by HIGH POINT — The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association has confirmed this year’s theme, honorees, date and location for its 28th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala.
The gala will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center at High Point
University.
This year, IHFRA honors Broad River Retail based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, as Retailer of the Year and Caroline Hipple, newly named chief creative officer of Hooker Furniture, as Industry Icon. Andy Counts, chief executive officer the American Home Furnishings Alliance, and Tammy Covington Nagem, CEO of the High Point Market Authority, will each be named as Pillars of the Industry. Michael Neros will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award, and the Legacy Award will be shared by the Russell family, which includes Ron and Jeff, and Dave McKinnon, representing Ashley Furniture.
Chris Guseinov of AICO will receive IHFRA’s Rising Star award.
“The combined strengths of this year’s slate of honorees made selecting our theme — IHFRA’s Industry Dream Team — a no-
brainer,” said Steve Allegrezza, IHFRA’s executive director. “The interplay between suppliers, retailers, reps and the leaders
at the AHFA and the Market Authority is identical to the interplay between any successful professional sports team, and this year’s
honorees have been key to helping our sector to score.”
In addition, Allegrezza pointed out that each of this year’s honorees has also consistently improved their individual companies and, by extension, elevated the industry’s image by making it more efficient, professional and consumer-centric.
Additional information, including ticket availability and sponsorship opportunities, will be posted on the IHFRA
website, www.ihfra.org.
Interested parties can also contact Steve Allegrezza at sallegrezza@ihfra.org, or Ray Allegrezza at rallegrezza@ihfra.org.
