Ray Isser
The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association will present long-time member and former President of the Association Ray Isser with its highest honor, the Harold P. Braun Distinguished Service Award. The award will be presented at the 17th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala this spring in High Point NC.
The Harold P. Braun DSA was founded in 1975 as IHFRA’s highest honor and award for a member. The DSA has been given annually for the past thirty-five years to a deserving representative. The recipient of the DSA is a sales representative who embodies certain qualities and character and has distinguished him or herself on behalf of IHFRA, sales representatives, the industry, and has enhanced by deed and action the image of home furnishings sales representatives in the community and the industry.
Ray Isser joined the Tri-State Chapter of IHFRA in 1978 and has been active in his Chapter holding every office possible including President in 1996 – 1998 and Chairman of the Board in 1998 – 2000.
Becoming more involved with IHFRA on a national level, Isser “went through the chairs” and became IHFRA’s 68th President in 2006. Ray completed his educational course requirements to become a CHR in 2003. Ray has participated in all the Marches on Washington and promoted and represented IHFRA at many industry gatherings. He has been an example to follow for the newer and younger representatives coming into the industry and organization.
Ray is a graduate of Columbia University and a furniture industry veteran with over thirty years as a sales representative. He has represented such diverse lines as Wicker and Cane, King Koil, AICO, Chromcraft, Blackhawk, Stratford/Stratalounger, SLF, Homelegance, SEI, Luke Leather and Barcalounger.
Ray has been recognized by his peers in receiving the Rudy Steltemeir Award in 2010 and was recently inducted into the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association’s Hall of Fame.
The Furniture Industry Awards Gala will be held on Monday, April 4, 2011, in the IHFC Ballroom on the 11th Floor of the Green Wing. The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) and National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) sponsor the event. For reservations to the Furniture Industry Awards Gala, contact the IHFRA Office at 336-889-3920 or e-mail ihfra@ihfra.org for more information.