Casual Industry Names Manufacturer Leadership Award Finalists

The five companies were selected for ICFA’s Manufacturer Leadership Award after online voting in August among ICFA’s membership. The honorees include: Brown Jordan, Gloster, Lloyd Flanders, O.W. Lee and Telescope Casual Furniture.

The finalists were selected based on the overall design and quality of their products, along with their merchandising, customer service, ethics, communications and trade relations. Company profiles of the finalists were distributed to ICFA members for a second round of voting, and the company with the most votes will be announced at the ICFA Awards Gala on Thursday, September 27, at the Swissotel Chicago.

ICFA Executive Director Jackie Hirschhaut noted that this year’s selection process was modified from previous years to follow the procedures in effect for the Apollo and Sales Representative of the Year Awards. “The Board of Directors last October approved a recommendation from our Awards Committee to duplicate the method in place for showcasing five finalists like the other two awards,” she said.

The September 27 awards gala will bring together all segments of the outdoor furnishings industry to recognize and celebrate top retail stores, manufacturers and sales representatives. Products receiving the industry’s Design Excellence Awards will be spotlighted, along with the two Lilly Awards for Outdoor Furniture and Outdoor Accents, plus the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” design award.