Archive for August 3rd, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
After recently opening its membership to all home furnishings industry partners that do business in the United States, the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. (AFHF) has now unveiled a fresh new logo and an updated look for the organization.
Clean and sophisticated, the new logo features a bold brown typeface representing furniture and the history and tradition of the organization. The splash of red at the bottom provides energy and reflects the color and creativity that drives the industry.
“Our new logo is classic, but with a twist,” says J. Don Coleman, president of AFHF. “It conveys the history and prestige of the organization, welcomes future generations, and looks ahead to a new age for our organization as it evolves to meet the changing needs of the industry. We are excited about the future of our organization and our new logo reflects that.”
Membership includes eligibility to vote in August for inductees into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and are $250 and $500 at the individual level, and $500 and $1,000 at the corporate level. All contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. and sent to P.O. Box 2011, High Point, N.C. 27261.
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is an international, industry-wide effort organized to honor those individuals whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the continued growth and development of the U.S. furniture industry, as well as to research, collect and preserve the cultural, economic and artistic history. Membership includes eligibility to vote for inductees into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and the opportunity to help preserve the history and heritage of the industry.
More information about AFHF cam be found at http://www.furniturehalloffame.com
The organization is based in High Point at 202 Neal Place, and can be reached at 336.882.5900.
August 3rd, 2007
The interior design program at High Point University recently received accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER).
“This is great news for High Point,” said Dr. Dennis Carroll, vice president and dean for academic affairs at HPU. “These advanced accreditations assist our graduates in obtaining employment in the most well-known organizations and firms. Advanced accreditations result from the university’s commitment to high levels of course rigor, excellent teaching and relevant curriculum.”
Achieving accreditation was a three-year process and included compiling a minimum of two-years worth of student work as well as a program analysis report submitted to the council, and an on-site visit from three professionals who examined facilities, interviewed students and faculty, and evaluated student work.
“CIDA is the only organization that accredits interior design programs,” said Dr. Elizabeth Dull, associate professor and interior design program coordinator, who oversaw the process. “It is quite a prestigious honor because the council standards are the same for every university whether it is small or large, public or private, nonprofit or profit.”
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization for interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CIDA accreditation promotes achievement of high academic standards, while making education more responsive to student and societal needs. Nearly 150 interior design programs are currently accredited by the council, serving an estimated 20,000 students. The term of HPU’s current accreditation is six years.
“Having the highest accreditation in the field of interior design will greatly enhance the prestige of our program,” said Dr. Richard Bennington, chair of the Department of Home Furnishings and Design. “It will assure prospective students that they will be getting the best quality of instruction possible.” The Department of Home Furnishings and Design at High Point University is unique in offering students a choice of two majors: home furnishings marketing or interior design.
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 53 countries and 44 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report 15th among comprehensive universities in the South and in the top 100 nationally. The university offers 68 undergraduate majors, 33 minors and seven graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.
August 3rd, 2007
The High Point Market website, www.highpointmarket.org, has undergone a significant transformation designed to enhance functionality and user experience.
“The Market’s site has existed in its current form for a little more than four years without a substantive re-design,” says Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “The site was originally designed with an operational focus, and that functionality is still vitally important. However, our emphasis now is on providing the kind of content that gives retailers and manufacturers the tools necessary to grow their businesses.”
Better reflecting High Point’s brand as a premier home furnishings Market, the site is designed to serve as a source of ideas and inspiration. Guest columns by thought leaders from throughout the home furnishings industry are archived here, as are clips from the weekly “High Point Market Live” video-cast. Moving forward, the Market’s weekly e-newsletters will also be archived on the website and can be found under the “Industry Insights” tab. Site visitors are invited to register on the home page to receive weekly updates.
“Every week, we key into top consumer researchers and trends analysts to forecast the hot colors, fabrics and finishes for the season, and keep our e-news readers abreast of the latest changes in consumer lifestyles and best practices in business, as well as how to advance your sales with fashion-forward thinking,” says Casey. “Our goal is to be on the forefront of design advances and serve the industry as a valuable information source.”
As before, site visitors will find a complete set of tools for planning their visit to High Point. The site’s newly enhanced navigation and functionality make it easier that ever to register for Market, book travel and accommodations, find the best showrooms and events and map a daily itinerary.
Scott Williams, vice president of marketing strategy at Greensboro, NC-based Emisare, Inc., the creative force behind the site’s redesign, relates, “The HPMA team challenged us to produce a website that is representative of their brand position as the industry’s premier home furnishings event, and we believe, working collaboratively with Market, we achieved that goal. The High Point Market site is now a destination for the entire industry that provides both world-class content and functionality.”
Visitors to the High Point Market site are also privy to special discounts on airfare and rental cars, as well as a complete listing of area accommodations, a restaurant guide and information about the free transportation system that serves the Market. And, “while time is running out, for those who act quickly, there are still some discounted hotel rooms to be had for Fall Market,” Casey adds. “The special sub-block program that we’ve orchestrated in conjunction with local hoteliers works on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you make your reservations, the greater your opportunities are for saving money. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to visit www.highpointmarket.org and explore all the options.”
About the High Point Market Authority:
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market: The World’s Home for Home Furnishings. Featuring more than 2600 exhibitors and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.
August 3rd, 2007
Sustainable design innovators, educators and manufacturers will converge upon San Francisco during the San Francisco Mart’s Live Green, Live Well sustainable home furnishings and design show September 19 & 20.
With the green movement reaching a critical mass and moving into the mainstream, design professionals and home furnishings retailers will benefit greatly from the singular concentration on eco-friendly products and processes at Live Green, Live Well. The expo is the first trade fair solely dedicated to sustainable furnishings and design. Attendees will learn about viable product resources and ideas from exhibitors and educational programs.
“Education is a very important component of this show,” states Roseann Carini, the SF Mart’s general manager. “Designers and retailers must understand sustainable terms, certifications and processes so that they can educate their clients and customers. The individuals we have presenting at the show are experts in the field, and attendees should be very edified by the caliber of educational content.”
The seminars are being co-sponsored by ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers. “We believe that all responsible professionals must make a commitment to finding ways to diminish interior design’s impact on the environment,” says Suzan Globus, FASID, President of ASID. “It is also a smart way of doing business.”
Live Green, Live Well
Educational Seminars [see below for seminar descriptions]
Wednesday, September 19
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Practice Green Interior Design Now!
Presented by Victoria Schomer, ASID, AIA, LEED-AP
Principal, Green Built Environments
11 a.m.-Noon
Dream Green Kitchens
Presented by Jennifer Roberts, LEED AP
Author, Good Green Kitchens
1-2 p.m.
Let There Be Light, But Let It Be Green
Presented by: David Bergman, LEED AP
Principal, David Bergman Architect/Fire & Water Lighting
Instructor, Parsons the New School for Design
1-2 p.m.
From Fabric to Frame: Making Upholstery Green & Healthy
Presented by
Rowena Finnegan, certified Bau biologist; Owner, Healthy Home Design/Finn Design/Eco-terric
Francisco Pinedo, CEO and Founder, Cisco Brothers
Nicholas Greene, LEED AP, Design Consultant, Eco-terric
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Sustainable Residential Interiors
Presented by Annette Stelmack, Allied ASID, USGBC
Proprietor, INSPIRIT; Former Design Director of Associates III
3-4 p.m.
Sustainable Building: An Introduction to Implementing Green Building in Your Designs
Presented by Eric Corey Freed, LEED AP, USGBC, ADPSR
Principal, organicARCHITECT
3-4 p.m.
Going Green: Everything You Need to Know but Are Afraid to Ask
Presented by Lydia Corser, USGBC, ADPSR, NKBA, CKD
Principal, Eco Interiors
Thursday, September 20
11 a.m.-Noon
Full Circle Sustainability
Presented by Gerry Cooklin
CEO & Chairman, South Cone
Founder & Chairman, Sustainable Furniture Council
Live Green, Live Well will take place in SF Mart’s two main temporary exhibit areas: Green on 1 and Green on 2. The expo will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, earmarked as the education day co-sponsored by the ASID, and from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 20. Entrance to the expo is complimentary to all trade professionals. Fees will be charged for all seminars. Advance reservations and prepayment are required. Visit www.sfmart.com/livegreen for seminar pricing. To RSVP, e-mail seminars@sfmart.com or call 415-437-7100.
The San Francisco Mart is one of Northern California’s premier wholesale design centers. Built in 1937 as the home of the Western Merchandise Exchange, the historic art-deco building continues to serve as a home furnishings and home accents center open to the trade only. Conveniently located in San Francisco’s Civic Center area, the SF Mart is situated close to freeways, public transit, major hotels, restaurants and other attractions.
August 3rd, 2007
Bob’s Discount Furniture, one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the northeast, with stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, announced the grand opening of a new Bob’s Discount Furniture location on Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Freeport, New York, situated on the southern edge of Long Island, N.Y.
“This past February, we opened our first Bob’s Discount Furniture store on Long Island. I still can remember the overwhelming response and huge crowds that visited us that opening week. And it has not stopped. Families living in the Metro New York City area know how easy and relaxed it is to shop in a Bob’s Discount Furniture,” explained Bob Kaufman, president & media personality, Bob’s Discount Furniture. “From my ‘Bob-o-pedic’ mattress to sleep sofas and so many other furniture items for the home, Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and even Kings County families are finding that our variety of in-stock furniture at low prices to be a rewarding and satisfying experience.”
The new Bob’s Discount Furniture is located at 240 East Sunrise Highway (Route 27), Freeport, New York in the Meadowbrook Commons in southern Long Island. The store’s phone number is (516) 632-1400 and is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Sunday closing during the summer). On Thursday, August 2nd, Bob Kaufman will be making an in-store appearance to meet and greet the public. Then on Saturday, August 4th, Bob’s Discount Furniture TV personality Cathy Poulin will be making an in-store appearance and welcoming customers. On both days prize items such as T-shirts and mugs will be given away while customers can also enjoy free food and beverages at the store’s Café and along with entertainment at the video arcade. “I look forward to meeting all of the parents and kids during our weekend grand opening on Saturday, August 4th,” said Poulin.
About Bob’s Discount Furniture
The fast-growing furniture retailer with 28 stores located throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, Bob’s Discount Furniture has built strong brand awareness and customer loyalty through its unique shopping environment, customer service commitment and everyday low prices. First-time visitors are pleasantly surprised by the comfortable atmosphere and vast selection of quality furniture that surpasses their “discount” expectations. As a part of the overall shopping experience, many of the locations have complimentary cafés featuring gourmet coffee, fresh baked cookies and candy, while other locations offer home theater and video arcade entertainment. Known for their unique style of television and radio advertising, Bob Kaufman, president, and Cathy Poulin, public relations director, have been inviting customers for over a decade to “Come on down”. For more information, visit www.mybobs.com.
About Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation
Through the Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation and its many charitable contributions and sponsorships, Bob, Cathy and all of Bob’s Discount Furniture employees support hundreds of nonprofit organizations. Among the many supported charities are Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Salvation Army Marshall House Youth and Family Emergency Shelter, National Conference for Community Justice, American Red Cross, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and many more. In March 2006, Poulin participated in the “Dance for a Cause” competition in Hartford to raise money and awareness for the National Pajama Program and Lil’ Iguana’s Children’s Safety Foundation. Poulin was also awarded Woman of the Year for 2006 by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information about the foundation and Bob’s Discount Furniture, visit www.mybobs.com.
August 3rd, 2007
To meet the burgeoning needs of the home staging industry, American Furniture Rentals has expanded and upgraded the products and services it offers design professionals and home owners.
Already a leader in the rental of home staging furniture and accessories, AFR’s expansion brings new products and services specifically selected to update houses and make them more appealing to potential buyers.
Basset, Lea, Rowe, Legacy and Stanley are only a few of the high-end, designer brands AFR now carries. These lines were chosen to meet the upscale tastes of home staging professionals. Glass table tops with microfiber Parsons chairs, leather sofas, split rattan chairs and magazine racks, sleigh beds and flat screen TVs can be rented to transform rooms and redesign spaces. Every piece is rented separately to meet the home stager’s taste and budget.
Established in 1975, American Furniture Rentals is the East Coast leader in providing short or long term residential or commercial furniture and amenities. AFR has nine furniture centers from Boston, MA to Charlotte, SC.
August 3rd, 2007
Next Posts