Northeast groups merge to create GMFA

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, February 20, 2012

The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Assn.’s new logo makes creative use of furniture silhouettes.EDISON, N.J. - The Metropolitan Furnishings Assn. and the Greater New York Home Furnishings Assn. have formally merged as the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Assn.
     The new organization has more than 200 supplier representative, retailer and other industry members and serves the industry in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
     Patrick Cory, president of the new organization and managing partner of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery, said it "is now in a position to expand the services it offers to home furnishings retailers, reps, manufacturers, wholesalers and industry suppliers.
     "This year, we will aggressively build our membership by marketing our existing programs such as major medical insurance coverage, credit card processing, huge discounts for office supplies and much more," Cory said.
     In addition, he said the association will build on its "core strength as a forum to help build relationships among the various players in our local industry with great social events and educational seminars."
     Alan Granetz, former executive director of MFA, has been named executive director of the new GMFA. He said the group has started work on a combined member directory, and committees have been formed to coordinate a June 5 golf outing, a new September event and a November dinner dance and awards gala.
     GMFA has a LinkedIn group with nearly 500 members that can be accessed through the organization's new website.
     Jennifer Sova, who was the membership coordinator for GNYHFA, will be assisting GMFA with member communications. The group is affiliated with the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.
     In addition to Cory, other executive board members are Tommy Leflein, Lexington Home Brands, vice president; Mike Fischer, Sofas Plus, vice president; Russell Bienenstock, Furniture World Magazine, secretary; Roy Levine, Levine, Jacobs & Co., treasurer; and Abraham Feinblum, Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate, and Rock Aaronson, Klaussner, at-large executive board members.
     Other board members include Albin Grundner, Bermex; Andy Gans, Gans Bros.; Frank Arroyo, Ashley Furniture; Brad Pyne, AICO; Chris Clarizio, Klaussner; Chris De Lisa, Universal Furniture; Eric Bernstein, Berkshire Furniture; Amy Filippone, Melray's Furniture; Jim Lubas, Beau Monde Furniture; Kevin Snyder, Jofran and Simmons Upholstery; Lenny Kharitonov, Unlimited Furniture; Harris Kirsch, independent representative; Harvey Leis, J&M Furniture; Ron Cooper, Profit Management Promotions; Mark Scharff, Regency House; Tony Bellarosa, Klaussner; and Jeff Horowitz, LS Direct Marketing.