American Furniture Hall of Fame Names Six Nominees for Industry Fellows

The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc has named six industry fellows to be inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame for this year. They will be inducted during the annual banquet celebration on Oct 19 at the High Point Market.

The six nominees are Hershel Alpert, Bernard Castro, Harry M. Cornell, Jr., Donald D. Dreher, Jena Goldman Hall and Stuart Miller Love.

Bill Kimbrell, president of the Foundation said, “This year’s leaders who will each be made an Industry Fellow are representative of the diversity of business models today, ranging from a traditional manufacturer and retailer, a retailer who manufactures, a vertical supplier, and a product marketing strategist.”

Kimbrell recognized the impact of each nominated individual in the industry through their long-time experience in the profession, innovation, leadership and generosity. Each of the nominees have contributed to their fields in furniture design and retail

Inductees will be determined through a voting system from the votes of the members of the Foundation a well as a point-based rating for each nominee which will be determined by the Foundation’s Industry Fellow Selection Committee. Voting for the Industry Fellows will begin on June 30 and end on July 31.

During the celebration, nominees will be individually presented with a Hall of Fame and Plaque. The new Industry Fellow inductees will receive the “Affie” which is the highest recognition given in the American furniture industry.

Candidates were selected based on an open nomination as well as the nomination from the Industry Fellows Selection Committee. The nominations were seen through the individual’s contributions and impact to the growth and development of the American furniture industry. The selection committee also focused on four standards for their nomination: enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity and philanthropic generosity.