Tri-State Home Furnishings Association Honors Representatives and Retailers at 75 th Birthday Celebration

Furniture World Magazine

TSHFA sets aside one evening to honor various members and institutions in the local home Furnishings industry. November 18 was the time and Williamson's Dining Rooms on City Line Avenue in Bala-Cynwyd was the place. This was also the 75th anniversary year of Furniture Club of Philadelphia charter. Harry Kahn, of Jonn's Interiors and Bassett Furniture Direct in Montgomeryville, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ was presented with a Hall of Fame Award for his many contributions to the local home furnishings industry and the association. It was also noted that his father was one of the signers of that original charter. A Memorial award was presented to the family of Steve Brown, who died earlier this year. Steve was honored for his involvement in the industry and the association in which he served as president. Senior Service awards were presented honoring Frank Mazza, Jr.; Tony LeDonne and accepted by their respective sons. Norman Menchel and Jack McDonald have been partners "forever" and were presented awards by Ed Myers. Miriam Nehlig Todd was pleased to note that Nehlig's now has four generations working in this family business. Mrs. Todd received her award from Michael Lesser. Presentations were given to outgoing Board Chairman Ray Isser and outgoing President Roger Galo. A Presidential Award was presented to Rich Fusco for his "pitching in" when he became Executive Vice President and Activities Chair. Diamond Furniture, multi-location operation, was selected for Retail Advertising Award. Today, on many Philadelphia area traffic reports, you will hear of slow downs, etc. at "Diamond Furniture Hill" on 1-95. Gary Diamond negotiated the naming of this landmark with CBS local radio. Chris Fecera, current president of 1999 winner Style Trend Furniture Buying Group, presented the award. Retail Display Award was presented to Designer Furniture Outlet, owned by Bob DiGiacomo. Bob also owns Chain-Mar Furniture in Norristown. Tom Smith presented the award, along with a brief history of Chain-Mar and Designer Furniture Outlet. Young Retailer of the Year was presented to Greg Jaron of Jaron's Furniture of Bordentown, NJ. Greg accepted the award with thanks to family for their continuing support. Chris Fecera, 1999 recipient, presented plaque to his successor. Robert Bucci was named Young Representative of the Year. Michael Lesser, last year's winner presented the award. Bob, who is a Flexsteel representative attended with members of Bucci family and Flexsteel management. Viking Furniture, owned by Marvin & Rose Weiss, along with their son Steve was chosen for "Specialty Store Award". Bruce Manner, CHR presented the award. Viking specializes in dinette and casual furniture. Awards are sometimes presented to "behind the scenes" people - for the extra mile job functions they perform. Tina Wilson, assistant to the buyers at Oskar Huber, Inc. was such a person. Bob Huber, co-president with his brothers, presented the "VIP of the Year" award to Tina, who had just returned from maternity leave. Congeniality Award, a member voted award was presented to Allen Dubrow of SofAmerica in Morgantown, PA by committee member David Lesser. Other nominees were Jim Bucci of Joseph J. Bucci Sons' Furniture of Delran, NJ and Charles Liebman of N.B. Liebman in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg, PA. Retail winner was Stevens Furniture, Hamilton, NJ. Ralph DiGiovanni, President brought his Merchandising and Warehouse managers to the podium to accept the award. Other nominees were: D & D Home Furnishings in Whitehall, PA and Johnny Janosik's in Laurel and Dover, DE. Ed Myers, last year's winner, presented Retailer of the Year Award. Representative of the Year honors went to Marvin Tavel, who was unable to attend due to illness. Barney Daley, who had been scheduled to present the award accepted on behalf of Marvin. Other nominees had been Fred Hass, CHR and Robert & William Nagle. The evening was topped of by dancing to Jim White's band, and the nine-piece group accomplished the impossible - playing for everyone's taste!