LHFR Annual Awards name Kornmeyer's Retailer of The Year

Furniture World Magazine

Neither torrential downpours nor tornado warnings could dampen the festive atmosphere as the second largest crowd since its inception five years ago gathered on Friday evening, November 21st, at the Baton Rouge (LA) Hilton for the Louisiana Home Furnishings Representatives (LHFR) Annual Awards & Installation Banquet to honor the Retailer of the Year, Buyer of the Year, and Representative of the Year. First on the agenda, however, was W.W. "Jerry" Epperson, who spoke to an appreciative audience about where the furniture business is headed and how to be successful in a ever- changing industry. Following Mr. Epperson's talk, E.A. "Tibby" Boudreaux was presented a certificate proclaiming him to be the first Honorary Member of LHFR in the 43 year history of the Association. Then it was on to the awards. For the second time in three years the awards were swept by the same store, with Kornmeyer's - Baton Rouge, LA winning in the retailer category and a buyer from the same store, Harold I. Bahlinger, Sr., taking home the Buyer award. Plaques were also presented to the other Retailer of the Year nominees: Burney's Trend House - Monroe, LA and New York Furniture - Shreveport, LA as well as to the other Buyer of the Year nominees: Randy Paul - Home Furniture, Lafayette, LA and Steve Terrell - Ivan Smith Furniture, Shreveport, LA. The Representative of the Year, as selected by a vote of the Associate Dealer Members of LHFR, was Tom Fry, CHR. Tom represents Athens Furniture, BEMCO, and Powell. The final order of business was to install the officers and directors of LHFR for 1997-98. The officers are: Tom Fry, CHR, President; Steve Patton, 1st Vice President; Stuart Fortner, 2nd Vice President, Laura S. Pitre, CHR, Secretary/Treasurer; and P.J. Bertin, Jr., Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors for 1997-98 consists of: Mike Ballenger, CHR; Bill Feldman, CHR; Randy Fontenot, CHR; Doug Franklin, CHR; Dick Gautreaux; Gerald C. Kirchem, CHR; Ty Pizzolato, CHR; and Billy Pritchard. E-Mail Link: feldmanb@aol.com.