Honorees Patrick Cory, Eddie Massood, Brad Pyne, Russell Bienenstock
The Metropolitan Furnishings Association of New Jersey and The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association announced that the second annual jointly held formal Awards Dinner & Dance will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Suffern, NY.
Awards will be given to recognize Patrick Cory of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery, Edward Massood of Thomasville Home Furnishings of NJ, Brad Pyne from AICO and Russell Bienenstock of Furniture World Magazine for the significant influence the recipients have made on the furniture industry.
“This year, noted Abraham Feinblum, President of the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association, “we have four home-town honorees who give freely of their time, energy and enthusiasm, year after year, to support the furniture business, industry associations and furniture related charitable causes in our local northeast trading area, as well as nationally.
“This important event presents an opportunity for New York and New Jersey retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and dancing,” added Kevin Snyder, President of MFA. “We all had a wonderful time last year, and again, we’ve taken great care to hold this year’s event at a central location just minutes from the George Washington Bridge.”
The Howard Liveright Memorial Award
The Howard Liveright Award is given by the MFA of NJ, to an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the home furnishings industry. This year the award will go to Patrick Cory of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery. Patrick joined the family business in 1981, working part-time while in school, then took on a full-time delivery driver position in 1991 in Miami, FL. In 1995 Patrick decided to get a feel for the retail side of the industry, joining Rooms-To-Go Furniture as a sales associate. Then re-joined Cory in 1999 as a Delivery Coordinator, which lead to becoming Managing Partner in 2009.
Patrick is recognized as a leader and voice of home delivery and transportation industries. He has written articles and has been featured in many of the industries publications. He is also very involved with industry charities and chapters of IHFRA.
The Jerry Gans Memorial Award
The Jerry Gans Award is given by the Greater NY HFA, to an individual who has distinguished him/herself with deed and service to the industry. This year the award will go to Edward Massood, President and COO of Thomasville Home Furnishings of NJ. Ed began his career with MGM Transport in 1974. After graduating from Seton Hall University in 1978 he moved to High Point, NC to develop and manage the MGM facility. Ed led the family owned company to become a leader in the transport industry.
In 2001 Edward and brother Michael opened the 1st of 9 Thomasville branded stores in Fairfax, VA. In 2007 the Massood family sold MGM Transport to CF Holdings, which allowed for Ed to move back to NJ and focus solely on the Thomasville store. Today Ed is involved with numerous charitable organizations and furniture industry organizations.
The Charles B. Costar Dean of IHFRA Award
The Charles B. Costar Dean of IHFRA Award is given to an individual who has set an example in the industry through their service and dedication to IHFRA and their associated chapter. This year the award will go to Russell Bienenstock (GNYHFA) and Brad Pyne (MFANJ).
Russell Bienenstock is Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Furniture World Magazine, which has provided hands on, in-depth retail marketing, finance, operations, sales management and sales education information to retail home furnishings executives since 1870. He is also the author of 23 educational guides that cover furniture product knowledge, styles and interior design topics. Russ serves on the Boards of Directors of the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library, the American Furniture Hall of Fame, City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry, and the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association.
Brad Pyne has worked in the home furnishings business for 25 years, currently representing AICO Furniture and Synergy Home Furnishings. In college Brad painted the interior of Levitz stores part-time, then later began his furniture career as a corporate merchandise manager for Rowe Furniture in McLean, VA. In 1997 he began learning the sales side of the industry in NY when he
joined Benchcraft (later Berkline). Brad is board member of both the MFANJ & GNYHFA as well as is a "CHR" - Certified Home Furnishings Representative distinction given by IHFRA's educational course.
About GNYHFA: The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association has served Home Furnishings Retailers, Reps, Manufacturers and Suppliers to the industry for over 60 years. Affiliated with IHFRA, the GNYHFA offers many programs and networking opportunities.
About MFA: The Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization is designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of those engaged in the New Jersey’s home furnishings industry. The Association is composed of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, transport, and other service related industries. Its mission is to create and foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among fellow members in the home furnishings industry. MFA also provides a voice for the furnishings industry both in Trenton and Washington and provides other member benefits.
For more information on this event or to get tickets, contact Alan Granetz, MFA, 205 West Main, Somerville, NJ 08876, 908-725-3460, metrofurnassoc@gmail.com. To place a journal ad to recognize the honorees email 2011journal@furninfo.com.