On November 17, Tri-State HFA held Annual Awards Dinner at Holiday Inn-Historic District in Philadelphia.
Larry Karel was honored for his long-standing (25+ years) relationship with Tri-State Home Furnishings Association and its predecessor, Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley.
He and KEM have co-sponsored with TSHFA and HFADV many regional markets in various locations in the tri-state area. Markets have been held in Atlantic City and Edison, NJ and Fort Washington and Oaks, PA. Larry’s service to the industry in providing venues for buyers and sellers who can’t take or don’t have the time and/or money to attend supersized markets is appreciated by many reps’ associations and the buyers that they service.
During the same event, awards were presented in various categories, some member voted while others were chosen by Awards Committee.
Tri-State’s highest member honor is Hall of Fame, which was presented to Fred Kempner, a long time Rowe representative for his unending loyalty and dedication to the association and the industry.
Stan Luber, founder of World Imports of Philadelphia and past president of then Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley received a Senior Service Award for his innovations in the industry, service to the association and longevity in the industry. Marc Luber, his son and new Executive VP of TSHFA gave a glowing tribute for Stan’s dedication and service.
Member voted Buzz Hoffman Representative of the Year Award was won by Les Neff, and the award was presented by Ed Myers, long-time friend and current IHFRA president. Other nominees present were Bill Jennings, Bobby Schwartz, Michael Landes, CHR and Jerry Cole, all multi-line reps.
The Harry Kahn Memorial Retailer of the Year Award was presented to Jerry Lastick and Marsha Petnick, brother and sister owners of Lastick’s Furniture in Pottstown, PA. Carmen Valleri, owner of Rosen’s Furniture, last year’s winner presented the award. Other nominees present were Andrew Jodlbauer (Jodlbauer’s –Elkton, MD) and Dave Belitsky (Darro Furniture – Folsom, PA).
Barney Daley of KlaussnerHome received the Retail Advertising Award for his “pioneering” with the Klaussner branding home stores. He was also voted winner of Congeniality Award for the professionalism that he brings to the industry. The only other nominee present was Mike Vogt of Homestead Furniture in Nescopec, PA.
Louis Cramer, Cramco Distributors received the Distributor/Importer of the Year Award. Bruce Marmer, who sells Coaster, stood in for Scott Cohen (last year’s recipient). All other nominees had representatives from their respective companies – Homerica/HomElegance; Main Line Imports; and Global Imports.
A Special Service Award was presented honoring Richard Good, recently retired for the second time from Good’s Furniture. Les Neff, a former long time employee, accepted in Richard’s absence because of a family emergency.
Youth Recognition awards were presented to Young Rep Gus Bartz, a multi-line rep by Heidi Sager Gelnett and Young Retailer Adam Stern of KlaussnerHome by Ted Matela of Diamond Furniture. Both presenters were winners in 2008.
Tri-State’s President has the option of presenting award(s), usually for ‘service above and beyond’ and Gary Diamond presented his to Ray Isser, CHR for his service and dedication to Tri-State noting his service on the Board of Directors for 25 years. Ray also is a past president and chairman of Tri-State HFA and International Home Furnishings Representatives Association.