GMFA Honors Six Industry Leaders At Gala Event

Furniture World News Desk on 12/28/2013

Honorees from left to right: Satya Tiwari, Sal Demarco, Jeff Horowitz, Pat Luthy, Peter Orshan, Andrew Orshan (photo by Tommy Leflein)


Six industry leaders, Satya Tiwari of Surya, Pat Luthy of Suburban Furniture, Peter and Andrew Orshan of Peter Andrews Furniture, Sal DeMarco representing Natuzzi and Jeff Horowitz of L&S Advertising were recently honored at a formal dinner and dance hosted by The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association (GMFA) at the Pallasadium in Northern New Jersey.

Over 150 furniture retailers, representatives and industry suppliers were on hand to celebrate the evening marked by a commemorative journal that can be downloaded by clicking here.

Pat Cory, the President of GMFA and master of ceremonies for the event commented, “The dinner dance was a wonderful end to a successful year for the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association. In addition to member benefits that include discounts through our affiliate organization IHFRA, and medical coverage through our affiliate Association Masters Trust, this year we put on a number of successful free educational programs, a golf outing and other networking events that served to create a sense of furniture industry community for our members and guests.”

Following the cocktail hour and Cory’s opening remarks, dinner was served and awards presented.

Kenny Luthy, General Manager at Suburban Furniture, introduced Pat Luthy, recipient of the Howard Live right Award. Pat, who is Chief Buyer and Visual Display Manager for the NJ based retailer, spoke about the importance of working with family members and her love of the business.

Harris Kirsh who represents Surya introduced Satya Tiwari, Surya’s President. In accepting the Jerry Gans Memorial award, Tiwari thanked his partners in the US and spoke about his experiences growing Surya from a small operation to a leader in the industry.

Sal DeMarco, the Best Rep For 2013 award winner whose motto is, “It is not work if you enjoy what you are doing,” expressed gratitude to his associates and customers for allowing him, over the past 30 years, to do what he most enjoys.

Peter & Andrew Orshan 2013 Retailer Of The Year award recipients reflected on the their lives at Peter Andrews, a store that carries an eclectic mix of higher-end products, and spoke about their father, Joe Orshan who greatly influenced their professional lives and served as president of Mikasa.

Finally, Jeff Horowitz a third-generation furniture storeowner who went on to become President and CEO of his own company, LS Direct Marketing, accepted his award as Best Advertiser 2013.

Dessert and dancing followed the awards. Alan Granetz, GMFA’s Executive Director said, “GMFA’s officers and directors would like to thank this year’s honorees and the members of GMFA for their support. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true that a great time was had by all at this year’s gala.”


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. For more information contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.

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