The company’s new management team includes two co-presidents, Steve Russo and David Corbin and Bryan Smith the current company president. Once the new leadership structure is in place, Smith will be the company’s executive vice president and the chief financial officer. Smith has been with Southerland for 12 years and has over 20 years of experience in managerial accounting.

The new management team will bring strong marketing disciplines to the company and instill a consumer focused approach to the development of products. Plans also include utilizing lean manufacturing practices, strategic sourcing, a diversified brand portfolio and employing consumer panels to test new products.

Corbin said that one of the keys to the success of the company will be the employee owners. Studies have shown that companies that are owned by the employees have a significant advantage over companies that are traditionally owned in sales per employee. The new structure will result in additional incentives such as an exceptional retirement plan and tax efficiencies.

The manufacturing facility will be located outside Shanghai and was brought into effect by a review that showed an increasing demand for Sealy products in the area. This new expansion is a part of the company’s strategy to expand the brand internationally.

Since early in 2009, Sealy China has had retail outlets in operation and has been distributing Sealy products. The new facility is the culmination of the success that has arisen between retailer relationships and partnerships. It also reinforces the company’s early retail success in the Chinese market.

For years, the website has been provided by and hosted by the Furniture World magazine. This new website will be the first independent site of the organization. Not only does the new website have a whole new look, it also contains lots more detailed content on the furniture industry.

The website features biographies of the Hall of Fame’s 81 members and a gallery of photos of the organizations banquet guests that are available for download. There is also vintage photographs from the furniture industry and information about membership with the foundation. There is also a detailed description of the process of nominating someone and details of the induction banquet and much more.

“Our vision is to make this site a one-stop resource for historical information on the furniture industry, to provide a registry of historical works and to offer hard-to-find information in collaboration with other industry organizations and universities,” Belgrad said. “Ultimately, phase two will expand the width and depth of the site by telling the stories of the people who have made this industry what it is today while looking towards the future.”

In a press release the company stated that some key retailers have expressed the desire to see Vineyard return to the market and exhibit it’s products. Along with several new domestic upholstery frames, the company’s case goods division will be showing new formal dining room and occasional sets, five new bedroom groupings and some of their best sellers.

The unit is ideal for any area where multiple users are working simultaneously. The all American steel construction can withstand heavy use and is designed to hold your computer securely. The unit has 25 inches of  height adjustment, but the other components are adjustable as well.

The VESA monitor mount can be adjusted in height and can quickly be switched from landscape to portrait and tilted at a variety of angles. The attached keyboard quickly folds up simply by tapping on the bottom of the tray. And, the unit includes an integrated cable management system.

Along with all the other great features, the ElectroSlim comes with a wall mountable CPU holder that can keep your computer tower safe from damage. The unit is ideal for any medical facility, but it’s an excellent choice for any work environment where space is at a minimum.

Barbara Garrison with Dalton and Associates, Inc. in High Point designed the new showroom that includes highlights such as a New York loft environment at the entry. In this area, contemporary art will be combined with other modern eclectic accessories will be merchandised together with Habersham furniture, upholstery and cabinetry products.

The next area has the look and feel of an open air Paris antique market and will be filled with antiques, accessories and architectural elements. The area will also feature a wide selection of Habersham’s grand scale and accent pieces in a selection of hand styled and decorated pieces.

There will also be a special design center that will offer lots of tables and workspace for reps, designers, dealers and clients to have meetings and discuss design projects. Besides all the other additions, there will be two new kitchen displays and a master bath area.

Finalists and winners of the Pinnacle Awards are recognized across the industry for their innovative and stylish designs. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2010 and will include the new addition of the Green Leaf Award which will honor not only design, but sustainable design as well.

This years panel of judges will include Gary Evans from Furniture Today, Sheila Long O’Mara Home Furnishings Business and Chuck Portaro with Furnitureland South. Details of Pinnacle categories, eligibility, entry requirements and other information is available for download at www.asfd.com.

The new store will be the Saginaw, Michigan based companies second store to open in just four months. Godwin’s operates two stores located in Saginaw and has stores in Midland, Owosso, Lindwood and Mount Pleasant as well. Godwin president stated that even though business conditions are poor, the new location was a good opportunity.

The new bill includes some major differences that might make it more appealing to Governor Barbour. The new legislation that has already been passed by the Ways and Means committee will provide employers with a $2,000 tax break for all new hires and cut and sew jobs.

The earlier bill would have given that tax break to all cut and sew employees and would have cot an estimated $11 million. If passed the new bill will also require employees to work 35 hours weekly in order to qualify for the break.

Officials stated that the growing number of additions reflects how popular the 64,000 square foot space is. The space is seen as an area within the International Home Furnishings Center that gives new companies that have cutting edge products a good presence at the High Point market.

The newly signed exhibitors include Barclay Butera Home, Furniture Your Way, Kingsley-Bate and GrassRoots Imports. The existing exhibitors were Bobo Intriguing Objects, Noir Trading, Julian Chichester and Sunpan Modern Home.