IHFRA member Ray Isser to be honored for distinguished service

Group's top award will be given at a gala during the High Point Market

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 4, 2011

HIGH POINT — Ray Isser, a longtime member and former president of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn., will receive the group's highest honor, the Harold P. Braun Distinguished Service Award.

Ray Isser

The award will be presented at the 17th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala set for Monday evening, April 4, during the spring High Point Market.

IHFRA says the Braun award, presented annually for 35 years, goes to a sales rep "who embodies certain qualities and character and has distinguished him or herself on behalf of IHFRA, sales representatives, the industry, and has enhanced by deed and action the image of home furnishings sales representatives in the community and the industry."

Isser has been active in his Tri-State Chapter of IHFRA since 1978, holding every office including president from 1996 to 1998 and chairman from 1998 to 2000. He also has been active at the national level and became IHFRA's 68th president in 2006.

He has participated in all of the group's Washington lobbying efforts and has promoted and represented IHFRA at industry gatherings. He has been an example for the newer and younger representatives, the association said.

In more than 30 years in the industry, he has represented such lines as Wicker and Cane, King Koil, AICO, Chromcraft, Blackhawk, Stratford/Stratolounger, SLF, Homelegance, SEI, Luke Leather and Barcalounger.

Isser has been recognized by his peers with the Rudy Steltemeir Award in 2010 and recently was inducted into the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association's Hall of Fame.

The Furniture Industry Awards Gala, in the International Home Furnishings Center ballroom, is sponsored by IHFRA and the National Home Furnishings Assn. For reservations, contact the IHFRA office at (336) 889-3920 or e-mail ihfra@ihfra.org for more information.