— Furniture Today,
HIGH POINT — Seven new directors will join the 11-member International Textile Market Assn. board of directors, including the first from furniture manufacturers.


John Kearns, vice president of Hamilton Fabric Sales in High Point, will be board president for a two-year term starting Sept. 1. The ITMA produces the semiannual Showtime fabric events here.

New board members from furniture manufacturers are Ann Hood, vice president of upholstery fashion at Century Furniture, and Penny Eudy, product manager of upholstery, La-Z-Boy Residential.

Also joining the board are Jason Earles, director of furniture sales, manufacturing, Robert Allen Group; Bob Patton, national sales manager, P/Kaufmann; Tom Notaro, vice president of sales and marketing, Wearbest Sil-tex Mills; Rocco Simone, senior vice president sales and marketing, Sunbury Textile Mills; and Natalie Scott, national sales manager, Cone Jacquards division of ITG.

“The entire 11-person board is well balanced with longtime industry veterans as well as young talent who bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the challenges and possibilities in our industry,” said ITMA director Catherine Morsell. “We’re also excited about getting two directors from the furniture industry, especially since furniture manufacturers represent more than half of the customers at Showtime.”
 
Board members serve a three-year term.

Returning members in addition to Kearns are Terry Cox, Richloom Fabrics Group; Hal Hunnicutt, Glen Raven, and Steve Shelby, Conso Products.
 
ITMA is a nonprofit organization whose members represent the mills, converters, tanneries and trimming manufacturing companies that supply decorative coverings for the home furnishings trade. In addition to organizing Showtime, ITMA supports educational programs for students of textile design and marketing. It has a Web site at www.itma-showtime.com.