KANSAS CITY, MO - Blue Rhino has become an official sponsor of Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit consisting of volunteers from competition barbecue teams who provide hot meals to displaced families and emergency personnel in areas impacted by natural disasters.

“We are excited that Blue Rhino has agreed to become a major sponsor of Operation BBQ Relief,” said Stan Hays, co-founder and CEO. “In our brief history, we’ve served thousands of people in need, and thanks to the support of Blue Rhino and other companies we will be positioned to serve thousands more.”

“This is such a natural partnership…

LARGO, FL - Indoor and outdoor casual furniture and accessories manufacturer Palm Springs Rattan® (PSR) has signed a multi-year lease with IMC Properties, opening its new permanent showroom in time for the upcoming April 2016 High Point Market.

Previously a temporary exhibitor in High Point, the company returns to this international venue by securing a 2,783 square-foot showroom on the third floor of the Showplace building (space 3555). “This permanent showroom is an important step in the growth of our wholesale business,” said Kerrie Jakubcin, Palm Springs Rattan’s wholesale division manager. “We are excited to introduce our Private Label program…

LOS ANGELES - The US Patent Office has issued patent number 9,255,441 covering the features of Infinity Canopy that allow it to adapt to any space, be installed quickly, and changed even after installation. This is the first patent issued for Infinity Canopy with additional utility and design patents pending.

Dr. Shargani, inventor of Infinity Canopy, states, “We claimed to have revolutionized the canopy, and this patent confirms that. This is a major achievement for our company, the shade products industry and the customers. We will continue the innovation and development of Infinity Canopy.”

Infinity Canopy is a versatile…

AGIO, USA AND TRAVELING BREEZE have entered into a long-term partnership agreement that will help bring the Traveling Breeze line of unique outdoor products to the casual marketplace. During Las Vegas Market™in January, Agio featured five different zero-gravity chair styles and one sling chaise. The chairs are available with either steel or aluminum frames, and accessories range from cup holders to canopies to rolled pillows that use the same technology, with breezes generated by battery-powered fans.

The Traveling Breeze line of lightweight, portable fancooled chairs, chaises, and pillows uses a patented design that incorporates two high-flow fans, which blow…

RICHARD FRINIER, DESIGNER OF FURNITURE and textiles, drew inspiration for his latest collection of Sunbrella®fabrics from the world-renowned resort destination of Santa Barbara, California, illustrating his innate ability to bring his passions to life through design. The Santa Barbara collection embraces the locale’s natural landscape and debuted during 2015’s December Showtime in High Point, North Carolina.

“Santa Barbara is truly an international resort destination, rich with California history and the very best of coastal living,” Frinier, who is building a new residence and studio in Santa Barbara, explains. “I look forward to calling this sought-after haven home, where I…

BROWN JORDAN’S CONNEXION COLLECTION, designed by Richard Frinier, received a Good Design™award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in conjunction with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. This achievement marks the second time that Brown Jordan and Frinier have garnered a Good Design award together for their distinctive and innovative designs.

Stephen F. Elton, senior vice president of sales and branding, says, “We are very proud to receive this distinguished award of design excellence for Connexion. The collection has been well received in the marketplace, since it was launched, because of its…

LIBBY LANGDON, INTERIOR DESIGNER, author, and television personality, is designing her first line of outdoor furniture for NorthCape, a leading manufacturer of woven outdoor furniture, set to launch at the July ICFA Preview Show™. Known for her easy, elegant, everyday style and her growing collections of branded home furnishings, Langdon focuses on offering beautifully made products that are sleek and chic, as well as affordable.

Langdon says, “I wanted to design my own outdoor collection because it is such an important part to the majority of homes I design, and I want to show people how to take advantage…

PRIDE FAMILY BRANDS HAS APPOINTED Norman B. Hamilton as its new vice president of sales for designer category and vice president of corporate marketing. Hamilton, previously a consultant to the award-winning casual-furnishings company, will report to Rory Rehmert, senior vice president, sales and marketing. Hamilton held management and marketing positions in corporate training, as well as in publishing.

Steve Lowsky, CEO, says, “Norman brings us a wealth of experience in marketing and communications and a thorough understanding of the casual industry. He has been a valued consultant since leaving publishing, and we welcome him as a full-time member of…