Underdown named 'Leader of the Year'
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 20, 2006
Hickory, N.C. — The Lenoir-Rhyne College Business Council will honor Parks C. "Neil" Underdown Jr., chairman of furniture and bedding supplier Hickory Springs Mfg. Co., as 2006 Business Leader of the Year.
Underdown joined his father, Parks C. Underdown Sr., at Hickory Springs in 1958, and has served in various capacities, first as office and credit manager and later in purchasing and as trucking manager.
He became a plant manager before being named president and CEO in 1968. Under his leadership, Hickory Springs grew to more than 60 operating facilities in 17 states.
"Neil has always represented the highest level of business ethics," said J. Donald Coleman, president of Hickory Springs. "We are the company we are today thanks to his visionary wisdom."
Underdown has been active in the community as an individual, and Hickory Springs also has supported numerous projects in the community. He will receive the award at a Feb. 15 luncheon in Hickory.
