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Findlay Back at Conso Helm Conso Products Co., Union, SC, announces that Cary Findlay, chairman, has reassumed the position of president and chief executive officer of the company. Findlay acquired Conso in 1986 and relinquished the president and CEO positions in 1995 while remaining chairman. Conso became a publicly held company in 1993. It currently is reorganizing its managment and reporting operations in connection with its acquisition of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc., which was completed in June. Former president and CEO Duane Southerland has left Conso. Bill Stewart, chief operating officer, will direct the day-to-day operations. Frank Rizzo, who has been with Simplicity since 1983 and chief financial officer for the past seven years, has assumed the position of chief operating officer for Simplicity. Lou Morris, former Simplicity president, left the company in September at the end of the term of his employment contract. Findlay stated, "I want to personally thank Duane Southerland for his efforts over the past three years and wish him success in his future endeavors. I also congratulate Lou Morris for the outstanding job he has done at Simplicity and wish him well." Culbertson Joins Techniku Jeff Culbertson has been appointed to the newly created position of national sales representative for Techniku, Inc., Denver, CO. He brings more than 18 years of experience in sales and sales management with Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Eclipse Blind Systems and Comfortex Window Fashions to his new position. Culbertson's responsibilities will include the development of the new motorized systems sales and marketing programs for independent fabricators. Gilmore Appoints Iverson VP Sales Gilmore Enterprises, Chatsworth, CA, announces the appointment of Rod Iverson as vice president of sales. Iverson brings to his new position more than 17 years of sales and marketing experience in the window coverings industry including sales to wholesale and retail fabricators throughout North America. Iverson will oversee the expansion of the company's sales staff as it plans to add several new product lines through 1999. He will be instrumental in launching these new products and expanding the sales efforts. Somfy Adds Kain John Kain has recently joined Somfy Systems, Inc., Cranbury, NJ, as electronics design engineer. Kain is an alumnus of New Jersey Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. With a background in the design/test area, he is responsible for the design of electronic controls for Somfy. He comes from Raritan Computer where he was an engineer for two years. Hunter Douglas Promotes Robinson Mike Robinson has been promoted to director of manufacturing at the Hunter Douglas Tupelo, MS, facility. Previously paint department manager, Robinson now is responsible for all manufacturing departments and environmental compliance in his new role. Robinson joined Hunter Douglas Tupolo in 1994 as environmental and safety officer and was promoted to paint department manager in 1996. Prior to that he was environmental engineer with SMI Steel, Inc., Birmingham, AL. The Tupelo site serves as the processing plant for aluminum and steel components and assemblies sold by Hunter Douglas as well as the distribution center for all its Window Coverings Division products. Shaikin Named Infinity President Infinity Cornice & Lighting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, announces the appointment of Bernie Shaikin as president. In his new role, Shaikin is expected to act quickly to create a national network of fabricators for the company's three-dimensional cornice and cornice lighting system. Shaikin brings more than 20 years of international sales and marketing experience to Infinity. Most recently he served as general manager of Allison Dize. Prior to that he served for a number of years as president and CEO of New-View Blinds, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, creating western Canada's largest window coverings fabricator. Sewell Honored at Robb & Stucky Robb & Stucky recently honored Alice Sewell upon her retirement from the company. Sewell was an employee of the Robb & Stucky drapery workroom for more than 12 years. Her retirement was celebrated at a party in her honor, at which time she received a plaque from her colleagues. Prym-Dritz Expands Marketing Department Prym-Dritz Corp., Spartanburg, SC, announces the expansion of its marketing department with the promotion of Michael Bruce as marketing manager in the sales and marketing department and the addition of Karen Diehl as manager of quilting, home decorating and crafts products. Bruce has been with the company for more than eight years having worked for six years as the assistant merchandise manager, trade show coordinator and customer service manager and for 2 1/2 years as account executive. He will oversee and coordinate all marketing activities including product development, product maintenance, sales support, merchandising and special promotions. Diehl most recently has been working as the annual show coordinator for the National Quilting Association. She will be responsible for maintaining and expanding the company's quilting, home decorating and crafts product lines. Morris Joins France Voiles Steve Morris has been named executive vice president of France Voiles Co., Inc., New York, NY. He will oversee the U.S. operations of the French manufacturer of sheer fabrics. Morris has 10 years experience in the window coverings industry, all of it spent at RollEase Inc. starting as a sales representative and most recently as director of national sales. Prior to joining RollEase, Morris was in the industrial textile industry. In Memoriam: Dave Hyman, Original LouverDrape Partner Dave Hyman, one of the original partners in LouverDrape, Inc., died August 18, 1998. Hyman was a well respected leader in the window coverings industry known for his strong commitments and loyalty to customers and his earnest work ethic. Under his direction, LouverDrape grew to become the leading vertical blind manufacturer in the United States as well as internationally with strong brand name recognition. When Hyman and his partner sold LouverDrape to Beatrice Foods in 1982, the conglomerate retained Hyman as president. Within three years after the purchase LouverDrape's sales doubled. He retired from LouverDrape in November 1985 after 30 years with the company. Hyman was able to achieve great success in the business world despite having to overcome dyslexia during his early teens. When he graduated cum laude in economics and business from Michigan State University, he was a member of five honor societies, president of the student body, senior Man-of-the-Year and a formidable speaker on the debate team. Hyman was very active on the board of directors for The Gow School, one of the premier schools in the country for treating dyslexia and to which he credits having changed his life. Hyman is survived by his wife, Ann, and three children. The family requests that memorials for Hyman be made to: The Gow School, Emery Rd., South Wales, NY 14139; Attn: Development Dept.