructure its U.S. business that will ensure significant improvements in its operating model. The plan is designed to enhance the customer experience and provide a more efficient, robust platform on which to build. The new structure will accelerate innovation and make possible a more effective go-to-market strategy for distribution and dealership customers. As part of the restructuring, a new North American headquarters has been opened in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Andy Parry, CEO, says, “I am pleased to announce the changes in our corporate management team. These changes are aimed at…

PELICAN REEF WICKER (along with its Panama Jack Outdoor brand) is excited to announce the launch of its new 2015–16 catalog, which features new items added to two existing popular collections: Island Breeze and Key Biscayne. The new products are a preview of what Pelican Reef featured in the master catalog, which debuted at Chicago’s ICFA Preview Show™in July.

The Island Breeze collection now includes a larger (48-inch) table base and new chair selections, such as a high-back sling chair, a multiposition folding chair, and a cast and sling aluminum chair option. The Key Biscayne collection has added a…

GENSUN CASUAL LIVING showcased one of its largest new-product offerings ever at the recent ICFA Preview Show™in Chicago, Illinois. Retailers were shown two new collections, many new tables and accessories, new fabrics, a new finish, and a new woven color.

Another new introduction was Rain padded sling. This patent-pending design from Gensun (featuring enhanced cushioning, Rain fabrics from Sunbrella®, and a unique construction) was a huge hit with retailers. Rain padded sling is available in seven collections and 14 product-finish colors. For more information, visit www.gensuncasual.com.

AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING hospitality-focused trade shows and conferences, HD Expo established record-breaking attendance and exhibitor figures this year, following a successful event at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, in May. The final figures showcased significant growth for the industry show (which is produced by Emerald Expositions and presented by Hospitality Design magazine), with a final tally of 10,260 registered attendees, marking a 10% increase over last year’s total.

The show floor showcased the latest and most innovative designs and products from leading global manufacturers. It included 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also…

CLINTON W. BLEVINS has been named vice president of business development at California Outdoor Concepts. A graduate of Chapman University, Blevins has spent the past seven years as a senior sales executive with the Los Angeles Angels baseball team (after spending the previous three years with the Anaheim Ducks hockey organization).

Blevins’ primary focus will be on directing the company’s strategies for accelerated growth into related products and new market segments. The skill set that Blevins developed over the past 10 years will aid him in this effort; his tenure in the sales arena allowed him to develop several…

OW LEE (ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA), manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, firepits, and accessories, has launched a new website (www.owlee.com). The new website combines a stylish new design with a comprehensive listing of OW Lee’s vast product line—while providing a user-friendly format.

The website helps consumers, designers, and dealers with instant access to dimensions, product-specification sheets, and high-resolution images. The website also offers an interactive firepit builder introduced last April, as well as specialized sections for to-the-trade and commercial- sales customers.

Leisa Rogers McCollister, marketing manager at OW Lee, says, “We are very excited about our new website. It provides…

THE INTERNATIONAL CASUAL FURNISHINGS ASSOCIATION (ICFA) has announced the finalists for 2015 Apollo Awards. The program recognizes retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnish-ings. Finalists must demonstrate out-standing accomplishments and a commitment to customer service. ICFA’s members will vote (via online ballot) for winners in two categories later this summer. Finalists will be honored and winners will be announced at the ICFA awards gala, to be held on September 18 at the Field Museum during Casual Market Chicago.

Single-store finalists are AuthenTeak (Atlanta, Georgia); Hill Company (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Outdoor Elegance (La Verne, California); Patios Plus…

Manager: North America PACIFIC ENERGY (Duncan, British Columbia) has promoted Cory Iversen to the position of sales man-ager for North America. Duncan brings a wealth of experience to this position; for more than 25 years, he has worked with all parts of the company and has developed expertise in customer relations, identifying objectives, forming strategies, and creating action plans to improve short- and long-term sales