IHFC names Tony Rayburn outstanding employee

Receives Robert H. Spilman Spirit of Excellence Award

Alex Lemonde-Gray -- Furniture Today, January 4, 2011

Tom Mitchell, president and CEO of High Point’s International Home Furnishings Center, presents IHFC employee Tony Rayburn with the Robert H. Spilman Spirit of Excellence Award.

HIGH POINT — Tony Rayburn, Main Wing manager at the International Home Furnishings Center, has received the Robert H. Spilman Spirit of Excellence Award as the showroom building's outstanding employee for the year.

Rayburn began his IHFC career in 1998 in maintenance.

"I have worked very hard every day in hopes of receiving this award," he said at an awards presentation Dec. 16. "Tonight, I couldn't be more proud."

Rayburn is the second recipient of the award, named after Robert H. Spilman, the late president and CEO of Bassett Furniture, who in 1985 led a buyout of the IHFC and became its chairman. He is credited with transforming the facility into the leading center for the home furnishings industry in the world, according to IHFC officials.

Tom Mitchell, IHFC President and CEO, said the award represents the qualities Spilman would have wanted to recognize: "a loyal performer who is customer-service oriented, and an engaged team player who leads by example."

Rayburn was presented with a silver bowl, a replica of the award, which is on display in the IHFC Executive Office Lobby.

Recognition also was given to several employees for benchmark years of service at the IHFC: Rhonda Adcock and Kay Sheets for five years, Ben Grimsley and Carl McNeill for 10 years, Helene Grimsley for 15 years, Rita Nash for 20 years and Lisa Johnson for 25 years.