AHFA Presents Environmental Safety Awards

Furniture World Magazine

The Environmental Health and Safety Supplier of the Year Award was presented to Stratus Environmental Solutions Inc. of Blacksburg, Va. Stratus has provided environmental and safety support services to regulated industry since 1996. Bill Perdue, AHFA’s vice president of environment, health and safety, noted that Stratus was recognized based on the company’s “superior technical skills and outstanding customer service provided to its furniture manufacturing clientele.” AHFA recently enlisted Stratus Environmental to develop a “toolkit” that will help furniture manufacturers comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new air pollution controls for the manufacture of plywood and composite wood products. La-Z-Boy Utah received AHFA’s 2005 Environmental Excellence Award. In September 2003, plant management at La-Z-Boy Utah implemented AHFA’s EFEC (Enhanciing Furniture’s Environmental Culture) program for improving environmental performance. The plant’s EFEC certification, awarded in May 2004, resulted in the facility being accepted into the Clean Utah! Program developed by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The state program recognizes and rewards facilities that take steps beyond those required by law to prevent or reduce pollution. Michael Hewett, director of environmental affairs for La-Z-Boy Utah, received AHFA’s 2005 Environmental Leadership Award for his role in the plant’s outstanding environmental performance. AHFA also honored Rick Moseley of Thomasville Furniture, who received the group’s 2005 Safety Leadership Award. The American Home Furnishings Alliance – located in High Point, N.C. and Washington, D.C. – is the largest trade organization for home furnishings companies in the world and represents more than 250 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, as well as 225 suppliers to the furniture industry worldwide.