On May 19, the International Textile Alliance (ITA) will kick off their Spring Interwoven Textile Fair. The association will also launch its Textile Hall of Fame.

That recognition program sparked, in February, a pointed response from the American Home Furnishings sponsors of their own Hall of Fame. More recently, the furnishing group once again challenged the textile group saying that they were going to continue to fight against the ITA's Textile Hall of Fame. 

“The Hall of Fame is serious about protecting our brand, and we are looking at all options to maintain the integrity of the induction of leaders from across the industry into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame,” said Karen McNeill Pond, CEO, in a March 28 email response to Woodworking Network.

The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame claims the ITA's awards program infringes on their established brand and creates confusion within the industry. The Hall of Fame cites "uncannily similar" nomination timing, selection criteria, and the use of the "Wall of Fame" concept.

“The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame has spent millions of dollars to establish the brand and more recently to construct a bricks and mortar Hall of Fame as the industry’s home to honor our leaders, to gather and to learn,” said Jeremy Hoff, board chairman and CEO of Hooker Home Furnishings.  “We have inducted members,  donors, ongoing supporters, annual Foundation members, Paul Broyhill Leaders, participants in our Leadership Institute, Board members, events and museum exhibits representing individuals in the textiles field. It is in our logo and the name on the outside of our building.”

David Lappert, President of the ITA Board of Directors, disagreed saying, “The textile industry stands on its own in scope, history, and global impact. It is also integral to home furnishings. The Textile Hall of Fame ensures that the executives, entrepreneurs, designers, educators, sales leaders, members of the press, and innovators who have dedicated their careers to textiles receive the focused recognition they deserve.”