HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES hosted its second annual Summer Summit in June at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. More than 400 attendees participated in two days of customized breakout sessions focusing on best practices in online marketing, human resources, sales expertise, risk management, and profit maximization, as well as in brand immersions and hands-on product demonstrations from Heatilator, Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, and Harman.

The nearly 20 breakout sessions featured functional experts from Hearth & Home Technologies, Houzz, Rocket 55, Alexander Group, Best Buy, Adler Group, Resultants for Business, and the University of Minnesota. In addition to…

EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS HAS acquired the manufacturing rights to the Signature series of grills currently produced by Vermont Castings. Nick Bauer, Empire president, says that the acquisition will help his company in several ways. “These are high-end, U.S.–made stainless-steel grills with a great reputation for quality and durability,” Bauer says. “They will give our sales force new inroads into markets where luxury stainless-steel grills dominate.”

Empire already builds Broilmaster premium grills, and Bauer is especially excited about adding these grills. “Empire is family owned, with a passion for U.S. manufacturing, and the Signature series grills represent more products we…

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Bleu Venue Events announced the First Annual Outdoor Living Conference (www.outdoorlivingconference.com ) designed to support growth in the Canadian residential outdoor living market.

Sessions during the twoday, trade-only event for interior designers, interior decorators, and stagers will provide innovative and futuretrending product knowledge from a range of different domestic and international vendors.

Attendees will also benefit from CEU accredited seminars given by industry professionals. In association with S.O.F.A. (Source of Furniture + Accessories, www.visitsofa.com ) located at The International Centre in Toronto, Canada and for the first time ever in North America, the conference on…

SYRACUSE, IN – Indiana-based Poly-Wood is undergoing a recapitalization through Oxford Financial Group, Ltd. and Cardinal Equity Partners of Indianapolis. Each are privately held. While all original Poly-Wood shareholders have remained invested, these new long-term relationships will provide strategic direction as Poly-Wood continues to implement aggressive growth plans.

“We are pleased to be part of this exciting new chapter of the Poly-Wood story,” said Jeffrey Thomasson, managing director & CEO of Oxford. “They are truly unique in the space, offering a total solution that includes the design and development of innovative products, merchandising support, manufacturing and quick delivery.”

“Poly-Wood is…

Panama Jack is launching a major national advertising campaign in 2016 to promote the brand’s casual, relaxed lifestyle at home. Starting in January 2016, the company will convey the brand’s style and energy to more than 100 million consumers via print, television, and in-flight entertainment channels.   

The campaign kicks off with a full-page ad in the January issue of travel trend-setter Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and a 30-second spot on the CNN Network. The promotion also takes to the airways, with 30- to 90-second segments appearing on JetBlue, American Airlines and US Airways in-flight programming.

The campaign showcases…

MONTEBELLO, CA - It’s been more than 50 years, and Mallin Casual Furniture is keeping the momentum going with designs that focus on beauty, form, and function. Mallin designers seek to bring the outdoors alive and constantly research, refine, and reach for even higher standards.

New items in the New Haven Woven Collection feature the best of both worlds, specifically a mix and match of aluminum frame with plastic PVC woven back. Customers can sink themselves into the plush cushion that surrounds in comfort. Available in deep seating and dining, as well as regular aluminum back, it is time…

FT LAUDERDALE, FL – At the 2015 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, officials at Pride Family Brands gave out The President’s Award, the Pioneer Award, and other awards recognizing excellence in sales, territory development, and new customer growth. The event was held in the company’s Merchandise Mart showroom. 

The Top Salesman of the Year, known as the President’s Award, was given to Tom Durden (pictured), who represents Pride in the Midwestern U.S. region including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, South and North Dakota. Durden, who began working with Pride in 2002, exhibited overall excellence in customer service, superior…

CALHOUN, GA -Surya will introduce at High Point Market a new line of rugs for emma at home™, the lifestyle brand created by designer Emma Gardner to bring her signature look to a larger audience. The new collections include micro-loop and loop-and-pile constructions in a range of fresh, unexpected palettes and energetic motifs that convey a contemporary, forward looking aesthetic well-suited to a variety of lifestyles.

Designs to be launched at market include an overscaled floral motif in a micro-loop construction; a figurative loop-and-pile design based on traditional Asian art; a crisp, bold geometric look with a retro feel; and…