SCFMA, CFR Name Lifetime Achievement Honorees Don Flanders, Martin Fishel to be Recognized at Apollo Awards Banquet

Furniture World Magazine

Don Flanders of Lloyd Flanders and retailer Martin Fishel of Fishels in Portland, Ore., have been named as the first two recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association and the Casual Furniture Retailers Association. SCFMA and CFR developed the award to recognize individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the casual furniture industry and their communities. The awards will be presented at the Apollo Awards banquet Sept. 14 during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market- in Chicago. The SCFMA and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. are co-sponsors of the event. Flanders, founder of Lloyd Flanders in Fort Smith, Ark., represented his company on the SCFMA board for more than 10 years and has served in all its executive positions. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the Board of Governors for the Dallas Market Center and was the founding president of the Manufacturers Executives Association of Fort Smith, Ark. Other community service includes positions as executive director of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and as chairman for the inaugural Fort Smith United Way Fund. He also has been actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years and was the recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, scouting's highest honor, Fishel, who began his retail career more than 55 years ago, is considered a true pioneer in casual furnishings retailing. His father, Leonard Fishel, founded Fishels Awning and Supply Co. in 192 1. Martin Fishel and his brother Howard joined their father at the family business after World War 111. Following his father's death in 1962 and his brother's death in 1968, Martin Fishel sold the awning business and changed the name of the company to Fishels Furniture in 1971. He more than doubled the size of the store, from 12,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, giving him the space to expand his casual business and to add high-end contemporary furniture He is known for his cutting-edge presentations and his flair for fashion, which have made Fishels a Northwest destination. Although he is no longer actively involved in daily operations of the business, Fishel is still in his office five days a week. "Today, 56 years after Martin first became involved in this business, he still possesses the same passion for the industry," said Larry Talbott, president of Fishels. "His personal vision will be remembered by many as daring, cutting edge and possibly risky, but in the end that vision became the hallmark of his success." The Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association is headquartered in High Point, N. C. - the furniture capital of the world - and represents more than 80 leading U.S. manufacturers of summer and casual products.