People on the Move
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 10, 2006
Marketing/Sales
Zocalo
San Francisco — Furniture importer Zocalo has hired Michael Chua as marketing manager, and promoted Amy Neal to the newly created post of public relations/marketing manager. Both report to Danny Olivas, director of marketing.
Chua, who is new to the furniture industry, comes to Zocalo after working in marketing and sales for seven years. He has expertise in project management and implementing performance improvement technology. He will be responsible for Zocalo's market research, direct mail campaigns and Web site maintenance.
Formerly Zocalo's major account coordinator, Neal will be the company's key media contact. In addition to marketing efforts, she will focus on increasing the company's visibility in the industry, in shelter and trade publications, and at local community events.
Associations
AWFS
Commerce, Calif. — The Young Furniture Associates, a chapter of the Assn. of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers, has presented the Richard M. Sax Award to YFA Past-President Juan Morales, production manager for Contract Resources.
The award goes to the member who has best demonstrated leadership and dedicated service to the YFA and the fulfillment of its goals.
YFA also has installed its governing board for 2006: Peter Bohenek of Rhythm Interactive, president; Dan Murphy of Stiles Machinery, vice president; Al Gonzales of Hanes Inds., treasurer; Ron Warren of A1-International, secretary; and Morales, immediate past president.
Others installed to serve on the chapter board are Pedro Cevallos of Hickory Springs, Eddie DeLa Torre of Stiles Machinery, Isaias Gallardo of Excell Enterprises, Antonio Guevara of Gunor International, Jess Martinez of Hanes Inds., and Roberta Tuchman of Contract Resources.
IFRA
Newport Beach, Calif. — The International Furniture Rental Assn. presented Neil Scholnick, CEO and founder of American Furniture Rental, with its Carl F. Barron Outstanding Achievement Award during its annual meeting here.
The award is presented to an individual who provides exemplary service and support of the furniture rental industry.
Several officers also were elected, including the organization's first female president, Ginny Kreamer of Custom Furniture Rental in Las Vegas. Don Lange of Atlanta-based Aaron Rents is president-elect, and Gene Kemp of Colony Furniture Leasing in Columbus, Ga., is secretary-treasurer.
During the annual meeting, a panel discussed the status of the furniture rental and manufacturing industries, and trends in the retail and rent-to-own arenas.
Panelists were Scholnick, Lange, Robert W. Crawford Jr. of Brook Furniture, and Paul Arnold of Cort Furniture Rental.
Contact us
Retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations are invited to send releases and photographs for appointments, promotions and awards to: People/Today, P.O. Box 2754, High Point, N.C. 27261. Releases also can be faxed to (336) 605-1143 or e-mailed to gerri.hunt@reedbusiness.com. Please include a phone number.
