Tri-State Home Furnishings Association Awards Dinner Honors Jerry Epperson, Reps and Retailers

Furniture World News Desk on 12/15/2012

Artie Fecera, behind him is Charles Liebman, Chris Fecera, Jeremy Rieser and Connie Fecera. Jerry Epperson, seated. 

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TSHFA reported that their Awards Dinner was held in November in Philadelphia. Ceremonies were preceeded by a roundtable/Q & A session with industry analyst Wallace W. (Jerry) Epperson, Jr. Cocktail hour followed before dinner and awards presentations.

Committee chosen awards included Retail Display awarded to N. B Liebman stores and presented to Charles Liebman and Vicki Dillow, designer; Senior Service Award to Jerry Cohen presented by sons Rich and Stephen. Recently inducted President Tommy Leflein (Lexington rep) presented awards to Simon Kaplan and Larry Young. Another Presidential Award was later presented to Irwin Friedman who was unable to attend.

Tri-State members vote for Congeniality Award - presented for "considerate and professional approach brought to the home furnishings industry" and this is generally presented to a buyer in retail store. Nominees for this award included Larry Young of Value City, Mike Holmes of Home Furnishings Outlet, Ernie Digiacomo of Raymour & Flanagan and winner Chrissi Kriner of Beiter's Furniture. Chrissi brought her sense of humor by unrolling a scroll of people to thank when she received her award from Rich Silverman of World Imports.

Retailer of the Year Award nominees included Joe Beiter of Beiter's Furniture; Artie & Chris Fecera of Fecera's Furniture; Steve Vecchio of Light-Parker Furniture; John Koziel of Flemington Department Store. Chris & Artie Fecera were presented plaques by Charles Liebman (N. B. Liebman Furniture). Artie thanked all and introduced family.

Representative of the Year nominees were Ron Adelman (Multi-line rep); J. J. McLaughlin (Best Home Furnishings); and Bob Bucci (FlexSteel). Rich Fusco, CHR - 2011 Rep of the Year presented the award to J. J. McLaughlin.

Tri-State HFA frequently honors a member who has gone above and beyond in various areas. This year's award was presented to Tom Smith, CHR, partly for his ongoing involvement in legislation and enforcement of sales tax collection on out of state furniture purchases. Tom has also been active on the board, and is a past president and chair of Tri-State HFA and was a co-writer of updated bylaws when Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley became TSHFA.

Jerry Epperson took the podium and shared his predictions/insights with the group after the awards were presented. After he had finished his comments, he opened the floor for some additional questions and answers.

When Jerry finished, Tommy Leflein, TSHFA president thanked everyone for attending, making special note to recognize that some in the audience had come from areas with no utilities due to superstorm Sandy. He asked everyone to drive safely and evening concluded.

For more information on Tri-State Home Furnishings Association, contact Cathy Reed, CHR at tshfa_cathy@hotmail.com