Hopsicker Acquires Ray Murray, Inc.
On January 12, 2021, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
LEE, MA - Mike Hopsicker has acquired 100% ownership of Ray Murray Inc. (RMI). The partnership between Hopsicker and the Murray family started in 2005 when they began working together on a planned transition of ownership. Prior to RMI, Mike was CEO of Agway Inc., and spent 8 years as the CEO of Agway Energy Products, one of the largest retail marketers of propane and fuel oil in the US.
Over the last several years, the company and its industries certainly faced their share of headwinds and challenges, but ultimately RMI was able to enjoy significant growth and expand its…
Brams to Chair 2021 ICFA Retail Council
On January 11, 2021, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Karen Brams, president of Island Living & Patio in West Palm Beach, Fla., is serving as the 2021 chair of the International Casual Furnishings Association Retail Council following four years as a member.
Collins Stuart, owner of Outdoor Living in St. George, Utah, steps up to Vice Chair after serving on the Retail Council for the past two years.
The ICFA Retail Council represents the approximately 120 outdoor specialty store members nationwide and provides a strong voice in the leadership of the trade association. The Retail Council is the sponsor of the ICFA Industry Roundtables…
ICFA Renews 2021 Richard Frinier Design Scholarship
On January 08, 2021, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association has renewed the Richard Frinier Design Scholarship program initiated four years ago, following cancellation in 2020 due to challenges of the pandemic. At the same time, the renowned designer and his wife and business partner, Catherine, have increased the scholarship award to $2,500.
The annual product design competition was created to inspire and encourage students of design to create innovative outdoor living spaces for residential, contract and hospitality environments. “We wish to encourage the work of young designers and help them to discover the vast opportunities to bring the quality…
ICFA Chair Dedicated To Building Back Retail Business
On January 07, 2021, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
HIGH POINT – “Helping our retailer members get back to their level of pre-COVID health is my number one priority,” said Harold Hudson, president of Summer Classics Private Label and incoming chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Casual Furnishings Association. “Our strategic initiatives for 2021 and 2022 will promote their recovery and compel more retailers to join as they recognize the value of this dedicated support. We’ll continue to create and enhance the networking, educational and philanthropic opportunities that make the ICFA so vital to professional success for every segment of our membership.”
Hudson’s industry career includes…
Nationwide Marketing Group Sticks with Virtual PrimeTime Format for First 2021 Show
On December 22, 2020, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – If there’s one thing that Nationwide Marketing Group and its community of members and vendor partners learned during the October Virtual PrimeTime show, it’s that, even in the face of a global pandemic, it is possible to pull off an all-digital educational and buying show while driving record-setting engagement.
Nationwide will look to build on that momentum this spring as Virtual PrimeTime returns March 16-18, 2021. “We are highly encouraged by and closely monitoring the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine across the country, and we look forward to finally getting back to face-to-face meetings later this year…
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics Executes Multi-Phase Expansion Plan
On December 21, 2020, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
BURLINGTON, N.C. - As part of its ongoing commitment to support its customers and brands, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics announces the latest milestones in a multi-phase global expansion plan.
The first phase, initiated at the end of 2019, includes new and upgraded equipment to support the continuing growth of Sunbrella® fabrics and other Glen Raven textile products in the company’s U.S. and Asia facilities. This highly customized equipment has begun to come online and will continue in stages through the first half of 2021. It will not only increase output, but also reduce energy and water usage,…
Elmira and Northstar Appliances Make a Statement in Pantone’s Ultimate Gray and Illuminating
On December 17, 2020, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
ELMIRA, ON – Elmira Stove Works, a manufacturer of premium vintage-styled kitchen appliances, has announced that its Elmira and Northstar lines are available in Ultimate Gray and Illuminating – Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year – as custom color options.
For more than 20 years, Pantone has been selecting the color of the year using trend analysis across many different platforms; including entertainment, travel and fashion. For 2021, Pantone decided on two colors that showcase how diverse elements can come together to support one another.
According to Pantone, the pairing is, “A marriage of color conveying a message of…
New Heat Control System from Ortal Provides Powerful Option for Redirecting Fireplace Heat
On December 16, 2020, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
CANOGA PARK, CA – Ortal has introduced an innovative option for redirecting heat from Ortal fireplaces – the Ortal Heat Control System. The Ortal Heat Control System can transfer a portion or even a majority of the heat generated by an Ortal fireplace to other rooms within the home or directly outdoors to reduce indoor temperatures.
Available only for Ortal fireplaces, including the new Wilderness Collection, the Heat Control System is ideal for both cold and warm climates. In colder environments, the system can be configured to allow homeowners to direct heat to other rooms, providing comfortable temperatures throughout…
