Larry Karel
The Tri-State Home Furnishings Association, comprised of home furnishings retailers, representatives, manufacturers and service suppliers in eastern PA, southern NJ and DE announced that Larry Karel of Karel Exposition Management (KEM Expo) has been named its Person of the Year.
Karel Exposition Management (www.kemexpo.com) is the largest producer of regional home furnishings shows in North America, currently producing shows in Edison, NJ, Orlando, FL, Kansas City, MO, Long Beach, CA and Philadelphia, PA. KEM shows.
Larry Karel will be the guest speaker at the Annual Awards Dinner. He has had a long and successful relationship with TSHFA, and its predecessor, Home Furnishings Association of Delaware Valley, having co-sponsored many shows in Atlantic City and Fort Washington with and for TSHFA.
"Each year, we honor those who have impacted the industry, either regionally or nationally, in a positive manner," said Cathy Reed, CHR. "Several of the awards are voted upon by TSHFA membership while others are chosen by committee, mostly past winners."
Member voted awards to be presented at the event are Retailer, Representative and Distributor/Importer of the Year, Congeniality Award for professionalism in dealings with vendor reps." Committee chosen awards are presented for advertising, display, youth recognition – rep and retail, senior service for longevity and service to industry.
Tri-State HFA presents its highest honor to someone in the association who has shown diligence, creativity and outstanding service to TSHFA and the industry – local or national.
The Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Holiday Inn – Historic District at 400 Arch Street in Philadelphia. This is a new location for TSHFA hoping to attract more of New Jersey members. "One of the benefits of this economy is that hotel offers our group free parking in covered and attached self park garage," continued Ms. Reed. "With all these good things happening, we are even able to offer price lower than last year by $10. More details, ballots, invitations, etc. will be mailed to members over the next couple months."
Anyone needing more information or desiring to attend, can contact Cathy Reed, CHR at tshfa_Cathy@hotmail.com or (215) 646-5831.