ALPHARETTA, GA – Hettich’s International sixth biennial Design Award competition, cosponsored this year by Rehau, attracted a record 1,330 entries from 38 countries, including the United States, China, Germany and India. Entries are divided among furniture for the home of tomorrow and functional and aesthetic hardware. Awards will be presented during Interzum in Cologne Germany, May 9-12.

FT. LAUDERDALE – Trend Distributors, a distributor of products for the woodworking and cabinet industry, has hired Bryan Clark as its new president. He most recently served as national director of sales for Louis and Company based in Brea, CA. Trend and Louis are owned by the Würth Group.

OSNABRUCK, GERMANY – The Felix Schoeller Group, a manufacturer of specialty paper, has appointed Dr. Bernhard Klofat as CEO. He succeeds Hans-Michael Gallenkamp, who held the post for more than 26 years and is now taking over the chairmanship of the advisory board of the family-run business. Klofat has been with Schoeller for 14 years.

AUBURN, ME – Thos. Moser, designers and builders of hand-crafted wood furniture, is observing its 35th anniversary in 2007. In addition to issuing a commemorative edition of the Thos. Moser catalog, the company will offer a limited edition anniversary piece signed by company founder, Tom Moser. Events will also take place throughout the year at the six Thos. Moser showrooms located in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Freeport, ME.

MEMPHIS, TN – The Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman’s Club recently raised $10,000 at its 7th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Hardwood Forest Foundation. The HFF is involved in a variety of educational programs and activities throughout the United States and Canada.

KERNERSVILLE, NC – Peter Meier Inc. announced the addition of five sales managers. They include: Jim Sugars, national sales manager; Tom Atkins, national distribution manager; Karl Kothmaier, national accounts manager; Kurt Johnson, Midwest sales manager; and Frank Fahnenschmidt, product development and marketing manager.  

HOLLAND, MI – Furniture manufacturer Haworth Inc. said 2006 sales reached $1.48 billion, which was up 7% from 2005. According to the company, it experienced solid growth in every geography. The company also posted its best safety year in history with a recordable incident rate 50% less than industry averages. Read more.

RESTON, VA – The Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Assn. has published the 41st edition of its “Where to Buy Hardwood Plywood, Veneer and Engineered Hardwood Flooring Buyers’ Guide and Membership Directory." The 172-page directory includes product information, specifications, environmentally certified products and complete contact information for HPVA members. Copies of the guide can be ordered free, plus $5 shipping and handling, by visiting www.hpva.org.

ST. LOUIS -- IDX Corp., a St.

MARTINSVILLE, VA – Hooker Furniture Corp. and La-Z-Boy Inc. announced they signed a letter of intent for Hooker to purchase Sam Moore Furniture, a Bedford, VA-based manufacturer of upscale occasional chairs. Sam Moore, a 63-year-old company, has been owned by La-Z-Boy since 1998.