Four Hands Honored for Excellence in Urban Business

Furniture World Magazine

Four Hands announced that it was awarded the 2008 Inner City 100 Award for Excellence in Urban Business by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). They are only one of 10 companies in Texas chosen and are now finalists for the National Inner City 100 list. In a ceremony at Austin City Hall, Four Hands was presented the award by Mayor Will Wynn and the ICIC SVP Manjari Raman. Founded ten years ago by ICIC and Inc. Magazine, the Inner City 100 is a program that ranks and publicizes the fastest growing inner city businesses nationwide. Over the years, the list has spotlighted thousands of thriving urban businesses serving regional, national, and international markets; generating valuable new jobs; and making an incalculable difference in their communities. “Led by some of today’s most creative entrepreneurs, the Inner City 100 has shown the nation how the advantages of inner cities, such as diverse workforces and strategic locations, can combine to create explosive growth,” said David G. Latimore, president and CEO of ICIC. “Their success has led to innovative investment programs, and they’re providing enormous stimulus for change in their communities.” “Product, People, and Passion are the backbone behind Four Hands, “ said Founder and CEO, Brett Hatton, “therefore due to its energy and support of entrepreneurial companies, Austin is a natural fit for our global headquarters”. Four Hands President and COO, Mathew Briggs, was on hand to accept the award. “We’re honored to be recognized for giving back to a city that has given us so much over the years,” said Briggs. About Four Hands: As a back-to-back-to-back winner of Inc.'s Magazine's "Top 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies", and a back-to-back winner of Texas Monthly's "Best Companies to Work for in Texas", Four Hands is one of the most dynamic companies in the furniture industry . They specialize in award-winning transitional and contemporary design, and serve as a national wholesale supplier to Top 100 furniture companies. About the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City: The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School professor Michael E. Porter. ICIC’s mission is to promote economic prosperity in America’s inner cities through private sector engagement that leads to jobs, income and wealth creation for local residents. ICIC brings together business and civic leaders to drive innovation and action, transform thinking and accelerate inner city business growth and investment.