Bert Z. Schreiber, CHR, Certified Homefurnishings Representative, is the recipient of the 2000 Harold P. Braun Distinguished Service Award

Furniture World Magazine

Bert Z. Schreiber, CHR, Certified Homefurnishings Representative, is the recipient of the 2000 Harold P. Braun Distinguished Service Award. Schreiber, nominated by Northern California Home Furnishings Representatives Association, was IHFRA's 59th president and was among several notable and worthy candidates. Schreiber, who joined the home furnishings industry in 1972, has been an active member of his California chapter and IHFRA for more than 20 years. In 1985, while president of North Carolina Home Furnishings Representatives Association (NCHFRA), Bert became involved in national activities and earned the 1986 Dean of IHFRA award. Two years later, he was elected governor and represented his district at the national conference. In 1989, he was presented the Crystal Membership Award for outstanding membership recruitment in 1988-89. In 1990, he was elected Governors' Liaison and served two consecutive years in that important position. He began serving in 1992 as the third vice president for IHFRA. Also during this time frame, he chaired the CHR Fundraising Committee, which ultimately helped secure the funds and support to launch the new CHR program, now the industry's standard of professionalism and certification. In 1991 and again in 1992, Bert was named head of the search committee to secure the proper person for the executive director position of IHFRA. Equally important was Bert's role as IHFRA restructuring committee chair in 1993 and 1994. As part of the restructuring plan, the national conference has a new focus - off to Washington, DC for a "March On Washington." The 1995 March meeting was visionary and would be the first of many to come. During the unforgettable "100 Days" of Speaker Gingrich's Congress, IHFRA leaders captured 20 minutes of his valuable time to discuss openly how decisions Congress made have impacted the home furnishings industry. The eyes of Congress were opened to the reality that the home furnishings industry is truly comprised of small business owners and is one of the last frontiers of entrepreneurs. An advocate of professionalism before it was a "buzzword," Bert supported CHR and challenged representatives and manufacturers alike to invest in themselves. A believer of partnering with the market centers to improve sales representative support of the market process, Schreiber was presented the prestigious Gold Pass for the International Home Furnishings Center in 1996 at the conclusion of his presidential year. He sought a forum for industry-wide involvement that resulted in the notable "Furniture Industry Awards Gala." He stressed the importance of the sales representative as an integral part of the home furnishings industry which lead to the induction of Harold P. Braun into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. Schreiber, still active through the IHFRA Past Presidents' Chapter, challenges his association to recreate itself and lead its members through the technological changes ahead. The awards committee judged and selected Schreiber based upon the criteria established for the award which was first presented in 1976. Originally known as the "Man of Mark" Award, the highest and most prestigious honor IHFRA presents, it was renamed the Harold P. Braun DSA to recognize Braun's invaluable contributions to IHFRA and the home furnishings industry.