Update on King Koil's Florida Management Meeting- Board Members Announced

Furniture World Magazine

King Koil Sleep Products held its annual Management Meeting in October at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Club in Aventura, FL. Representatives from Domestic as well as several International licensees attended. According to Mike Kehnast, President King Koil USA, "we decided to hold our Management Meeting in October this year. Up until the last year we were at High Point. Having our meeting a month earlier really works to everyone's benefit. It allows our licensees an extra month to plan for the introduction of 2001 Programs." Marketing plans for King Koil’s new 'Turn-Free Design' was unveiled. A nine item, one-sided bedding assortment was introduced consisting of Posture Bond, Spinal Guard and promotional models. The new program is supported with a complete marketing package consisting of signage, point of purchase materials and brochures. ‘Turn-Free Design’ is featured in a special Good Housekeeping promotion in their January 2001 issue, under the theme ‘The House the Seal Built'. King Koil Sleep Products have earned the prestigious seal for fifteen consecutive years. King Koil also revealed plans for a national sales meeting for the spring of 2001. The meeting will include King Koil representatives from around the country and will focus on the opportunities that must be considered with every sales call. Hector Amezcua, National Sales Coordinator, told Bedding and Specialty Bedroom, "we are excited about this meeting and the possibilities it offers to elevate the skills of our sales force. We want King Koil sales professionals to stand out with the service and hands on know-how they provide. We will introduce a concept to bring focus to the unique opportunities that exists with each sales call." The National Sales Meeting is planned for April 2001 in Chicago. On the lighter side, a golf scramble was held on the challenging north course at Turnberry. Thirty-three competitors teed off in blustery weather. Scott Wallis and Bill Spudis, of Pennsylvania Bedding, and Mike Kehnast, from King Koil Licensing, won the event with a score of eight under par. The Long Drive Champion was Bob Evanson, from King Koil Northwest, and the Closest to the Pin was awarded to Allyn Beard, from A.H. Beard PTY. LTD in Australia. The three-day meeting concluded with the annual banquet hosted by King Koil Licensing. Ernie Friedman, President of King Koil Licensing made comments regarding the outstanding long-term success the 103-year-old St. Paul based company and its licensees have achieved. King Koil Makes Committee Member Assignments for 2001: Operations / R&D Committee: The purpose for this committee is to provide input to guide product development projects. The committee will meet twice a year to preview new suppliers, materials and components. Committee members: Norton Butler- Eastman House; Richard Diamonstein- Paramount; Bill Spudis- PEBECO; Mark Kolovson- Blue Bell; Mike Kehnast- King Koil Licensing Company Inc. Marketing Committee: The Marketing Committee is the merchandising arm for King Koil licensees. It is responsible for suggesting specific programs for the KKLCI staff to create and develop. It meets two times a year to review product introductions, advertising, display, sales education and other marketing related issues. Committee Members: Jamie Diamonstein- Paramount; Pete Hage- Comfort; Don Robb- Eastman House; Greg Sammons- Medallion; Stan Schnitzer- Texas Factories; Frank Stavis- Blue Bell; Scott Wallis- PEBEC; Terry Gaia-Acme; Tom Kozlowski- Dixie; Hector Amezcua- Chair; Mike Kehnast- KKLCI. Licensee Steering Board: The purpose of this oversight group is to develop structured, executive level communication between licensees and KKLCI. The committee will meet two times a year to review the general direction for King Koil and future market initiatives. This will facilitate long range planning activities for follow up with the Marketing and Operations Committees. The board will also audit ad budget spending versus budget on a quarterly basis. Board members: Jamie Diamonstein- Paramount; Mark Kolovson- Blue Bell; Don Robb- Eastman House; Steve Schnitzer- Texas; Mike Kehnast- KK USA