HIGH POINT – The International Casual Furnishings Association is honoring the late Mia Nault as the first recipient of its Unsung Hero Award, a new award recognizing outstanding customer service representatives at manufacturing companies who serve as liaisons with dealers and sales representatives.

A 10-year veteran in the customer service department of Ebel in Jacksonville, Fla., Nault was tragically lost in an automobile accident in February while she assisted a disabled motorist. When nominations for this new award were called, there was an immediate response from Ebel dealers and sales reps who admired the way she turned each problem into…

Jeff Thomases has stepped down as CEO of Swavelle Mill Creek. Although not involved with the day-to-day activities, Jeff will retain the title of chairman & founder and remain active in the organization and involved with product development and strategic planning.

Greg Thomases has been promoted to CEO. Greg’s strong knowledge of the industry has provided him with a backdrop of success over his 20 years of service with Swavelle. Greg will oversee all aspects of Swavelle and continue to lead sales efforts for the furniture division.

In addition, Alan Halpern has retired as CFO after 30 years…

RICHMOND, B.C. – In an effort to make the electric fireplace smart, the Cascade Series from Dynasty Fireplaces is packed with features with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and efficiency. Providing warmth, comfort, and now ease of control with the Dynasty Fireplaces App. The Cascade Series connects to smart assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Easy to install and no need for maintenance, the Cascade Series has an exceptional flame effect and does not require venting.

www.dynastyfireplaces.com

ARLINGTON, VA - The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) announced today that it has made the difficult decision to postpone HPBExpo 2021 due to the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for early March in Nashville, Tennessee, HPBExpo 2021 will now be held June 23-26 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors and staff have always been our number one priority,” stated Kelly VanDermark, HPBA’s vice president of Expositions and Events. “Based on the current situation, the leadership of HPBA and the Expo Committee have decided it is in…

MIAMI - Argenexport, the exclusive US importer of Ñuke artisan-crafted Argentinian gaucho grills and wood-fired outdoor ovens, announced the availability of the Ñuke Pizzero, its new outdoor pizza oven.

As the popularity of outdoor cooking continues to grow with Americans spending more leisure time at home, the Ñuke Pizzero stands out as a centerpiece for the outdoor cooking space of any fire-worshiping foodie. Like all Ñuke products, the Pizzero is hand-made by South American artisans and puts real fire cooking at center stage.

The Pizzero ships with all the necessary fire-managing accessories and an easy-to-assemble steel rolling cart.…

WEST LEBANON, N.H. - Progressive Manufacturing Inc. has bolstered its engineering department with the addition of a new project engineer, Andrew Metz. In his role, Metz will bring a fresh perspective to product development for Progressive Manufacturing’s fireplace brand, SÓLAS.

As part of the SÓLAS team, Metz will work to further accelerate the development of SOLAS’ innovative fireplace products. Additionally, Metz will help support Progressive Manufacturing’s contract manufacturing customer base within the New England market.

Prior to joining Progressive Manufacturing, Metz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Roger Williams University in…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) announced that Harold Hudson, president, Summer Classics Private Label, Pelham, Ala., will serve as chairman of the Board of Directors for 2021.

Steve Elton, chief brand curator of Brown Jordan in St. Augustine, Fla., will serve as vice chairman. Completing the Executive Committee are Karen Brams, president of Island Living & Patio, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Teresa Buelin, business development and marketing manager, Sattler Outdura, Hudson, N.C.; and Russell Sorenson, president of Hanamint Corp., Las Vegas.

ICFA’s 2021 officers were elected during a virtual membership meeting held October 1 and…

MINNEAPOLIS - The Outdoor GreatRoom CompanyTM has hired Gregg Achman as its new vice president of Engineering. His position will focus on overseeing the new product process including research, technical services, and quality control.

“As a leader, I hope to use my experiences to continue growing the business,” Achman said. “I look forward to getting back to my roots and being more involved in the day-to-day product development cycle.”

Achman brings 33 years of experience in the hearth industry to his new position. He is currently active in the ANSI/CSA test standards process and resides on multiple technical…