Exclaim Technologies, Inc. Names Industry Advisory Board Members

Furniture World News

Johne Albanese, Vice President of Business Development for Exclaim Technologies, Inc. in High Point, announces the formation of an Industry Board of Advisors to assist Exclaim in ensuring e-business solutions fit the needs of companies in the Furniture and Decorative Accessories Industries. "There is a lot of buzz about how the technology can make life easier and more profitable for companies, much of which is true", says Albanese, "but the reality is that the concept of e-business is not fully understood in our industry." The following industry leaders have agreed to serve on the board: Hershel Alpert, President of Alpert's Furniture in Seekonk, MA; Bill Gerken, President of Norwalk's retail division, Norwalk, OH; Lynn Yellin, principal of the Washington Park Design Center, Houston, TX; Gene Clark, Vice President of Virginia House Furniture, Galax, VA; Sam and Leslie Fishbein, Owners of Kacey's Fine Furniture in Denver, CO; Ron Hahn, President of The Manchester Furniture Group, High Point, NC; and Tom Mitchell, Vice President and General Manager of Merchandise Mart Properties of High Point, NC. Also serving on the board is John Lupo, retail consultant and former Executive VP of Sales for Basset and C.O.O. of Wal-Mart International. "I am deeply appreciative to this qualified group of individuals for assisting us, if not directly endorsing our products," Albanese states. "These professionals have agreed to serve on the board because they understand that utilizing e-commerce in the Home Furnishings Industry is vital to its future success. They also understand how important it is that the technology be designed to fit the needs of the industry and not the other way around." Exclaim is located at 1208 Eastchester Dr. in High Point. The phone number is 336-841-4800. Their web site address is: www.exclaim.net. Return to the May/June 2000 News Index -   - -Exclaim Hires Angela Arrington for Retail Expertise Johne Albanese, VP of Business Development for Exclaim Technologies of High Point, announces the addition of Angela Arrington to his team of furniture professionals. Arrington, whose latest role has been VP of Store Acquisitions and Development for Bassett Furniture, will take the post of Director of Business Development for Retail Clients at Exclaim. Prior to the position at Basset, Ms. Arrington served for six years as Director of Informational Services for the NHFA. "My focus at Exclaim, " says Angela, "will be to connect furniture retailers to the manufacturers who supply them... by offering a real mechanism that will improve the retailer/ manufacturer link, simplify the buying process, and refine product selection methods. This mechanism, Exclaim's buying-selling hub called 'Marketplace', will improve operating performance for it's participants while strengthening existing business relationships." Regarding Arrington's decision to join Exclaim Technologies, Angela offers, "For the last century, industries have focussed their efforts toward efficient production, distribution, and communication. E-Commerce allows industries to push that focus to the next level, reinventing traditional business channels, and relationships. I've elected to join Exclaim because I believe they are the best company to foster the reinvention required by the furniture industry to improve current trade practices and increase overall profitability."