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NEWS MAKERS

Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, has promoted Kathy Burdick to Senior Director, Product Brand Services. In her new position, Burdick will support and assist the Hunter Douglas product brand groups to integrate the company’s umbrella brand message into its sampling, photography, collateral and dealer advertising.

Prior this promotion Burdick served as Director, Brand Advertising, splitting her time between Broomfield, CO, and New York, NY. She now will operate full time out of the Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Division in Broomfield.

In a separate announcement, the company has named Donna Lobosco Director, Brand Advertising. She will manage the company’s advertising program and agency of record, Cossette Post.

Prior to joining Hunter Douglas Lobosco worked on the Hunter Douglas business at the two New York advertising agencies of record: Calet, Hirsch and Spector as Media Planer, Media Supervisors and Account Executive; and at Ferrell Calvillo as Account Supervisor, then Senior Associate, Account Director.

Conrad Handwoven Window Coverings, San Francisco, CA, has named Carol Bertao CEO. She formerly was Vice President of Sales and Product Development.

Bertao brings “extraordinary” experience, knowledge and sensitivity to her new role, according to a company statement.

Elmar Window Fashions announces two additions to its sales team: Paula Wroe, Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts consultant, and Phil Rosenberg, New York consultant.

Wroe comes to Elmar with more than 25 years of business experience, including owning her own retail establishment. Rosenberg has more than 20 years of business expertise in direct mail marketing and public relations. Their extensive backgrounds will be instrumental in helping Elmar’s accounts grow their business.

Mastercraft Industries, Rice Lake, WI, has appointed Paul Anderson Shutter Sales Manager. He will be responsible for sales and distribution of Mastercraft window coverings products nationwide. He also will oversee all aspects of advertising, promotion and product development.

Anderson comes to Mastercraft with 15 years of experience in the window coverings industry. He spent nine years as an independent sales representative calling on dealers and designers throughout the Midwest and six years as Director of Sales & Marketing for a manufacturer of high-end wood blinds and shutters.

Oxford House, Fowler, IN, has named Steve Klemme Product Manager for the Classique Shutter Line. Klemme has more than 20 years of retail sales and marketing experience with a direct focus on product development. He brings to the company proficiency in leading-edge techniques for improving productivity. He will be involved in all aspects of the shutter line including sales, marketing and production functions.

Tom Martin has been named Oxford House Territory Manager for the Eastern Region. Martin brings more than 15 years of window treatment experience to the position through his involvement with interior designers, paint and wallpaper stores in addition to management of large retail outlets. His product knowledge, technical training and commitment to customer satisfaction will be an enormous benefit to his customer base.

Rich Pate has joined the company as Territory Manager for Ohio, western Virginia and western Pennsylvania. Pate has been in the window coverings industry for more than 20 years and brings tremendous technical experience and sales expertise to the position.

Unique Wholesale Distributors, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, announces De Terrell as its new sales rep for the North Carolina area. Terrell’s background extends to 1980 as a window treatments specialist in a retail store. After one year she ventured out as an independent licensed designer for the next 23 years. Very knowledgeable in all the Graber products and with a design background, she will be a great asset for the company.

Wendy S. Herstein, president, The Right Track, Inc., Crofton, MD, died June 5 of complications from lung cancer. She was 64.

Wendy and Steve Herstein first went into business together in August 1972 when they purchased a high-end bath accessories business, Bath and Boudoir. They turned a one-store operation into a company with four retail locations. Soon after, Steve Herstein began selling shop-at-home vertical treatments, and the two opened The Right track fabricating business in early 1984.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Wendy Herstein was not satisfied owning and running a growing business. She became an active member in the International Furnishing and Design Association (IFDA) and served for a time on its board. In 1991, she decided to fulfill a dream and return to college.

Herstein’s integrity and longstanding relationships in the window coverings industry enabled The Right Track to grow and develop and make a mark on the industry.
Herstein is survived by her husband, four children and a grandson. The family has set up a fund in her name at the Greenbaum Cancer Center. Those wishing to honor her memory may make donations to the center in her name at U.M.M.S., 29 Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201.