EDITED BY KRIS KYES

Couristan Creates Outdoor-living Brochure
Supporting its growing outdoor/indoor area-rug category, Couristan has created its first outdoor-living brochure. The four-color, 18-page brochure includes product photos from two outdoor/indoor area-rug collections, as well as two broadloom collections. In total, over 40 different area rugs are featured, offering an array of colors (as well as matching special shapes and runners). The brochure’s stylized photos depict how spaces from decks to patios can be transformed into inviting extensions of the home with the addition of Couristan’s finely crafted outdoor/indoor floor coverings.

Selkirk/Wett Create Training Bursary
WETT Inc. and Selkirk Canada Corp. are pleased to announce the creation of a training bursary. This bursary will cover the course fees for one individual per year seeking assistance with the cost of WETT certification. Tim Valters, Selkirk Canada’s president, says, “Creating this award signifies Selkirk Canada’s commitment to the industry. Proper training in all aspects of installing, maintaining and inspection of wood-burning systems is an essential component of the industry’s product-stewardship requirements.”

Anthony Laycock, WETT’s executive director, says, “WETT is pleased with the support offered by Selkirk Canada and we applaud their commitment to training. Annually, over 1,000 people take WETT courses from coast to coast, and the participation of the manufacturers and industry suppliers is essential for the WETT program.” The purpose of this award is to provide financial assistance to a person seeking WETT certification as an installer, system advisor or sweep following the WETT path to certification. A committee formed by WETT Inc. will review applicants annually to select the nominee. Recipient-selection criterion will include, but will not be limited to: prior exposure to the industry, perceived interest in the programs, references provided and perceived financial need. For more information on the bursary, please contact the WETT office or visit www.wettinc.ca.

Selkirk Announces New Heatfab Web Site
In order to address the growing needs of its customers, Selkirk is proud to introduce its redesigned www.heatfab.com. The new Web site features product information sections dedicated to the Saf-T Vent, Saf-T Liner and Saf-T Pipe product lines, order tracking, product registration, news items, Web site links and a soon-to-be-released interactive adapter chart that allows the user to search for the applicable Saf-T Vent adapter using manufacturers’ appliance model numbers. The new heatfab.com site also incorporates many of the navigational features already in use on Selkirk’s other sites, including the help desk information center recently introduced at selkirkcanada.com.

BBQr’s Delight Competes in Illinois State BBQ Championship
After a stellar performance last year, Pine Bluff, Ark.-based BBQr’s Delight competed in the 17th annual Illinois BBQ Championship and Butt-to-Butt contest on July 13 and 14 in Shannon, Ill., finishing in third place in the Butt-to-Butt contest, in first place for chicken and in fourth place for brisket in the main contest. In this year’s contest, Candy Weaver (BBQr’s sales and marketing director) and her team received an overall ranking of sixth place out of 60 teams. BBQr’s Delight took first place last year in the Butt-to-Butt invitation-only competition. “Competition is a passion for me, and that’s why I went back to defend my title,” Weaver says.

BBQr’s Delight sells 14 flavors of wood pellets used for smoking in outdoor cookers. The most popular flavor is Jack Daniel’s smoking pellets, which are made from used mellowing charcoal from a distillery. The charcoal is mixed with a touch of oak, producing a black pellet that yields a strong, sweet smoked flavor suitable for beef, pork and game meats.

Casual Creations Appoints Scott Coogan
Scott Coogan has joined Casual Creations, Sarasota, Fla., as vice president of design and product development. Scott has held this position with great success for some of the industry’s leading companies, including Pompeii Furniture and Pride Family Brands. Coogan also worked as a freelance designer with some giants of the home-furnishings industry and played a successful role in the growth of these companies.

Silverstate fabrics Announces Tres Joe by Joe Ruggiero
Silver State Inc. has introduced Tres Joe, the latest collection designed by Joe Ruggiero exclusively for Silverstate fabrics, according to Manoli Sargetakis, a principal of Silver State Inc. Inspired by five separate design trends stemming from New England traditional, 1930s Hollywood menswear, the English countryside, Asian, and whimsical cottage brights, the exclusive Sunbrella® collection has a trend for everyone. “Once again, Joe Ruggiero has combined inspirations from around the world to create a cohesive collection that the United Nations would envy. It’s amazing to me how these fabrics can use quiet subtlety and elegance to shout style,” Sargetakis says.

Hearth & Home Technologies Features Customer Trends Guru at Conference
Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. featured Robyn Waters, president of RW Trends, as a keynote speaker at its three-day Alliance conference held in St. Louis, Mo. Waters, Target’s former vice president of trend, design, and product development, discussed key consumer trends affecting product development and today’s consumer buying criteria. She is the author of “The Trend­master’s Guide: Get a Jump on What Your Customer Wants Next,” a simple and witty guide to tracking and translating trends into sales and profit. Her second book, “The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contra­dictions of the New Trend Land­scape,” explores the contradictory nature of today’s consumer. She is also a contributor to “The Big Moo,” a book by 33 of the world’s best business thinkers. The three-day Alliance conference was attended by Hearth & Home Technologies’ top dealers and distributors.

Harman President Receives Prestigious Award
Dane Harman, president and founder of Harman Stove Co., was recently named as the 2007 Greater Philadelphia Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of  the Year for Consumer Pro­ducts. Ernst & Young presents its annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards to the most successful and innovative entrepreneurial business leaders around the globe, in more than 125 cities and 40 countries. After receiving this prestigious award, Harman is now in the running for the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, which will be awarded in Palm Springs, Calif., in November 2007. Harman founded Harman Stove Co. in 1979 and has grown his business to become the leader in pellet-stove technology, holding several patents and manufacturing over 40 home heating units representing nine fuel categories.

Horizons Group

Shuford Mills Launches New Web Site
Shuford Mills has launched a new Web site (www.outdura.com) for its Outdura brand of performance fabrics. Key features of the new site include detailed care and cleaning instructions that manufacturers, retailers, fabricators and customers alike will find useful, as well as many new Outdura fabric styles and colors available for online viewing. These new fabrics include the ADEX Gold award-winning collection, Urban Essentials, and the Platinum award winner, Horizons. The site includes expanded FAQs and details Outdura’s Best in the Business warranties for both marine and outdoor casual fabrics.

Shuford Mills Wins Platinum ADEX
Shurford Mills recently received a Platinum ADEX in the 2006–2007 Awards for Design Excellence competition. Earning this top award was the Horizons collection from Shuford’s successful Outdura® line of furniture-weight performance fabrics. ADEX is the largest, most prestigious competition for product design of furnishings marketed through the design trade. Outdura’s award-winning collection for the 2007 line features a new color, Aquatic, and the lead pattern, Tempo, takes a fresh, modern approach to the classic paisley. Coordinated with a grasscloth-like texture called Cadence, Tempo also pairs with a bold, upscale stripe, Skyline. This 100-percent solution-dyed acrylic group can fit in any setting.

Woodard Awards Sales Representative of the Year
Woodard, LLC, a leading manufacturer of outdoor furniture, held its annual sales meeting and sales awards dinner in July. Three sales representatives were recognized for their achievements throughout the season. Among those noted were Tim Snyder of the Midwest region and Charles Sudlow of the Eastern Canada, Upstate New York and Pennsylvania region. The honor of Sales Representative of the Year was awarded to Domenic Fronsaglia of the New England region. Fronsaglia has been a sales representative with Woodard, LLC, for 26 years and attributes his success to the support of those he works with on a daily basis. “I’d like to thank the dealers and Woodard team for their support and for making it all possible,” Fronsaglia says.

Domila Announces Booth Change at Chicago Casual Furniture Market
Due to overwhelming response received at the Chicago International Casual Pre-Market this year, Domila has moved its booth for the September Chicago Casual Furniture Market to one that can accommodate more visitors and carry a wider variety of products. Domila offers specialty stores and retailers outdoor furniture for the outdoor-living industry. Please note the booth change from the original booth number 8-9074 to booth number 8-7065. Please stop by to visit Domila representatives.

O.W. Lee Launches New Design Concept: Outdoor Couture by Marcia Blake
O.W. Lee Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of fine handcrafted furniture for over 60 years, has partnered with designer Marcia Blake, founder and president of Coto De Caza, Calif.-based Outdoor Interiors, to help change the landscape of outdoor living spaces as we know them. The two companies have joined forces and will be launching O.W. Lee Outdoor Couture™ by Marcia Blake. “Interior design knows no boundaries,” Blake says. “The newest trends in home decor are being extended into outdoor living spaces and bring personality to the garden like never before. This new venture will include everything from fashionable pillows and throws to draperies and accessories, with the utmost attention to detail, without worrying about sun damage and weathering,” she says.

Terri Lee Rogers, co-president in charge of sales and marketing at O.W. Lee, stresses, “Folks are discovering a new destination for comfortable and luxurious getaways: their own backyards. Since we’re product innovators and committed to creating a sophisticated and cohesive outdoor environment, this is an exciting and strategic enhancement to our product line that will bring great value to our dealers, as well as their customers.” Rogers adds, “Marcia has been instrumental, for the past two seasons, in selecting designer fabrics and trims to help take our products to a whole new level, and the O.W. Lee collection gets more exciting by the day.”

Blake has been published in Coast Magazine and Casual Living, and is a contributor to articles in Water Garden News. She is also an active ASID industry partner and Color Marketing Group member.

O.W. Lee Names Ron Ball 2007 Retail Salesperson of the Year
Jeff B. Dorough, director of sales & marketing, O.W. Lee, presented Ron Ball, longtime industry veteran, with the company’s 2007 Retail Salesperson of the Year award at its national sales meeting prior to the Casual Pre-Market on July 8. “Ron came out on top in our voting due to his strength in customer relations, problem-solving skills, number of new accounts, goal attainment and overall attitude,” Dorough says. “We are very pleased to have Ron as a member of our sales team. He is a leader and mentor for many of our sales representatives.” Also named was Rod Wilcoxen, 2007 Contract Salesperson of the Year. Honorable mentions went to David Digirolamo, Dennis Thurmer and Gayle Haden.

Michael Echolds

Tropitone Seeks Institutional Investor
Tropitone Furniture Co., a leading manufacturer of fine casual furniture, announced today that it has engaged Chicago-based Lincoln Inter­national to be its financial adviser. The company is seeking an institutional investor to provide Tropitone with access to expanded financial resources to accelerate the company’s future growth plans. According to Michael Echolds, Tropitone’s chief executive officer, the company has benefited for over 50 years from the vision and leadership of three generations of the founding Baker family.

ClassicFlame Wins Two Coveted ADEX Awards
Twin-Star International, Inc., a leading North American manufacturer of ClassicFlame electric fireplace inserts and fine furniture hearth mantels (as well as Tresanti™ fashion bath vanities), announced today that it is the recipient of two ADEX awards: Platinum for its Biltmore electric fireplace and Gold for its built-in Builders Box electric fireplace insert. The prestigious Awards for Design Excellence, or ADEX awards, are presented annually and are the largest and most prestigious awards for product design of furniture, fixtures and finishes marketed to the design trade.

Tommy Bahama Opens Permanent Showroom
Tommy Bahama, the lifestyle brand that captures the essence of luxury island living, has opened a spectacular new permanent showroom for its signature casual-furniture and accessory collection. The 4,000-square-foot showroom, located at the Merchandise Mart, Suite 1625–26, Chicago, opened for the SCFMA market July 9 through 12. Designed to evoke the true spirit of the brand, the new Tommy Bahama showroom embodies the high-concept lifestyle company that, in the past 15 years, has set the standard for upscale casual living. The space, which has been designed to capture the richness of fine island living, transports you to another place for the ultimate relaxing escape.

Simpson Dura-Vent Appoints Lampey as National Marketing Manager
Simpson Dura-Vent is pleased to appoint Todd Lampey as national marketing manager, hearth products. Lampey joined Simpson Dura-Vent in September 1997 as regional sales manager of the Central region. Most recently, he has been managing national accounts, including OEM accounts. He will be pivotal in identifying new product and market opportunities for distributor, dealer and OEM strategic partners.

RAIS Featured in Next House Model Home
RAIS was spotlighted when the new NextHouse Dwell model home in Hillsborough, N.C., was unveiled June 30 and July 1 at a public open-house weekend. The modern, prefabricated NextHouse featured cutting-edge design and a wide array of high-quality products, including the ingenious RAIS Gizeh barbecue that turns into an open outdoor fireplace. Dwell Home invited RAIS as the only European stove brand to participate in its NextHouse partner program.

Bella-Dura Announces Recycling Program With AF&Y
Wearbest Sil-Tex Mills, Inc., the makers of Bella-Dura™ performance fabrics, in conjunction with Amer­ican Fibers and Yarns, announces a new fabric-recycling program for all Bella-Dura™ fabrics. Fabrics sent to American Fibers and Yarns Co. in Bain­bridge, Ga., will become part of a recycling stream that will produce a variety of durable and disposable goods. Some of the markets include parts for automotive interiors, geotextiles, horticultural products and filtration fabrics. Energy-saving manufacturing practices are also used during this recycling process to make these regenerated products.

O.W. Lee Celebrates 60th Anniversary
O.W. Lee is proud to be celebrating its 60th anniversary. The Ontario, Calif.-based company was founded by Oddist W. Lee, who began designing and manufacturing custom gates, railings and furniture for the luxurious estates of the Pasadena and San Marino areas in 1947. The company continues its American family tradition, with the third and fourth generations directly involved on a daily basis. O.W. Lee has become one of the most trusted and sought-after manufacturers today of wrought iron and wrought aluminum made in the United States. All styles are handcrafted, using only the finest materials (for an heirloom quality) providing years of comfort, style, durability and enjoyment.

Treasure Garden Celebrates Success!
At its annual company dinner in Chicago last month, Treasure Garden celebrated record-breaking success for 2007. Unprecedented achievements were all recognized, with awards given to the sales team by Oliver Ma, company president and CEO, for outstanding achievements in sales volume, increased business and new accounts. Treasure Garden would like to thank its long-term business partners for their loyalty and incredible support.

In an effort to protect their patented Umbrella Light, Treasure Garden issued recently the following statement to the industry:

Treasure Garden sells high quality and innovative umbrellas and their accessories, including the unique umbrella light. We are seeing copies and imitations of this popular light. However, this and similar lights are protected by U.S. patent no. 7,134,762 and are the subject of U.S. patent application no. 2007-0133191. We are monitoring the market and actively asserted the patent against a number of lights that are believed to infringe the patent.

Duraflame Introduces All-natural Firelogs
Duraflame, Inc., has stopped using petroleum wax in the production of its Duraflame brand firelogs. Not only are these better-performing products, they also produce a more eco-friendly fire, Chris Caron, vice president of brand development for Duraflame, explains. As North America’s firelog brand leader, Duraflame has been very focused on developing environmentally friendly products for the past several years. “We are committed to minimizing our products’ environmental impact, and coming up with an alternative to the petroleum wax in all our fireplace products was a big step in this direction,” Caron says. The new bio-wax formula is derived from a blend of natural waxes and made from renewable plant and vegetable materials. According to Caron, a major benefit of this switch to natural ingredients is improved performance. “We’ve been able to prove that this new formulation allows logs to light faster with more robust and colorful flames,” he says, describing this as a true added value for the consumer. The response from retailers and customers has been extremely positive. In fact, Home Depot previously contracted with two firelog suppliers (Duraflame being one of them), but because of Duraflame’s commitment to the development of eco-friendly products, the retail giant has dropped the other supplier.

PHPR July/August 2007

Current Issue | About Us |Advertising Info | Contact us |Subscribe