News & Press
Sage Award Judges Announced
July 28, 2008 - HIGH POINT, N.C. – The American Home Furnishings Alliance announces the panel of judges for the 2008 Sage Award, which will recognize environmental excellence in the home furnishings and bedding industries.
Sponsored by Cargill’s BiOH™ Polyols, the Sage Award program is receiving entries through September 5, 2008. An online entry form and entry instructions are available at www.sustainablebydesign.us/sageaward.aspx.
The panel of judges includes representatives from the home furnishings and bedding industries, from environmental and social organizations, and from both the trade and consumer press. They include:
- Ray Allegrezza, Editor-in-Chief of Furniture/Today, which in 2007 launched Green, an electronic newsletter covering green trends and initiatives in the global home furnishings industry.
- Seth Bauer, Vice President, Editorial Director of National Geographic’s Green Guide. Intended for general consumers, Green Guide is both a print magazine and a website. It is designed to show people how to make small changes that add up to big benefits for their health and for the environment.
- Derick Belden, Executive Editor of Southern Living Magazine. In June, Southern Living opened an Idea House outside Ashville, N.C., that offers homeowners a glimpse into what they can do today to lead a greener life. From using low VOC paints on the interiors to reclaimed tile and furnishings, the 3,200-square-foot mountain retreat offers practical green living ideas. In addition, the magazine partnered with Furman University in Greenville, S.C., this year to create Cliffs Cottage, a modern home that looks at what “living green” could be about 10 to 20 years from now.
- Steve DeHaan, Executive Vice President of the National Home Furnishings Association, which represents the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. NHFA’s membership comprises 2800 corporate entities representing 10,000 stores in all 50 states and several foreign countries.
- Richard Doyle, President of the International Sleep Products Association, which announced earlier this year that it would undertake a sustainability initiative focused on reducing the industry’s environmental footprint through the proper disposal of used mattresses and recycling of their components.
- Daphne Hewitt, Project Manager for the Rainforest Alliance TREES Program. Through the TREES program, the Rainforest Alliance promotes sustainable development, protects biodiversity and enhances economic performance of forestry businesses.
- Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the Sustainable Furniture Council, a non-profit coalition of retailers, manufacturers, designers and others committed to promoting sustainable practices within the home furnishings industry.
- Bill Perdue, Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety, for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. Perdue has 21 years of environmental-related experience in the home furnishings industry, encompassing air, water and waste regulatory issues. He oversees AHFA’s EFEC environmental management program for manufacturers, as well as the Sustainable by Design certification program, which provides a model for implementing sustainable business practices in all facets of a manufacturer’s operations.
- Leanne Powell, Manager of National Corporate Leadership for United Way of America. The NCL program leverages the commitment and caring power of national and global corporations with United Way’s ability to improve lives and create lasting changes in communities across the country.
- Powell Slaughter, Senior Editor for Home Furnishings Business, who has been covering the furniture industry for 13 years. He spent 10 years at Furniture/Today, the last five as case goods editor. He has written about many sides of the environmental movement within the home furnishings industry.
The Sage Award will recognize a manufacturer, retailer or designer of finished home furnishings products (including bedding). Nominees must demonstrate leadership in reducing their company’s environmental footprint and expanding its positive social impact while running a profitable business.
Company names will be removed from all applications and will not be shared with the judges at any time during the judging process. Up to three finalists will be announced on Monday, October 20. The finalists will be spotlighted and the winner announced at a reception on November 13 during AHFA’s Sustainability Summit in Greensboro, N.C., also sponsored by Cargill’s BiOH Polyols.
Cargill and AHFA share a belief that environmental excellence is an ongoing journey requiring flexibility, insight and constant learning. The Sage Award will honor businesses that demonstrate a passion for and a sustained commitment to that journey.
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 158,000 employees in 66 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.
AHFA represents more than 400 leading manufacturers and suppliers in the home furnishings industry. Among the programs designed to promote the growth and global leadership of its member companies is Sustainable by Design, a certification program that provides a roadmap for home furnishings companies to create a corporate culture of conservation and environmental stewardship by implementing sustainable business practices
For More Information Contact:
Bill Brady
(952) 742-6608
bill_brady@cargill.com
