Tri-State HFA to honor Smith, Epperson at dinner

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, October 13, 2012

SmithAMBLER, Pa. - The Tri-State Home Furnishings Assn. has announced nominees and honorees for its upcoming Annual Awards Dinner.
     TSHFA's highest member honor, the Hall of Fame Award, will be presented this year to Tom Smith, a Hooker Furniture representative and past president of the association, for his ongoing legislative efforts, particularly relating to out of-state sales tax collections.
     As previously announced, the 2012 Person of the Year honor will go to industry analyst Jerry Epperson of Mann, Armistead & Epperson in Richmond, Va., who will speak at the awards dinner. The dinner is set for Nov. 13 at Crowne Plaza-Philadelphia West at 4010 City Ave., Philadelphia.
     Member voted awards include Representative and Retailer of the Year as well as a Congeniality Award, "for consideration and professional approach to the industry," the association said.
     Nominees for Retailer of the Year include M. Grossman, Philadelphia; Fecera's Furniture, Sinking Spring, Pa.; Beiter's Furniture, Williamsport, Pa.; Flemington Department Store, Flemington, N.J.; and Light-Parker Furniture, Conshohocken, Pa.
     Representative nominees are Ron Adelman, multiline; J. J. McLaughlin, Best Home Furnishings; and Bob Bucci, Flexsteel.
     Congeniality nominees are Larry Young, Crest Furniture, Dayton, N.J.; Mike Holmes, Home Furnishings Outlet, Phoenixville, Pa.; Chrissi Kriner, Beiter's Furniture; and Ernie Digiacomo, Raymour & Flanigan, suburban Philadelphia market.
    Awards selected by committee include the Design Creativity Award going to N.B. Liebman Furniture, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; the Young Representative honor going to Bill Jennings, Mainline/Global; the Young Retailer Award to Wasim Kasez, Cohen Bros., Wilmington, Del.; and the Senior Service honor going to Jerry Cohen, multiline representative, for his longevity and service to association and industry.
     The incoming slate of officers serving two-year terms are President Tommy Leflein, Lexington Home Brands, and former president Marc Luber, World Imports, moving to chairman. Treasurer Fred Kempner, retired/consultant, and Secretary Cathy Reed, TSHFA executive director, remain in their posts. Ray Isser, multiline representative, will serve as executive vice president and activities chair for the next two years.
     For reservations or additional information, contact Reed at (215) 646-5831 or tshfa_Cathey@hotmail.com.