AFMA Honors Gerken With Distinguished Service Award

Furniture World Magazine

Edward J. Gerken Jr. has been honored by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association as the recipient of its 2002 Distinguished Service Award. Gerken received AFMA’s most prestigious and coveted honor at the association’s annual meeting held Nov. 14-17 in Scottsdale, Ariz. AFMA recognized Gerken as “Industry Authority” for his dedicated work as chairman of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council. Gerken recently joined Vaughan Furniture in Galax, Va., to head up the company’s new upholstery division. He previously was chairman and chief executive officer of Norwalk Furniture Corp. in Norwalk, Ohio. AFMA presents the Distinguished Service Award annually in recognition of a member’s contributions to the furniture industry. Recipients are chosen for their time and effort devoted to improving the industry; their executive presence and stature; their willingness to work to solve industry problems; and their integrity and leadership in community, state and industry. In presenting the award, Patrick Norton, chairman of La-Z-Boy, said, Gerken’s “consummate knowledge has guided industry leaders responsibly and diligently in producing furniture that is safe, effective and salable. His unwavering dedication indicates a willingness to be involved with the burgeoning scope of industry awareness and problem solving. “Gifted with the innate ability to identify the ‘big picture’ in challenging times, he is the torchbearer of proper perspective and objectivity. Focused, honest and clearly passionate about reaching long-range goals, he possesses the ability to recognize and motivate his colleagues to their full and utmost potential.” In addition to his contributions to UFAC, Gerken also has served as president of AFMA and on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as well as on the Board of Directors of the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce and Sligh Furniture Co. in Holland, Mich. He also has served on the executive committee of the Young Presidents Organization in Cleveland, Ohio, and on the Governing Board of Norwalk Alliance Church. His interests and hobbies include playing the guitar, riding BMW motorcycles, skiing, racing sports cars and enjoying his new grandchild.