WithIt to honor Lillian August with Legacy Award

Additional WOW Awards to be presented at August conference

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 15, 2009

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Nine industry people have been nominated for WithIt's 2009 WOW Awards, which will be presented at a dinner ceremony during the group's Education Conference, set for Aug. 11-13 at the Embassy Suites Concord-Charlotte, N.C.

Lillian August

The annual awards recognize business leaders nominated by their peers who have contributed to the success of the home furnishings industries, have at least five years of industry experience, and have demonstrated significant impact on their companies, the industry, or both.

Additionally, this year's Legacy Award, presented to a woman of achievement who has made significant lifetime contributions to the industry, will also be presented to Lillian August, of Lillian August Home Furnishings & Interior Design, during the event.

WithIt (Women in the Home Industries Today) has presented the honors since 2000. The award categories are:

Catherine Morsell

Manoj Nigam

Karen Tucker

• Mentoring Award, for an executive or organization that has fostered advocacy, development or promotion of women in their company. This year's nominees are Catherine Morsell, International Textile Market Assn.; Manoj Nigam, MicroD Inc.; and Karen Tucker, Furniture Transport Group.

 • Education Award, for an executive or company that has developed programs to educate associates, retailers or consumers about home furnishings. Nominees are Sharron Bradley, Western Home Furnishings Assn.; W.W. "Jerry" Epperson, Mann, Armistead & Epperson; and Susan Inglis, Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Sharron Bradley

W.W. “Jerry” Epperson

Susan Inglis

• Future Leader Award, for a woman under 40 who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and the potential to become an industry leader. Nominees are Monica Hill, Simmons Co.; Jessica Kosher, Cargill BiOH Polyols Business; and Renee Loper, aspenhome.

Additional event information and conference registration is available online at www.withit.org or by contacting Sara Lyke, executive director, at (336) 880-2188.