The Sage Award

Recognizing excellence in the home furnishings and bedding industries through commitment to sustainable business practices, social responsibility and profitable growth.

Entries are now open for the 2009 Sage Award sponsored by BiOH® Polyols! Criteria and applications can be found on the AHFA’s Sustainable by Design website.

Congratulations to the 2008 Sage Award Finalists and to all of the industry leaders that entered the competition. The three 2008 finalists were furniture manufacturer Cisco Brothers, upholstery and case goods manufacturer Hickory Chair and textile maker Valley Forge. The 2008 Sage Award winner was Hickory Chair.

The new industry award, Sage Award, given by The American Home Furnishings Alliance with sponsorship from Cargill's BiOH Polyols was created to seek out, discover, and recognize true industry innovators from whom others can learn.

The Sage Award recognizes a manufacturer, designer, or retailer of finished home furnishings or bedding (mattresses, foundations, and other sleep surfaces) products. Nominees must demonstrate leadership in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint and expanding its positive social impact while running a profitable business.

Other entrants that we'd like to recognize include Bernhardt, C.R. Laine, Environment Furniture, Homestead House, Lack's Valley, LEE Industries, Natura World, Palecek, Rooms To Go and Vaughan-Bassett. A list of best practices from the contestants has been compiled to share ideas and inspire change across the industry.

This is an extraordinary group of companies," observes Yusuf Wazirzada, business unit leader for Cargill's BiOH polyols business. "They share a belief that environmental excellence is an ongoing journey, but their stories highlight how different that journey can be for individual companies. Their successes required flexibility, insight and a sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility."

The winner was announced during AHFA's Sustainability Summit on November 13 at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C. For the complete press release on the finalists, click here.

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