FFDM Announces Promotions, New Employees

Furniture World Magazine

Fine Furniture Design and Marketing (FFDM) announced the appointment and promotion of several key employees. Geoff Beaston, CEO and president, states, “As we continue to build relationships with retailers, our team of highly qualified and experienced executives will be in the field on a regular basis. This personal interaction is what ensures FFDM is a strong partner for our accounts.” Howard Ward has been promoted from his role as a sales and marketing executive to vice president of sales and Mike Keveryn joins the company also as a vice president of sales. In their new positions Ward and Keveryn will work from FFDM’s corporate headquarters in High Point, N.C. focusing on national accounts. In making the announcement, Beaston said, “Howard and Mike are well respected in the industry and their contributions are crucial to meeting our long-term growth goals.” Keveryn brings with him years of experience in the industry. Most recently he was vice president of sales for American Drew. Keveryn was also Vice President of Sales for Bernhardt for seven years. Ken Myers, continues his role as sales and marketing executive covering the west/northwest region. John Davis and Paul Cicarelli round out the sales team, joining FFDM as sales and marketing executives. Davis has more than 10 years experience in the industry working as a sales rep for Drexel Heritage and Stanley-Craftmaster Upholstery. He will cover the southwest/southeast territory. Cicarelli comes to FFDM from Thomasville Furniture, and prior to that he worked for the Rowe Furniture Corporation. Cicarelli will cover the north/northeast/Midwest territory. Claudia Bray has been appointed controller of FFDM. Bray has more than 14 years experience in accounting management with extensive interaction with operations. Most recently she was the controller for Hot Wax Candle Company, and prior to that she was the controller for Whitesell Corporation, a distributor of hardware and fasteners to the furniture industry. The addition and promotion of these employees enables members of the Fine Furniture Design and Marketing management team to provide more personalized service to its valued customers. About Fine Furniture: With corporate headquarters in High Point, NC, Fine Furniture Design & Marketing designs and markets superior quality home furnishings for discerning consumers. The company offers a broad range of case goods styles and functional pieces to suit every taste and need. Fine Furniture is available through quality retailers across the country. For more information, visit www.ffdm.com. International Trade Fair For Drapery & Upholstery Fabric, Leather And Trimmings The theme for the fourth edition of London Fabric taking place from 24 to 26 February 2004 at the stylish Commonwealth Institute in West London, will be diversity. Companies from 10 countries will be exhibiting. A balanced mixture of long term exhibitors and newcomers will enable visitors to both see their existing suppliers’ latest collections and discover new producers from as far as China. Drapery fabric is now formally incorporated into the show profile as most exhibitors supply upholstery and curtaining fabric. As a manufacturers’ show, London Fabric is the only event of its kind in the UK. Exhibitors are weavers and tanners from around the world. Visitors are upholstery manufacturers, drapery fabric buyers, wholesalers, fabric houses, large retailers and specifiers. As usual, Belgium and Italy have the largest contingents. They include Acotex, Annabel, ITM International, Ter Molst International and Verstraete + Verbauwede from Belgium and Imatex, Pozzi Arturo, Lodovico Rossini and Magniarredo from Italy. Newcomer Audejas AB from Lithuania will be exhibiting for the first time in the UK. They already export 85% of the production of upholstery, decorative and curtain fabrics. Three Chinese weavers from the Shaoxing region will also be making their debut at London Fabric. This province which is just 2 hours South of Shanghai is one of the largest silk & textile producing regions in China. All three companies have already visited the UK to assess the suitability of their product for the market and have been encouraged by the potential. To support them and promote trade relations for the region will be two representatives of the foreign trade bureau. Another emerging country is Turkey with three exhibitors: Arnova, Ismen and 3-time exhibitor Kets. Four textile colleges (Surrey Institute of Art & Design, Nottingham Trent School of Art and Design, University of Derby, University of Wolverhampton) will be co-ordinating a feature of both inspirational and market-focused fabric designed and produced by their final year students. For more information, contact: Caroline Haye, British Furniture Manufacturers Association (BFM) Tel +44 (0)20 7724 0851 - Fax +44 (0)20 7706 1924 E-mail: londonfabric@bfm.org.uk - www.londonfabric.com