IHFC Announces Second Annual "Spirit of Excellence Award"

The International Home Furnishings Center honored their second recipient of the Robert H. Spilman Spirit of Excellence Award on Thursday evening, December 16, 2010, during an awards presentation.  Robert H. (Bob) Spilman, who passed away last year, transformed the face of the IHFC to be the leading center for the home furnishings industry in the world.  Bob Spilman was the President and CEO of Bassett Furniture Industries for many years and in 1985, led the buyout of the IHFC and became its Chairman.

Tony Rayburn, who began his IHFC career in 1998 in maintenance and later promoted to the Main Wing manager, was presented with the award.  In remarks made by Tom Mitchell, IHFC President and CEO, this award represents the qualities that Bob Spilman would have wanted to recognize, “A loyal performer who is customer-service oriented, and an engaged team player who leads by example.”
 
Mr. Rayburn was presented with a silver bowl, a replica of the Robert H. Spilman Spirit of Excellence Award that is on display in the IHFC Executive Office Lobby.  This award is engraved each year with the name of the annual recipient.  In accepting, Rayburn said “I have worked very hard every day in hopes of receiving this award.  Tonight, I couldn’t be more proud.”
 
Recognition was also given to several employees for benchmark years of service at the IHFC.  Rhonda Adcock and Kay Sheets were recognized with five years of service.  Celebrating their ten years of service were Ben Grimsley and Carl McNeill.  Helene Grimsley was recognized with fifteen years of service.  Rita Nash celebrated twenty years and Lisa Johnson was recognized with twenty-five years at the IHFC.