Elected chairman of the new organization was Dudley Flanders, president of Lloyd/Flanders. Vice Chairman is Petey Fleischut, from retail store Casual Marketplace in Hockessin, Del. Completing the Executive Committee are Bill Echols of Tommy Bahama, Palm City, Florida; Gary Ecoff of retail store Carls Patio in Coconut Creek, Fla.; and Dean Engelage of Woodard, Chicago.

As adopted by the ICFA Board, the new organization’s mission is to “create the desire for quality outdoor furnishings through industry partnerships.” Membership will be open to all key partners within the casual furnishings industry.

Joseph P. Logan serves as the ICFA’s Executive Director. He is based in High Point, N.C.

Among the first actions taken by the new Board of Directors was a decision to initiate strategic planning and develop plans for several new member benefits. Details will be announced at a later date.

The Board also agreed to host one or more member events at the upcoming ICFA Casual PreMarket in Chicago this July, and/or at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market in Chicago this September. The ICFA Board agreed it would host the Apollo Awards dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at Navy Pier in Chicago.