The Metropolitan Furnishings Association of New Jersey (MFA) recently celebrated its 67th anniversary with a gala Awards Banquet at il Tulipano’s restaurant in Cedar Grove, N.J. With more than a hundred members, guests and friends, the Association continued its tradition of honoring New Jersey’s best (see photos taken by Tommy Leflein below).
New MFA President Kevin Snyder: Louis Masssood, Executive Vice President MGM Transport Corp and MFA's 2009 President, administered the oath of office to MFA's 2010 President, Kevin Snyder of Berkline NJ/NY Metro.
The Howard Liveright Award, named after the first treasurer of the original Jersey Furniture Association, was presented to Albin Grundner C.H.R. Albin is a representative for Bermex Furniture and Martin Furniture. The award reads in part “…awarded for leadership, guidance, thought and consideration of all people…recognizing and assisting in civic and charitable activities.” The award was presented by Frank Schaeman, Sandberg Furniture.
The E. Louis Billington Salesman Award was presented to Chris Delisa. Chris is on the Executive Board of the MFA as well as President of the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association. Chris is a Vice President of fast growing Homeline furniture and is very active in his family life and community. He has truly distinguished himself in service to our industry. The award was presented by Tommy Lefien, Lexington Home Brands.
To call attention to those in our industry who will be leaders in the future, the Association presented awards to Amy Filippone and Rui DaCruz.
Best Young Retailer Award: Amy Filippone is third generation in the successful family business, Melray’s Furniture, in North Arlington, NJ. The Best Young Retailer award was presented by Larry Tennen of MGM Transport.
Best Young Rep Award: Andy Gans, of Gans Brothers, presented this award to Rui DaCruz, a representative for World Imports among others. He went from the family retail Furniture business into repping a few years ago and he is certainly making his mark on the road. Great things are expected of him.
About MFA: Founded in 1941 as the New Jersey Furniture Club, the not-for-profit organization is designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of those engaged in the state's furnishings industry. Today the Association is composed of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, transport, and other service related industries.
The Association's mission is to create and foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among fellow members in the home furnishings industry. The Association's charter states,
"We subscribe wholeheartedly to the principles of fair and honorable competition. We strive, through our Association, to promote the continued growth of members, the improvement of our industry and to more adequately meet our responsibility to our customers and the public at large."
The Association also provides a voice for the furnishings industry both in Trenton and Washington, sponsors and manages wholesale and retail furnishings shows and provides other member benefits.
For more information on becoming a member of MFA contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director at albeee3@onebox.com
Lou Massood Administers Oath of Ofice To Kevin Snyder.
Frank Schaeman presents The Howard Liveright Award to Albin Grundner.
Amy Filippone was presented with Best Young Retailer Award by Larry Tennen.
Chris Delisa was presented with the The E. Louis Billington Salesman Award by Tommy Leflein.
All The Award Winners.
Andy Gans presented this award to Rui DaCruz