Sleepy’s Neil Zimmer To Be Honored At GMFA Dinner and Dance In November

Furniture World News Desk on 10/11/2015

The Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association (GMFA) announced that Eugene Chrinian, Owner at Ashley Furniture HomeStores of Metro New York and New Jersey has been chosen as the recipient of the Jerry Gans Memorial Award.


The Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association (GMFA) announced that Eugene Chrinian has been chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Jerry Gans Memorial Award.

Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather for this annual event, a festive kick-off to the holiday season on November 19th at The Palisadium, Cliffside Park, NJ, just minutes from the George Washington Bridge.


Eugene started his career as a sales associate with the goal of one day opening his own store. He built a strong foundation which led to that dream becoming reality. Starting with a single independent store in East Rutherford 20 years ago, Eugene now owns and leads FDE, Ashley Furniture HomeStores of Metro New York and New Jersey. With 14 stores and a 150,000 sq. ft. distribution center serving NY, NJ and Long Island, his mission is “to delight our team members, guests, and the communities we serve and by doing so we honor God”. Through various programs designed to support the FDE team and the communities he serves, Eugene’s core business value is to give back; “We do what we can, whenever we can to add value to those we serve”, says Chrinian.

“It’s an honor to be this year’s recipient of the Jerry Gans Memorial Award,” says Chrinian. I am truly grateful to be selected by GFMA to receive this recognition for my work, honored to join industry leaders who have received this award in past years, and humbled to have been selected from the pool of nominees who were certainly as capable If not more, than I. That adds more responsibility for me strive for excellence to enrich the industry, to continue the hard work, and to give back more.

“Eugene is one of the great merchants in the New York, New Jersey trading area, but more important than that is that his ethical and spiritual approach to doing business. He always puts people first. For him that means being honest and ethical in word and deed. He treats his employees, suppliers, customers and the communities in which his businesses operate with the same caring attitude. The Gans award, named for my father Jerry Gans, is given to people who give honor and dignity to their profession. Eugene Chrinian fits this description perfectly.”

Eric Bernstein, GMFA’s President and Owner of retailer Berkshire Furniture, adds, “GMFA is proud to honor Eugene with the Jerry Gans Memorial Award and Peter Sorrentino, Vice President of Delivery and Logistics for Bob’s Discount Furniture with the Howard Liveright Award. 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 this year 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 Eugene and Peter please contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.

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.

About the Jerry Gans Memorial Award: The Jerry Gans Memorial Award is given in recognition of an individual who has distinguished himself/herself with deeds and service to the industry. This award was established in the name of Jerry Gans who gave honor and dignity to his profession.


Questions about this release? Contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.

GMFA News

Articles in GMFA News