Tri-State HFA Honors Jack Hawn of Zenith Global Logistics as 2015 Man of the Year

Furniture World News Desk on 11/17/2015

Pictured left to right: 2015 Representative of the Year Susan O. Baxter, CHR; 
Representative of the Year 2014 Winner Gregg Lesser; and Jack Hawn, 2015 Man of the Year.


The Tri State Home Furnishings Association reported that at its recent  awards dinner, Jack Hawn of Zenith Global Logistics was presented with the Man of the Year award and delivered comments on the effects of recent and upcoming legislation on transportation within the home furnishings industry. Jack is President and CEO of Zenith, recently acquired under the Bassett umbrella. Both Zenith and Bassett had numerous executives and employees attending the dinner. A plaque was presented by Board Chair Tommy Leflein at end of the evening.

TSHFA presented several other awards.

Senior Service Award for longevity and service in industry and/or association was presented to Robin Getzoff, CHR, who is a past president and long-time representative and member of the association.

Young Representative Award was presented to Matt Bieberich, a Rowe rep by his predecessor and mentor, Fred Kempner. Young Retailer Award was presented to Jesse Krinsky of Sawmill Furniture in Northeastern PA. Chris Conway and The Mattress Factory received the Specialty Store of the Year Award. President Ray Isser, CHR presented an award to Steve Wisocky of Home Furnishings Insurance Group for his outstanding loyalty and involvement to the group.

"David I. Lesser Congeniality Award" presentation began with brief comments on Dave Lesser's life within and outside the industry by his son, Michael. David had passed away several months ago, and was and is considered an icon in this association and by many in the home furnishings industry. This was presented by Ron Page, formerly of Furniture First - 2014 Winner to Jack Giannetto of Gamburg Furniture. Other nominees included Dan Hornberger of Martin's Furniture and Mattress in Ephrata, PA; Ernie Digiacomo of Raymour & Flanigan; Michael Kay, also of Raymour & Flanigan.

"Harry C. Kahn Retailer of the Year Award" was presented by Joe Beiter, of Beiter's Furniture & Appliances in Williamsport, PA - last year's winner. His comments included some history on each of the nominees, similar to his predecessor last year. Dave Everett accepted the award for Furniture Barn (David Barnes), of New Castle, DE. Other nominees included Ronne Kurlancheek Home Furnishings of Wilkes-Barre, PA; Michael Grossman of Kensington Furniture in Northfield, NJ; Celeste Platt of Platt's Beach House in Somers Point, NJ.

"Buzz Hoffman Representative of the Year Award" was presented by Gregg Lesser, 2014 winner. His comments included the fact that winner Susan O. Baxter, CHR is only the second woman to receive this award in the association's history. Susan, like Gregg comes from a home furnishings family, having worked with her late father and brother, both having been members of the former Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley and later TSHFA as it's now known. Other nominees included Bob Bucci, Flexsteel rep; John Paul Henjes of Riverside; and Greg Weaver with England.

The Hall of Fame Award was presented to retiring Executive Director, Cathy Reed, CHR by President Ray Isser with input from former president Tom Smith, CHR. Cathy is retiring after 25 years as Executive Director and requested the original charter from June 1925, rather than a plaque or statue, since it has been a part of her life and home for the 25 years.