HIGH POINT, N.C. – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons football team and Atlanta United soccer team, will serve as the backdrop for the International Casual Furnishings Association’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 16, during Summer Casual Market Atlanta. The dinner event is hosted by ANDMORE and helps to support the trade organization’s philanthropic interest in the City of Hope.

“ICFA is very excited to welcome interior design, television personality and fashion stylist Carson Kressley to emcee the evening program dedicated to celebrating the best in the casual furnishings industry,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA executive director. After his…

WADENA, MN - Homecrest Outdoor Living has added Babcock & Associates, Inc. to their network of residential sales representatives. Leslie Briley, Ray Babcock, and Ryan Clauss will represent Homecrest’s quality outdoor furniture throughout the Mid-Atlantic territory.

Babcock & Associates, Inc. have been representing outdoor living products since their founding over 30 years ago. Siblings Leslie Briley and Ray Babcock started the company together, and they have since represented a variety of outdoor brands, currently including Weber-Stephen Products, Design Toscano, and EZ Smart Tools.

Briley represents the territory of Maryland; Virginia; Washington, D.C; and Eastern Pennsylvania. She has developed…

MIAMI - Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that founder, CEO, and chief product designer Dougan Clarke of Tuuci® was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Florida Award finalist. The Florida program celebrates entrepreneurs from Florida and Puerto Rico.

Now in its 38th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive business award for audacious leaders who disrupt markets, revolutionize sectors and have a transformational impact on lives. Over the past four decades, the program has recognized daring entrepreneurs with big ideas and bold actions that reshape our world.

Dougan Clarke was one of 22 regional…

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Swavelle Group has added to its corporate leadership team to drive growth initiatives and cultivate innovative sales and customer solutions. These appointments reflect Swavelle Group’s commitment to expanding its presence in the market and delivering unparalleled value to clients.

Christy Almond Appointed Vice President of Customer Solutions
Swavelle Group welcomes Christy Almond as vice president of Customer Solutions. Christy brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role, drawing from an extensive background in the textile and home industry. Her appointment highlights Swavelle’s deepened commitment to enhancing customer-centric initiatives and delivering tailored solutions…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association announces finalists for the 2024 Sales Representative of the Year following a call for nominations earlier this month 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 2024 winner will be selected from among the nine finalists through online voting of the ICFA membership. Finalists include:
Tim Baldwin, Richmond, Va.; Doug Becht, Geneva, Ill.; Joe Crandall, Marietta, Ga.; Steven Dennis, Dallas; Phil Fowler, Wilmington, Del.; Andy…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association recently announced finalists for the 2024 Apollo Awards. The program recognizes retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings.

Finalists must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments plus a commitment to customer service and dedication to professional development for their staff. The finalist is recognized as an exceptional dealer in their trading area and a model for others within the industry, as well as characterized by innovative marketing and merchandising strategies.

The ICFA membership will vote via an online ballot for a winner in each of two categories in early summer. The…

SACRAMENTO - The new HPBA Pacific Annual Hearth & Fireplace Summit is tailored to attendee needs with more speakers, cutting-edge topics, and networking opportunities.

The show is May 20-21 at the Sacramento Doubletree for two days of education, fun, burn demonstrations, tabletop displays, and more. This event is designed for everyone, including technicians, sales personnel, business owners, and human resources professionals.

Speakers Include:
Tim Rethlake (Hearth Marketing Expert);
John Crouch (HPBA Public Affairs);
Bob Ferrari (NCSG Education);
Amie Chatfield (HPBEF Education);
Nick Pulone (Aero General Insurance), and MORE.

EASTMAN, GA - In a strategic response to recent industry shifts, notably the closure of Flexsteel in Dublin, Georgia, SoPoly in Eastman, Georgia has bolstered its workforce, enhancing leadership and product development teams. This acquisition of seasoned professionals is set to invigorate SoPoly’s outdoor furniture market portfolio.

SoPoly has strategically expanded its leadership team by welcoming industry veterans from Flexsteel, a move poised to inject fresh perspectives and decades of experience into the company’s strategic planning. This infusion of talent is expected to strengthen SoPoly’s market position by driving new business strategies and enhancing operational efficiency.

The integration of…