John Koziel of Flemington Department Store To Be Honored At GMFA Dinner and Dance In November
Furniture World News Desk on
9/25/2017
The Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association (GMFA) announced that John Koziel, Manager of Flemington Department Store has been chosen to receive the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association’s Retailer of The Year Award.
Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather for this annual event, a festive kick-off to the holiday season on November 18th at The Palisadium, Cliffside Park, NJ, just minutes from the George Washington Bridge.
An inate ability to identify what the public wants sets John Koziel apart from most members of the retail community. His initial experience in retail occured at a young age when he became manager of a local toy store; a position in which he excelled. When he joined Flemington Department Store as a sales associate in 1986, it became immediately clear that he had a flair for understanding trends in the industy and, in 1989, was named Furniture Manager by store owner Carl Resnick. Under John's guidance, the furniture department has flourished dramatically in a very competitive market. He intuitively stocks the store with product that is well received by the public.
In thanking the GMFA, John stated “Receiving this award is a signature honor in my career. It is gratifying to be recognized by the industry for my efforts and I hope that future efforts on my part will continue to show my commitment to my customers.”
GMFA Board Member Tommy Leflein explains, “John is one of those rare individuals who treats the people he works with compassion and honesty. When sales reps call on him, whether they get the order or not, always walk out of his office with their heads held high. His caring attitude never wavers from day to day or year to year. His he is one of finest people I have ever worked with.”
Eric Bernstein, GMFA’s President and Owner of retailer Berkshire Furniture, adds, “GMFA is proud to honor John Koziel of Flemington Department Store with GMFA’s Retailer of the Year Award, Art Eisenberg with GMFA’s Pillar of the Industry Award, and Chris Clarizio with the Jerry Gans Memorial Award this year. This annual event, presents an opportunity for retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and one of the best live bands in the Tristate area. So bring your dancing partner!”
Reservations and Souvenir Journal: To get more information on attending this event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor John, Arthur and Chris, please contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.
More about GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, and service related industries in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. An affiliate of the representatives’ association IHFRA, GMFA works to foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among members in the home furnishings industry, hosts networking and social events, educational seminars, provides valuable discounts and is a voice for industry interests on national, regional and local levels.
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