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INDUSTRY NEWS
WINDOW COVERINGS INDUSTRY RALLIES SUPPORT
FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS
The window coverings industry has rallied in support of relief efforts
for those affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina,
which struck along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts in late
August. Support has been offered in contributions and in offerings
for housing and jobs for those displaced by the flooding that followed
the storm.
The Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) created a job
search database on its Web site to help those affected by the storm.
The database allows persons and companies to post job openings to
help employ those who have been forced to relocate. It also allows
people who have been relocated to look for a job by posting their
qualifications.
The WCAA created this database to provide a long-term solution to
those forced to evacuate their homes and businesses. One of the
points in the WCAA mission statement is to “work for the betterment
of the industry.” The association encourages all of its members
to offer any help they can.
To access the Job Posting Board, visit the WCAA Web site at www.wcaa.org.
There is a link at the top of the page that will link directly to
the posting area.
Hunter Douglas, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, also notified its
fabricators in early September of a one-for-one match program that
would match donations raised for relief efforts. The goal, reportedly,
is to raise $300,000. Carlos Diaz, president and CEO of Gulf Coast
American Fabrication, Naples, FL, strongly encouraged its employees
to participate in the program along with suppliers, friends and
customers. A similar appeal was circulated by Lafayette Interior
Fashions, West Lafayette, IN.
Norman Shutters, Santa Fe Springs, CA, has announced it will pledge
one percent of total sales in August toward Hurricane Katrina relief
activities. This amount will support cash donations to relief agencies,
special billing accommodations for customers and cash donations
for customers in stricken areas.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) also has announced
plans for Hurricane Katrina relief, pledging $25,000 to the American
Red Cross’ relief efforts and launching a comprehensive resource
page on www.asid.org.
“As our nation rallies to assist those devastated and displaced
by the Katrina disaster, ASID is dedicated to doing its part to
reach out to those in need, including many who are our members,
their families and friends,” said ASID President Anita Baltimore,
FASID. “ASID also is working with the leadership of its Gulf
Coast chapters to provide immediate assistance to members in the
area.”
The ASID Hurricane Relief Effort Web page contains information for
members requiring immediate assistance or who are recovering from
the disaster, members and the general public interested in donating
to relief organizations or offering direct assistance to displaced
members, and ASID chapters that wish to get involved in relief programs.
ASID also is exploring dues relief for members affected by the disaster
and is compiling lists of job opportunities, both temporary and
permanent, and showrooms or studios offering free or highly discounted
workspace to displaced members.
CONSO MOVES, RESTRUCTURES
Conso International, Union, SC, in September announced dramatic
company-wide changes. The changes represent an integration of sales
and delivery, manufacturing, inventory systems and a redefined customer-focused
product line and are aimed at positioning the company as a dominate
force in the decorative trim business for many years to come, the
company states.
Leading Conso is a new management team, assembled over the last
16 months, that brings together strong experience in product sourcing,
product development, sales and marketing, and manufacturing.
“Since my arrival earlier this year, my single focus has been
to recapture the leadership position Conso has earned throughout
its 138-year history,” said Jerry Cohn, president and CEO.
“We are in a position right now to lead our industry in product
design, quality and consistency, customer service and delivery.”
To increase distribution capabilities and efficiency, in January
2006, Conso will close its Union, SC, headquarters and relocate
its distribution operations to Nashville, TN. Wm. Wright, Conso’s
sister company, will move its distribution from West Warren, MS,
to Nashville as well. Both companies are owned by Strategic Industries,
but will maintain separate brands and product lines.
“Setting up a co-distribution center is more efficient for
both companies, and Nashville’s strategic location in the
center of the country gives us easy access to all of our customers
from coast to coast,” said Cohn.
Conso’s information systems, inventory, purchasing, planning
and human resource operations will move to Wm. Wright’s headquarters
in Massachusetts. “By utilizing Wm. Wright’s proven,
state-of-the-art technology, information flow and accuracy will
improve immediately,” Cohn added.
Additionally, Conso will establish a sales, marketing and product
development office in Charlotte, NC, by January. “By locating
our product development, sales and marketing activities there, we
hope to attract even more experienced, creative professionals to
the company,” said Cohn.
To ensure the company maintains its high standards of quality, it
is scaling back the number of SKUs to what it calls a more manageable
level. However, Conso will still carry a large assortment and variety
of products. Its most recent catalog, which shipped in August, includes
4,500 SKUs.
SHUTTER ARCH RECEIVES DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Shutter Arch System for Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters
by Hunter Douglas was presented with an Award of Excellence at the
17th Montreal International Interior Design Show. The show, which
ran from May 26 to 28, is reportedly the largest high-end design
show in Canada and featured more than 250 exhibitors.
The Shutter Arch System of fully operable horizontal louvered arches
won first prize in the category of woodwork, stairs, door, windows
and glass.
COMFORTEX RINGS IN WOODCHIMES
Comfortex Corp., Maplewood, NY, has introduced the WoodChimes™
wood alloy blind program. The program features two-inch wood alloy
slats in five white and wood tone colors. The blinds are made from
high-quality wood alloy and are customized from a wide range of
pre-made sizes.
Made from a blend of thermal polymers and real American hardwood,
the blind material will not chip, crack, fade or warp. The program
is sampled in its own sample deck and highlights the program features
and benefits.
SLAY ADDS SHUTTER LINE
Slay Mfg. Co., Birmingham, AL, has expanded its wholesale offering
of synthetic PolyDesign shutters to include the new DesignerWood
Shutter, the company states.
The DesignerWood shutter is a competitively priced shutter that
maintains the same quality and five- to seven-day shipping as the
premium PolyDesign original shutter. A full line of SunBursts arched
top shutters, wide span shutter panels and several specialty frame
shapes completes the product offering to Slay’s growing dealer
network.
NORMAN SHUTTERS PLEDGES SUPPORT OF HUMANITARIAN
ACTIVITIES
Norman Shutters, Santa Fe Springs, CA, has announced it has donated
$300,000 to the Marcus Institute, a private, non-profit organization
that diagnoses and assists children with developmental disorders.
“The Marcus Institute is committed to giving children with
disabilities and learning problems the building blocks of hope which
include education, support, opportunity, encouragement, pride, commitment
and determination,” said Charles Shaffer Jr., president and
CEO of The Marcus Institute.
“We are extremely happy to partner with The Marcus Institute
in its admirable work with disabled children,” said Norman
Nien, chairman of Nien Made Enterprises, the parent company of Norman
Shutters. “It is extremely gratifying to be able to ensure
a better future for all of us through helping children. As an industry
leader we feel that it is our responsibility to help those in need,”
he added.
DFB, LUTRON TEAM TO LAUNCH QUOTATION SERVICE
DFB Sales, Inc., Long Island City, NY, has announced its alliance
with Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., Coopersburg, PA, in launching
QuickQuotesm service on its new Web site, www.qedshades.com.
QuickQuote is an online quotation service that gives contractors
and installation companies a complete set of specifications and
pricing to develop a real-world budget for a competitive edge.
Lutron’s advanced control technology will combine with DFB’s
60 years of experience and result in quality window shade fabrication.
3 BLIND MICE TREATS EIGHT ST. CLARE’S
SHELTER LOCATIONS
San Diego, CA-based window coverings firm 3 Blind Mice has donated
window treatments and installation for eight St. Clare’s women’s
and children’s shelters. Century Blinds offered a generous
discount to 3 Blind Mice on the 72 window coverings.
“We are happy to be able to provide new attractive window
treatments to enliven the rooms of these special temporary living
centers,” said Scot Dietz, owner, 3 Blind Mice. “We
believe these additions enhance the mood and morale of the residents.”
The installation of the window coverings were donated by professional
installers, Paul Martin, Kevin Frank, Tim Szukala, Dave Johnson
and Tony Bowman. Kathleen Patton, a salesperson for 3 Blind Mice,
donated her time for measuring the shelters windows.
Founded in 2003, 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings provides window treatments,
including blinds, shutters and window tinting, to both private and
commercial customers.
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