Patrick Cory, Chris DeLisa, Mike Massood & Eddie Massood (above l-r)
Brad Pyne, Tommy Leflein, Alan Granetz & Russell Bienenstock (above l-r)
The Metropolitan Furnishings Association of New Jersey and The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association reported that the second annual jointly held Awards Dinner & Dance held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 drew over 200 members and guests.
Awards were presented to Patrick Cory of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery, Edward Massood of Thomasville Home Furnishings of NJ, Brad Pyne from AICO and Russell Bienenstock of Furniture World Magazine for the significant influence the recipients have made on the furniture industry.
“The event,” noted Abraham Feinblum, President of the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association, “was a great success, attracting a broad cross section of local retailers, reps and suppliers, plus industry notables who flew in to pay homage to the honorees and enjoy an evening of good food, dancing and fellowship."
Andy Gans, Jennifer Sova, Alan Granetx & Tommy Leflein (above l-r)
“The tone of the evening,” added Kevin Snyder, President of MFA, “was set by the speeches given by Brad, Patrick, Eddie and Russell. They all spoke of the special bonds of family and friendship that tie together members of our local home furnishings community. I would especially like to thank my fellow members of the Dinner Dance Committee, Ron Cooper, Tommy Leflein, Andy Gans, Alan Granetz and Abraham Feinblum for their hard work in making this event happen.”
Alan Granetz, Executive Director of MFA acted as MC for the evening assisted by Jennifer Sova, IHFRA and GNYHFA Membership Coordinator. Andy Gans, Michael Massood and Tommy Leflein introduced the recipients of the Jerry Gans Memorial Award, Liveright Award and Dean of IHFRA awards. A special surprise presentation was made to Alan Granetz recognizing his 28 years of service to the New Jersey Association.
"This dinner will likely be the last jointly held event for GNYHFA and MFA," added Abraham Feinblum. "In November, the boards of both associations voted to enter talks to merge the two organzations. GNYHFA and MFA share many members and also a common trading area, so combining them to avoid duplcation of effort and offer a more robust menu of services makes a lot of sense."
A souvenir journal that contains information on the honorees, past honorees, the awards and tribute ads can be seen at http://www.gnyhfa.org/gnyhfajournal2011lowres.pdf
Kevin Snyder, Patrick Cory, Simon Kaplan of Value City Furniture of NJ and Joe Bograd (above l-r)
About the Awards
The Howard Liveright Memorial Award: The Howard Liveright Award is given by the MFA of NJ to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the home furnishings industry. This year the award was presented to Patrick Cory of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery. Patrick joined the family business in 1981, working part-time while in school, then took on a full-time delivery driver position in 1991 in Miami, FL. In 1995 Patrick decided to get a feel for the retail side of the industry, joining Rooms-To-Go Furniture as a sales associate. Then re-joined Cory in 1999 as a Delivery Coordinator, which lead to becoming Managing Partner in 2009.
Patrick is recognized as a leader and voice of home delivery and transportation industries. He has written articles and has been featured in many of the industries publications. He is also very involved with industry charities and chapters of IHFRA.
The Jerry Gans Memorial Award: The Jerry Gans Award is given by the Greater NY HFA, to an individual who has distinguished him/herself with deed and service to the industry. This year the award was presented to Edward Massood, President and COO of Thomasville Home Furnishings of NJ. Ed began his career with MGM Transport in 1974. After graduating from Seton Hall University in 1978 he moved to High Point, NC to develop and manage the MGM facility. Ed led the family owned company to become a leader in the transport industry.
In 2001 Edward and brother Michael opened the 1st of 9 Thomasville branded stores in Fairfax, VA. In 2007 the Massood family sold MGM Transport to CF Holdings, which allowed for Ed to move back to NJ and focus solely on the Thomasville store. Today Ed is involved with numerous charitable organizations and furniture industry organizations.
The Charles B. Costar Dean of IHFRA Award
: The Charles B. Costar Dean of IHFRA Award is given to an individual who has set an example in the industry through their service and dedication to IHFRA and their associated chapter. This year the award was presented to Russell Bienenstock (GNYHFA) and Brad Pyne (MFANJ).
Russell Bienenstock is Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Furniture World Magazine, which has provided hands on, in-depth retail marketing, finance, operations, sales management and sales education information to retail home furnishings executives since 1870. He is also the author of 23 educational guides that cover furniture product knowledge, styles and interior design topics. Russ serves on the Boards of Directors of the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library, the American Furniture Hall of Fame, City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry, and the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association.
Brad Pyne has worked in the home furnishings business for 25 years, currently representing AICO Furniture and Synergy Home Furnishings. In college Brad painted the interior of Levitz stores part-time, then later began his furniture career as a corporate merchandise manager for Rowe Furniture in McLean, VA. In 1997 he began learning the sales side of the industry in NY when he
joined Benchcraft (later Berkline). Brad is board member of both the MFANJ & GNYHFA as well as is a "CHR" - Certified Home Furnishings Representative distinction given by IHFRA's educational course.
About GNYHFA: The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association has served Home Furnishings Retailers, Reps, Manufacturers and Suppliers to the industry for over 60 years. Affiliated with IHFRA, the GNYHFA offers many programs and networking opportunities.
About MFA: The Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization is designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of those engaged in the New Jersey’s home furnishings industry. The Association is composed of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, transport, and other service related industries. Its mission is to create and foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among fellow members in the home furnishings industry. MFA also provides a voice for the furnishings industry both in Trenton and Washington and provides other member benefits.
For more information on joining GNYHFA and MFA, contact Alan Granetz at metrofurnassoc@gmail.com or Jennifer Sova at jsova@ihfra.org.