Tri-State Home Furnishings Association Inducts Jerry Pauley to Hall of Fame

Furniture World Magazine

TSHFA has been inducting members into its own Hall of Fame, usually for service to the association and/or the industry that goes "above and beyond expected norms". This year, it was doubly exciting because the winner was also the emcee of the event. Jerry Pauley, CHR has been emceeing for the last several years since Art Bergman's retirement. Jerry is association past president and board chair, a former Governor of IHFRA, a winner of Rudy Steltemeier Award from IHFRA, and he continues to be a very active board member even though he has retired from the road, last representing Chromcraft in northern New Jersey. The second part of the enjoyment was that the secret was kept from Jerry, so that when Ed Myers was beginning the announcement, all could see the surprise on Jerry's face. Each year, TSHFA members vote for three award winners - Representative of the Year; Retailer of the Year; and a Congeniality Award. Several other awards are decided by Awards Committee selection. Nominees for Retailer of the Year were: D & D Home Furnishings of Whitehall, PA; Johnny Janosik, Inc. of Laurel & Dover, DE; and SofAmerica of Morgantown, PA. Allen Dubrow of SofAmerica was the winner and accepted the award thanking his family and friends for all their support. Nominees for the Congeniality Awards this year were Brian Silver of Sam's Furniture in Tumersville, NJ; and David Barnes of Furniture Barn in New Castle, DE. Dave,Barnes was the winner. Nominees for Representative of the Year included Jeff Knight, Bruce Mariner and John Short. This year, a tie vote created two winners. Reub Salosky presented award to son-in-law Bruce Mariner. Ed Myers presented award to John Short. Senior Service Award was presented by Bob DiGiacomo of Chain-Mar Furniture Showcase to Fred Barbato for his many years of service to the industry. Young Representative Award was presented to Kevin Hodrick. Young Retailer Award was presented to Marc Seidman of Kincaid gallery store in Delaware. Both these Youth Recognition awards were presented by Stephen Cohen, Awards Committee chairman. Retail Display Award was presented to Bob Huber of Oskar Huber, Inc. with stores in Southampton and Berwyn, PA and Cherry Hill and Ship Bottom, NJ. Bob DiGiacorno (Chain-Mar & Designers' Furniture Outlet), last year's winner, presented the award. Retail Advertising Award winner, Gordon Schafer (Gordon Furniture) thanked his wife and staff when presented the award by Gary Diamond, (Diamond Furniture) last year's winner. The dinner was held on Saturday evening, November 17 at Williamson's Dining Rooms in suburban Philadelphia. Also included in the evening's festivities were cocktail hour, food stations offering something for every taste, music by Jim White Band for dancing and listening, dessert table and an area that remained available for anyone wanting a quiet place to converse.