Hall of Fame inducts Cartledge, Fenn, Wright
Names will be installed in Walk of Fame
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 3, 2007
AT THE MARKET — Longtime industry leaders George Cartledge Sr., Bill Fenn and Felix Wright were inducted last night into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.
Elected by Hall of Fame Foundation members from a slate of seven nominees, the newest honorees represent three segments of the industry.
Cartledge, who died in 1997, was chairman of retailer Grand Piano and Furniture in Roanoke, Va., a Top 100 company with 23 stores in Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland and South Carolina. He was praised for his accomplishments as a businessman, father, citizen, industry and commerce leader.
Fenn worked in the industry for more than 30 years and held top posts at several manufacturers. He was president and CEO of Stanley Furniture and held senior management positions with Thomasville Furniture Inds. and Armstrong World Interiors before joining Ladd Furniture as president in 1982. He was named vice chairman of Ladd in 1990.
Wright is a former CEO of components giant Leggett & Platt and remains board chairman of the company, which he joined in 1959. Under his direction, the company has multiplied its product offerings and distribution network. He was cited for his allegiance to the principal of business integrity, a benchmark of his management style.
“The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation recognizes their contributions and the roles they have played in building our industry. They have inspired a whole industry to excellence and it is a privilege to recognize their innovation, dedication and achievements in this way,” said J. Don Coleman, Foundation president and president of Hickory Springs Mfg. Co.
Cartledge, Fenn and Wright will have their names installed in the industry’s Walk of Fame in a ceremony at 9 a.m. this morning on Main Street in front of Furniture Plaza.
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation honors individuals whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the industry’s growth and development, and also researches, collects and preserves its cultural, economic and artistic history. It is based in High Point and can be reached at (336) 882-5900.
