We are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Stuart Johnson on February 13, 2013.

Family was always extremely important to Stuart. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. An opportunity was never missed by him to expand his family and take…

Skytech II, Inc. (Skytech), a leading manufacturer of control systems for the hearth and HVAC industries, has acquired key assets of Fire Gear, L.L.C., including its growing brand of award-winning outdoor products branded under the firegear name. The effective date of the acquisition was January 1, 2013.

Under the…

Firetainment, Inc., producer of quality fire tables and supplier of fire table cooking accessories, will be reaching residential and commercial outdoor markets in the next few months using various dealer and media outlets. Firetainment fire tables will be showcased next month at North America’s largest hearth and patio show along…

Mr. Bar-B-Q® continues its 40thanniversary celebration by forming a partnership with culinary expert and gourmet chef Michael Steifman, president of Michael Stuart New York, a popular catering company. This alliance is one of many recent initiatives (including rebranding; a new website, www.mrbarbq.com; and improved, eye-catching packaging) to appeal to a…

The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) has announced that Bruce Erickson of Williams All Seasons (Highland Park, Illinois) will continue as chair of the organization’s Retail Council in 2013. ICFA members include all sectors of the casual-furnishings industry: retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and designers. The Retail Council provides leadership…