Personnel News Articles

April 30, 2013—Stratacache, based in Dayton, Ohio, added Russell Young in the newly-created role of senior vice president of interactive and mobile experiences. Young joins the company from SapientNitro and previously worked for Samsung. In the U.S. Navy, he served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Young will focus on developing new mobile and interactive experiences for consumer engagement, establishing strategic partnerships, and seeking new business opportunities. "With his extensive, in-depth experience and knowledge, Russell is the perfect addition to the Stratacache team," states Chris Riegel, Stratacache CEO. "During this time of significant growth and transformation in mobile and interactive technologies, Russell will play a pivotal role in charting a course for our clients that delivers innovation and success."

April 30, 2013—Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., TJ Hale appointed Bob Croatt to the position of president. Croatt joins the executive team and advisory board to continue TJ Hale's growth. Croatt has more than 25 years of experience in the retail fixture industry, most recently as president of Goebel Fixture Company. He has served on the board of A.R.E. and brings one of the finest reputations in the industry. “Bob’s leadership skills, work ethics, personal standards, and values are a perfect fit for TJ Hale. We’re delighted to have Bob join our family, ” said Bob Rosean, CEO. TJ Hale is a full service provider of retail environments and has a 63-year history. It recently added a full service metal fabrication facility, expanded installation services and its warehouse footprint.

April 15, 2014 — EB Display, based in Massillon, Ohio, hired Eric Sandler as national account manager. He will handle design and sales for selected accounts throughout the Southeast. Sandler has more than 17 years of experience in creating, developing, and implementing a wide range of P-O-P displays and store fixtures for retailers including The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and Exxon Mobil. Prior, Sandler served as head off fixture development and standards for The Home Depot where he oversaw the DAF approval of all displays and fixtures placed in the stores. Prior to that position, Eric worked as a fixture designer and a visual merchant. He has also had design and project management experience in various positions with Leggett & Platt and Miller Zell. EB On another note, EB Display has launched a new website. See it at www.ebdisplay.com.

March 5, 2013—Based in Seattle, Bryceon Sumner, Callison's chief financial officer, is a finalist for The Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2013 CFO of the Year Award. Sumner has been CFO of the global design and architecture firm for two years. Close to 80 nominations were submitted to The Puget Sound Business Journal for the 2013 awards. Finalists were selected by a panel of judges based on the financial stewardship of their companies and their leadership in their industries and communities. “Bryceon brings operational experience and restructuring expertise to his position, impacting nearly 900 employees in ten offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East,” said Callison Chairman and CEO John Jastrem. Winners will be announced at The Puget Sound Business Journal’s Awards Gala on March 7, 2013.

Feb.14, 2013–CDW Merchants, based in Lincolnwood, Ill., named Gregg Winkelman business development manager. Winkelman will be based in New York City and will be responsible for developing accounts in the area as well as using his existing network to grow business across the country, as part of the visual team. A long time New Yorker and professional in the industry, Winkelman brings a wealth of experience to his role. His creativity, drive, and determination make him a positive addition to the CDW Merchants team.

Feb. 12, 2013—Bishop Fixture + Millwork, based in Balsam Lake, Wis., hired Andrew J. Ramirez as director of sustainability. Ramirez brings expertise in sustainable materials, specifically in wood products including hardwood lumber, panel products, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), regional, and reclaimed material. He is a LEED A.P. BD+C. Ramirez will be providing education and outreach on a wide variety of green building topics and will work with our clients to define and achieve their sustainability goals. Bishop Fixture + Millwork is continually looking for new ways to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations.

Jan. 10, 2013—Frank Mayer and Associates Inc., based in Grafton, Wis., appointed Pete Heikes as an account executive in its West Coast office. Heikes has more than six years of retail display marketing experience with a focus on consumer electronics and the home entertainment industry. In his new role, Heikes will use his knowledge of P-O-P including developing interactive kiosk solutions to work with Fortune 500 retail and brand marketing clients.

Jan. 10, 2013—Frank Mayer and Associates Inc., based in Grafton, Wis., announced the retirement of David Zoerb, senior vice president of marketing effective Jan. 11, 2013. At FMA for 25 years, Zoerb started frequent shopper and loyalty programs for sales promotion and direct marketing campaigns to add value and marketing expertise to national clients. He played a significant role in overseeing FMA's corporate branding efforts, website re-design, and trade advertising. Reflecting on his career, Zoerb said, "Thanks to the Mayer family and organization, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the country's most recognized brands and companies. It truly has been the ride of a lifetime."

Dec. 18, 2012—Bergmeyer Associates, based in Boston, promoted Matthew Hyatt, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, to principal. He directs design teams from research and idea generation through concept development and implementation. Some of Hyatt's award-winning projects include: West Marine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which won 2011 Retail Store of the Year from Chain Store Age; LL Bean, for Best Retail Design in 2008 from IIDA New England Interior Design; Table 1280, in Atlanta, which won the 2006 AIA Honor award from Interior Architecture. Hyatt earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Cornell University and a Master of Architecture degree at Harvard University.

Dec. 11, 2012—Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Stiles Machinery Vice President of Sales and Marketing Stephan Waltman is Architectural Woodwork Institute's (AWI) 2012 Outstanding Supplier recipient. The award was presented during AWI's 60th annual convention in October. Waltman has served as the chair of AWI's marketing and supplier committees, as a national director for numerous terms, and served on many task forces. AWI President Matt Lundahl said, “He’s the one who conceived the concept and coined the term ‘Adopt-a-Shop’ and brought it to AWI leadership in 2003. Adopt-a-Shop was formally established as a program in 2005. When annual sponsorships were introduced by AWI in 2003, Mr. Waltman and Stiles Machinery stepped forward as the first supplier member that embraced the program.” Stiles has been a sustaining sponsor of AWI to this day.

Nov. 1, 2012—Universal Display, headquartered in New York with offices in London and China, appointed Lisa Gilliland as director of sales USA. Gilliland has diverse retail experience from the agency, brand, and retailer sides of merchandising with a focus on sales, client management, project management, domestic and overseas production, national rollout executions, and logistics. She formerly served as an account director working with Fortune 500 brands and retailers at an in-store marketing agency where she linked shopper insights to creative design and P-O-P fixtures. At Universal, Gilliland is committed to being a point of differentiation in visual merchandising.

Nov. 1, 2012—FITCH, based in London, added global design consultant Hemant Modi, AIA, as director of architecture in its Phoenix offiice. Modi formerly served as senior associate and business leader at engineering, architectural and construction management firm SSOE for its Southwest retail team. Modi's clients have included Diversified Partners, Jacobson Family Holdings, DiRito Partners, Desert Troon Companies, Lowe's, Fresh & Easy, and PetSmart. He is accredited as a LEED building design and construction professional. “We are very pleased to have Hemant’s extensive international and U.S. retail experience at FITCH,” said Larry Stewart, general manager. “Adding accomplished architects like Hemant not only strengthens our technical capabilities, it helps us deliver enhanced value for our clients.”

Oct. 11, 2012—Dallas-based DAVACO Inc., hired Karin Sumrall as director of operations. Sumrall will oversee the management and execution of high-volume programs for Davaco’s restaurant division. She brings more than 18 years experience in project management, site planning, design, development, tenet coordination, and lease negotiation. She reports to Don Williams, vice president of operations. Sumrall’s most recent position was with Mays & Company as a program manager where she directed design and construction programs. Prior to that, she was employed with The Woodmont Company as director of development responsible for shopping center and tenet improvement programs for a range of restaurant and retail chains. She also worked at Brinker International in several capacities including director of property development, during which time she led the planning and execution of new restaurants for Chili’s and On the Border. Sumrall holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University and is a licensed architect and member of the AIA. Gerry Geddis, president and COO said, “She also brings a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and unique requirements of implementing programs in retail and restaurant environments working on both the brand and services side of implementing programs. Our clients will appreciate Karin and her team’s ability to manage integrated, nationwide programs while remaining steadfast in their commitment to quality, speed, and consistency.”

Aug. 21, 2012—Grand Rapids, Mich.-based design firm Progressive AE hired David Shull, AIA, as senior project manager. Shull brings more than 27 years of experience in project management and business development specializing in developing lean processes for design and construction. He is a registered architect in Michigan and is a licensed member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Shull holds a bachelor’s of architecture degree from Andrews University.

Aug. 14, 2012—Gainesville, Ga.-based Prime Retail Services, promoted Charles Jarvis to construction manager. Jarvis joined Prime in 2011 with more than 30 years of construction experience managing all trades for commercial and residential projects. Since 1984, he has been licensed as a general contractor and roofing contractor. “Charlie passed the NASCLA exam, and many other state licensing exams serving as the qualifier in those states. These licenses allow Prime to bid and execute remodel and construction projects in the majority of states, Puerto Rico, and Canada,” said Prime President and CEO Donald Bloom.

Aug. 13, 2012—Dallas-based DAVACO Inc., a provider of turnkey implementation solutions for global brands, promoted Lani Hopkins to vice president of corporate travel. She has more  than 20 years of experience in the travel industry. Hopkins joined DAVACO in 2005 as corporate travel manager, and in 2008 was promoted to director of corporate travel.  In her new role, she will coordinate and maintain itineraries for more than 1500 employees, manage supplier contracts, and develop travel policies.  Hopkins is a certified travel consultant, corporate travel associate, and a certified accounting specialist for Airline Reporting Corporation. She attended the University of Hawaii.

Aug. 9, 2012— Prime Retail Services, based in Gainesville, Ga., promoted Kristen Heinze to business manager. She joined Prime in April 2010. Heinze has a diverse background and will manage critical areas within the company, said Prime CEO Donald Bloom. Prime provides retail services to regional and national retailers, including merchandising, fixture installation, special projects, roll-outs, and project management.

July 23, 2012—Vice President Boe Young of Impressions Marketing Group, a Lorton, Va.-based store fixture and display graphics manufacturer, is on military leave and serves in the Army Reserve. He has been promoted to the rank of major general. Currently, Maj. Gen. Young is responsible for the day-to-day operation, integration and synchronization of the Reserve’s 1,400 person headquarters, which provides support and leadership to the Army Reserve’s 205,000 soldiers and their families. During Maj. Gen. Young’s tenure with Impressions, they were twice awarded the Above and Beyond award for superior customer service. In 2009, he was recognized by Wood & Wood Products magazine as a Market Leader.

May 17, 2012—States Industries Inc., a Eugene, Ore., supplier of decorative hardwood panel products, appointed Michael Blakley marketing director. Blakley fills a position previously held by Bill Powell, who is retiring. Blakley comes to the company from Columbia Forest Products, where he served in a sales and marketing capacity for 11 years. Prior to that, he was vice president and general manager for the furniture import division of Plywood Tropics/Chesapeake Hardwood Products. In his new position, Blakley will manage marketing and communications initiatives for all of States’ panel product lines, including the company’s growing components division.

September 28, 2010—KYDEX, LLC, the U.S.-based manufacturer of proprietary KYDEX®  thermoplastic sheet, announced the appointment of Shawn Ayers to the position of Quality Specialist. In this new position, Ayers will help to drive improvements in processes and customer satisfaction.

With 12 years of production experience encompassing extrusion, granulation, mixing, and color mixing, Ayers is now responsible for identifying the root cause of returned materials, updating Special Quality Requirements (SQRs), performing random product audits, and training KYDEX employees on quality-related subjects. In addition, Ayers continues to complete the KYDEX Die Pre-Heat Kaizen project to enhance the efficiency of tooling changes, as well as reduce electrical energy consumption.

“As a Quality Specialist, Shawn Ayers will play a key role in ensuring that KYDEX delivers on its commitment to quality and continuous improvement each and every day,” said Bryan Ciesielski, KYDEX’s Quality Manager. “The combination of Shawn’s hands-on experience in manufacturing and his dedication to the study of quality has prepared him to succeed in this new position. KYDEX is currently restructuring the Quality Department and staffing it with people who have the right knowledge, experience, skills, aptitude and constructive attitude. Shawn exemplifies all of these attributes that will help differentiate KYDEX in the marketplace.”

Ayers passed the examination to become an ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate. Previously, as the KYDEX Second Shift Supervisor, Ayers gained years of experience in all essential production duties on the shop floor, while driving improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.

About KYDEX
KYDEX, LLC, is a U.S.-based manufacturer of proprietary thermoplastic sheet products marketed worldwide under the trademark KYDEX®. The company’s headquarters, major manufacturing operation, customer service, and R&D facilities in Bloomsburg, Pa., are certified to the ISO 9001 quality management system and the ISO 14001 environmental management system.

About the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
With more than 100,000 individual and organizational members, the ASQ is the world’s leading authority on quality in education, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and service. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Milwaukee, the ASQ is a founding sponsor of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and since 1991 has also been the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

September 21, 2010—idX Corporation,  St. Louis-based provider of fixture manufacturing, logistics, and project management for the retail, hospitality, financial, and point-of-purchase markets, announced that Tom DeLaitsch has joined the company as general manager of idX Baltimore.

DeLaitsch brings to idX a background in the store fixture and retail marketplace, most recently as general manager of L.A. Darling's Wood Division. Prior to his 10 years at L.A. Darling, DeLaitsch was director of manufacturing for Famous Fixtures.
 
"idX is honored to have Tom as the newest member of our executive management team," said idX CEO Terry Schultz.
 
An industrial engineering graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison, DeLaitsch has done significant post-graduate work in the areas of lean manufacturing, leadership development, and sales management.

In December 2009, idX Baltimore moved into a new 435,000-square-foot facility with 72 dock doors. The building, located in Columbia, Md.'s Gateway Commerce Center, includes state-of-the-art manufacturing, distribution, and offices.  

About idX Corporation
idX Corporation, a manufacturer of consumer environments, offers comprehensive technical capabilities,  project management, and turn-key retail services -  complete solutions for the retail, hospitality, financial, and point-of-purchase markets. To meet the needs of global customers, idX has facilities and offices worldwide housing nearly 2,000,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space, and 700 dedicated idX employees. idX's portfolio includes clients in retail, hospitality, and finance, including Guess?, Clearwire, Levi's, Ralph Lauren, Microsoft, Marriott Corp., Tommy Hilfiger, Express, Starbucks, CitiGroup, Calvin Klein, Charles Schwab, Belk, Old Navy, JCPenney, TJX, Hanes Brands, T-Mobile, Kroger, Chico's, and Michael Kors.

August 10, 2010—Bruce Dybvad, CEO of Interbrand Design Forum, has named Dave Nixon executive director, digital strategy. In this role Nixon will lead the growing digital practice for the retail design firm.

“The digital brand experience is a key component of the shopper’s journey. Retailers are increasing their attention on these touchpoints and should be focusing on aligning them with the in-store experience,” said Dybvad. “We’re excited to have Dave Nixon join Interbrand Design Forum to lead the digital practice. His broad perspective around digital strategy will be an asset to our clients as they consider new opportunities for their brands and he’ll be a leader in extending our expertise in the physical environment to the virtual environment.”

As the leader of the company's digital practice, Nixon will be responsible for helping to find and fix the client’s pain points through the development of strategies that allow them to leverage technology within their business models, and help them execute those strategies to generate revenue, become more efficient, and increase their brand value.



Nixon’s team will leverage the company’s strength in research, analytics, shopper sciences, and design to deliver an emotional connection with brands in a way creates measurable results for clients.

Nixon began his career as a designer focused on retail brand experiences. From there, he decided to learn more about technology solutions, and began working in web design and digital media development. Most recently he helped to found Ardor Consulting, a visionary company that combined his creativity with technology solutions and a belief in customer service with integrity.

“This is an exciting move for me because it links my design and consulting background with my digital expertise,” said Nixon. “By understanding the shopper’s moment of interaction with any digital touchpoint—whether it be in-store, mobile, social, or web—we determine what can be accomplished within that dynamic, and then ensure that the right information is available at the right time to deepen the customer experience and close the sale.”

About Interbrand Design Forum
Since 1978, Interbrand Design Forum has been creating retail brand experiences for companies around the world. Interbrand Design Forum’s business model integrates brand strategy, shopper sciences, retail design, digital, documentation, and rollout to provide clients with a comprehensive offering. The company has a network of 1,200 associates in almost 40 offices around the globe.

July 19, 2010—Moss Inc. announced the appointment of Mike Morrison as senior account executive and systems manager. Morrison will utilize his extensive experience in the exhibit and retail industries to provide Moss solutions to customers in the Southeast region of the U.S. Additionally, Morrison will work with the organization to provide direction and support for its growing Moss Max line of products.

Shelly Alex, vice president of sales and marketing for Moss, said, “Mike has the experience and know-how that make him a great fit for Moss. He fills a key role at Moss and will ensure the continued growth of the territory and Moss as an organization.”

Morrison will work from an Atlanta-based sales office and will service customers in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

About Moss
With operations in Chicago, Maine, New York, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas, Moss provides tensioned fabric structures, display hardware, and printed graphics to the event, exhibit, and retail Interiors markets.

July 12, 2010—Scott Berry, long-time store fixture entrepreneur and designer, has joined Reeve Store Equipment Co.

Berry began his career in the fashion industry, which led him to designing fixtures for a few different clothing lines. His natural gift for designing displays became a sideline job for him. Berry spent several years selling clothes to a wide variety of retailers while also designing the fixtures upon which they were merchandised, a side venture he called Rack it Right.  

After his retail clients started asking him to design other fixtures for them beyond the clothing lines he represented, he struck out on his own and began Rightline Industries Inc. in Glendora, Calif., in 1996, a store fixture manufacturer. Rightline concentrated on designing and building combination wood, metal, plastic, and graphics-oriented fixtures that are brand-specific. Berry has worked with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Burton Snowboards, Ferrari/Maserati, Skechers, Quiksilver, Jacuzzi, Reef Sandals, and many others in designing, developing, and manufacturing their branded fixtures. Rightline enjoyed over a decade of success but did not survive the Great Recession. While at Rightline, Scott became aware of Reeve Store Equipment Co. and purchased some components and display hardware items from Reeve.

Robert Reeve Frackelton, vice president of Reeve, states, “Scott’s talents include actually designing and rendering fixtures, material sourcing, understanding the manufacturing process, and most importantly, working with many of the major brand marketers across the nation. Scott brings great skills and a fantastic client base to Reeve.”

Berry is excited about joining the Reeve Team. “My mission is to penetrate the brand market, a client base that has historically not been an area of strength for Reeve," he says. "Reeve has many satisfied and thrilled retailer customers, as well as woodworkers and fellow fixture manufacturer customers, but not much reach into the branded fixture market or point-of-purchase (POP) displays. I am going to capitalize on Reeve’s engineering, manufacturing, global sourcing, and distribution strengths to serve my core customers, turning them into Reeve’s core customers.”

July 9, 2010—KYDEX LLC, the U.S.-based manufacturer of proprietary KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet, announced the appointment of John Martino as Western Regional Sales Manager. Mike Karr, North America Business Manager for KYDEX, made the announcement.

Based in Sacramento, California, Martino will work closely with the Western Region’s manufacturer representative group, Pacific Polymer Group (PPG) in serving the needs of KYDEX customers.

“After an extensive search to find the right person, we are very pleased to have John Martino join the KYDEX sales team,” said Mike Karr. “His background in the polymer industry and familiarity of the West Coast combined with his national accounts management and distribution experience makes this a great fit for KYDEX. Even more, John is very excited about working with PPG to support their existing business and increase the KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet presence.”

Martino has more than 10 years of outside sales experience and national account management within the plastic distribution industry. During this time, he managed large multiple-location customers within the Northern California and Northern Nevada territories and throughout the United States. Prior to joining the KYDEX team, Martino managed existing and new accounts as National Account Manager/Key Account Manager at SABIC Polymershapes/GE Polymershapes. Martino also spent a number of years as an outside sales representative for GE Polymershapes, where he was responsible for the Northern California and Nevada sales territories.

About KYDEX
KYDEX, LLC, is a U.S.-based manufacturer of proprietary thermoplastic sheet products marketed worldwide under the trademark KYDEX®. The company’s headquarters, major manufacturing operation, customer service, and R&D facilities in Bloomsburg, Pa., are certified to the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system and the ISO 14001 environmental management system. Technical service, customer service, and sales representatives worldwide provide technical advice on designing and manufacturing components with KYDEX® sheet products.

June 29, 2010—KYDEX LLC, the manufacturer of KYDEX® thermoplastic sheet, announced that Quality Engineer Robert McCormick has earned the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Engineer (ASQ CQE) certification. In completing the requirements established by the ASQ certification board, McCormick has reached a significant level of professional recognition, indicating proficiency and knowledge in the principles of quality evaluation and control.

“As our first ASQ CQE, Bob McCormick has taken KYDEX quality to the next level,” remarked Jim Medalie, president of KYDEX. “Our customers have come to expect a high level of quality from KYDEX, and with Bob on board, we are more prepared than ever to maintain this level of quality. He works with our entire team to evaluate and develop standards and procedures so that we will continue to provide the highest quality to our customers.”

According to ASQ, “The Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional who understands the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. This body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices, an understanding of human factors and motivation, facility with quality cost concepts and techniques, and the knowledge and ability to develop and administer management information systems and to audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.” Successful in a variety of roles, CQEs are typically found developing and implementing quality systems; planning, controlling and monitoring product and process quality; using reliability and risk management tools; and resolving quality issues through the application of a wide spectrum of quantitative analyses.

Preceded by a textbook containing more than 600 pages, the CQE exam is one of the most complex and comprehensive exams offered by ASQ. In order to sit for the CQE examination, a candidate must have at least eight years of training and on-the-job experience in one or more areas of quality, with a minimum of three years in a decision-making position. Even with this depth of experience, many CQE applicants fail the exam on both their first and second attempts. Thanks in part to his degree in Chemical Engineering, 30 years of experience and six months of careful preparation and studying, Robert McCormick passed the CQE exam on his first try.

Robert McCormick became a member of the KYDEX team in 2009 as a quality engineer. Prior to joining KYDEX, McCormick spent 10 years as a quality engineer at York Wallcoverings, where he was responsible for raw material specification development and testing on paper, film, inks and coating materials. In this position, he investigated product quality complaints, conducted testing to support new product development and handled environmental compliance including air permits, wastewater permits and residual waste management. During the first two decades of his career, McCormick worked in the Materials Development Laboratory of AMP Incorporated, eventually as Project Manager in the Global Technology Division where he focused on polymer materials and processing. McCormick is a co-inventor for the AMP “Method for Laminating Polyester Film” – U.S. patent number 5,110,387.

About KYDEX
KYDEX, LLC, is a U.S.-based manufacturer of proprietary thermoplastic sheet products marketed worldwide under the trademark KYDEX®. The company’s headquarters, major manufacturing operation, customer service, and R&D facilities in Bloomsburg, Pa., are certified to the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system and the ISO 14001 environmental management system. Technical service, customer service, and sales representatives worldwide provide technical advice on designing and manufacturing components with KYDEX® sheet products.

About the American Society for Quality (ASQ)
With more than 100,000 individual and organizational members, the ASQ (www.asq.org) is the world's leading authority on quality in education, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and service. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Milwaukee, the ASQ is a founding sponsor of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and since 1991 has also been the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Since the first certification examination was given in 1968, more than 163,000 individuals have become ASQ certified.

Stylmark Inc. announced the addition of Miriam “Mimi” Yacobucci to its sales team. Yacobucci will be responsible for leading Stylmark’s sales initiatives in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Washington. Yacobucci brings over 14 years of experience to the company, working directly with retailers and branded manufacturers in complex sourcing and distribution programs. She was recognized by Levi Strauss as one of their top suppliers. Yacobucci also has the unique experience of having owned and managed her own retail boutique store for two years.  
 
“Mimi is a results-driven leader who will continue to strengthen Stylmark’s brand and promote our commitment to quality and service,” said Kevin Hogan, Stylmark’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Her background in the retail industry nicely compliments our current market position and growth strategy. We feel extremely fortunate to have Mimi join our sales team,” added Hogan.  
 
About Stylmark
Stylmark Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of aluminum, steel, and lighting products for retail, hospitality, entertainment, and other commercial environments. Product lines include showcase frames, shelving, architectural trim, fitting rooms, and glass and glazing hardware. Stylmark offers an expansive anodized aluminum color palette as well as a wide variety of finishes for both aluminum and steel.

Presentations Plus of America Inc. is pleased to announce that Jeff Spizale has joined the organization as national director of sales and marketing. As a second-generation visual merchandiser and fixture designer, Spizale has worked closely with both retailers and national brands to build and enhance their brand presence at retail. Spizale has considerable experience with merchandising and marketing strategies, creating ROI models for fixture programs, building retail environments, in-store displays, P-O-P, and branded shop programs. In addition to his considerable experience, Spizale has the ability to quickly design and value engineer fixtures in a way that meet the clients’ image requirements and budget constraints. Through the years, Spizale has worked with a diverse group of retailers and brands.  

About Presentations Plus of America
Presentations Plus of America Inc. offers complete retail promotional branding services including the ZoN merchandising system, printing, graphics, fixtures, and decorative products. Presentations Plus of America Inc. is a 25-year-old privately-held company headquartered in Long Lake, Minn.

 

idX Corporation, a manufacturer of consumer environments, continues its expansion with the addition of Terri Boettigheimer to its team. Boettigheimer will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities in support of idX's fast-growing P.O.P., Brand Wrap and Store Environments segments.   

Boettigheimer brings to idX a wealth of industry-related experience through her 16-year career with a leading manufacturer of exhibit displays and retail kiosks. She is a proven leader in developing retail solutions that expand brand presence and increase retail sales.

"The addition of Terri to our team is part of idX's strategic mission to add solutions-driven professionals and continue to increase our value to the retail and brand markets," said idX Executive Vice President Bill Delaney.
 
Boettigheimer is a graduate of UT, Arlington, where she earned a B.A. in Marketing.  She lives in Plano, Texas, and will operate from her office there.

About idX Corporation
idX Corporation, based in St. Louis, Mo., is a manufacturer of consumer environments for the retail, hospitality, financial and point-of-purchase markets. To meet the needs of global customers, idX has eight facilities and offices worldwide housing more than 1,700,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space, and 700 dedicated idX employees. idX's portfolio includes retail, hospitality and finance: Clearwire, Guess?, Levi's, Ralph Lauren, Microsoft, Marriott Corp., Tommy Hilfiger, Express, Starbucks, CitiGroup, Calvin Klein, Charles Schwab, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, JCPenney, TJX, Hanes Brands, T-Mobile, Kroger, Chico's, and Michael Kors.

June 22, 2010—Stylmark, Inc. is pleased to announce that John Heimerl has become a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate. The LEED® Green Associate credential was created specifically for professionals who wish to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. Green Associate is the prerequisite toward obtaining a LEED AP status.

 “We are excited that John has achieved this LEED® Green Associate accreditation. It further demonstrates Stylmark’s commitment to utilize and protect environmental resources to the best of our abilities and supports our customers in environmentally responsible programs,” said Kevin Hogan, Stylmark’s vice president of sales and marketing.
 
“LEED® Green Associate certification demonstrates to Stylmark’s customers our understanding of the LEED system and dedication to environmental issues”, said John Heimerl, Stylmark’s senior chemist and LEED® Green Associate.
 
About LEED® Green Associate
LEED® Green Associate is a professional credential demonstrating green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice; LEED® Green Associate is one of three levels of credentialing administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The fastest-growing GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute) credential, LEED® Green Associate is the most accepted professional standard for non-technical personnel on green building projects.
 
About Stylmark
Stylmark Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum, steel and lighting products for retail, hospitality, entertainment and other commercial environments.  Product lines include showcase frames, shelving, architectural trim, fitting rooms and glass & glazing hardware.  Stylmark has the industry’s most expansive anodized aluminum color palette as well as a wide variety of finishes for both aluminum and steel.  For more information, visit http://www.stylmark.com or call 800-328-2495.

June 8, 2010—Chute Gerdeman Retail has expanded its team as the retail branding and design consultancy continues to build its client base. In addition to adding seven new team members to its Columbus, Ohio, headquarters, Chute Gerdeman is announcing four recent promotions.



Nicole Faccinto and Michael Munchoff join Chute Gerdeman’s environments team, Stephen Williams joins graphic production, Rodrick Pauley and Karen Simpkins join the marketing department, MarCee Gerdes joins the business development team, and JoAnn Sagraves joins human resources.

• Rodrick Pauley—Director, Marketing and Sales—is responsible for overseeing the Chute Gerdeman brand. He joins Chute Gerdeman with more than 15 years of experience leading experiential brand marketing teams, working with companies such as OhioHealth, The Longaberger Company, The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Nicole Faccinto—Senior Designer, Visual Strategy—is responsible for strategic visual planning, design and development, conceptual planning and implementation, and fixture design. Previous clients include Albertsons, Best Buy, Coco’s Restaurant and Bakery, D’Angelo, Goasis, Italianni’s (Mexico City), New Balance, Ologie, Revol Wireless, Starbucks, and Whole Foods.
• Michael Munchoff—Designer, Retail Environments—works with the directors of environments and design development to ensure the design maintains its integrity through implementation.
• JoAnn Sagraves joins Chute Gerdeman as Human Resources Manager. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources, Jo Ann comes to CG from Discover Card.
• MarCee Gerdes has joined Chute Gerdeman’s Business Development team.
• Karen Simpkins has been hired as Designer, Marketing Communications.
• Stephen Williams joins the graphic production team as Production Manager

Corey Dehus, Elaine Evans, Steve Johnson and George Waite have all been promoted.

• Corey Dehus has been promoted to Creative Director, Brand Communications.
• Elaine Evans has been promoted to Senior Designer, Brand Communications.
• Steve Johnson has been promoted to Senior Designer, Design Implementation
• George Waite has been promoted to Program Manager, Design Implementation

May 21, 2010 —ALU s.p.a. announced the appointment of Emanuele Corvo as the new managing director of Alu Inc. Corvo, who has more than 12 years of experience in the furnishing market, joined ALU Inc. from Kartell U.S. Inc., where he was managing director. He will be based at ALU's offices in New York and will oversee all marketing and sales activities in North and Latin America.

Abramo Manfrotto, CEO, commented, "We are very pleased to welcome Emanuele as the new managing director for ALU Inc. His Italian origins mixed with over 10 years as a professional in North America make him a perfect candidate for our U.S. operation. He has covered different roles, from operations to sales and general management.”

Commenting on his appointment, Corvo said, “It’s exciting for me to be joining ALU and I look forward to becoming a key driver for its future growth.”

About ALU
ALU, headquartered in Italy, manufactures and distributes high-end point-of-sale fixtures and merchandising systems. Owned by the Manfrotto family, the company's offerings fall into four categories: standard products, personalized standard products, fully customized design systems, and retail implementation services. The standard range offers a wide variety of readily available systems for communication, visual merchandising and display. Clients include numerous department stores and fashion boutiques including Sears, Hudson Bay, Debenhams, H&M, Zara, GAP, and Benetton as well as store-in-store systems for Nokia shops in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. In addition, it serves electronics and telecommunications companies such as Sony, as well as renowned banks and car manufacturers, including Philip Morris, BMW/Mini, and Chevrolet Europe. ALU products are distributed internationally through a network of owned and independent distributors, and the company has subsidiaries in Paris, Amsterdam, and New York, as well as a distributors in countries such as Spain, Australia, Russia, Turkey, Hong Kong, and more.

May 17, 2010 — Prime Retail Services Inc. announced that Susie Sellers Bruyere has joined the company as vice president of sales.

Sellers will use her 15 years of sales experience in the retail construction industry to direct the national sales program at Prime. Over the last 15 years in the retail construction industry, Bruyere has continued to surpass goals and be nationally recognized as a leader. As vice president, she will develop and expand Prime's national growth and presence, as well as be more involved in Prime's progressive approach to LEED and sustainability.

Bruyere believes that her diversity of experience and solution-driven attitude will further solidify Prime's connection to the retail community and help the company stay ahead of industry trends. She specializes in retail product and construction solutions, retail rollout/remodel implementation, construction process knowledge, building and expanding executive relationships, sustainability trends and initiatives, and customer service.

About Prime Retail Services Inc.
Prime Retail Services Inc., based in Gainesville, Ga., is a provider of dedicated retail services to regional and national retailers. Services include the full-scope capabilities of wall to wall store remodels, merchandising, fixture installation, special projects, roll-outs, and project management services.

May 4, 2010 — Lee Carpenter, founder of Interbrand Design Forum, has appointed current President and COO Bruce Dybvad to CEO. Carpenter, who has served as CEO of Interbrand Design Forum since its founding in 1978, will now focus solely on his role as CEO of Interbrand North America, a position he s held since 2006.

Dybvad joined Interbrand Design Forum in 1980 and was named president in 1998. He added the additional role of president of Interbrand Cincinnati in 2006. A resident of Cincinnati, Dybvad has a B.S. in Design from the University of Cincinnati s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP). He is a member of the Retail Design Institute and sits on the editorial advisory board of VMSD. Dybvad is now also CEO of Interbrand's Cincinnati office.

"We will continue to concentrate on helping clients create and manage brand value," says Dybvad. "There's some pretty exciting synergy happening between the Dayton and Cincinnati offices as we bring together smart strategy and game-changing creative. Our common focus on Shopper Sciences is something savvy companies understand. We have the ability to deliver the power of their brands across all touchpoints. That's what it takes to drive choice at retail today."

In his position, Carpenter will continue to shape the strategy and growth of Interbrand across North America, which in addition to Interbrand Design Forum's offices in Dayton and Los Angeles, includes Interbrand offices in New York, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Toronto, and Mexico City.

Under Carpenter's leadership, Interbrand Design Forum has developed a business model that folds brand strategy and shopper insights into the creation of the optimized retail space.

In 2002, Design Forum became part of Interbrand, extending its reach to help brands globally develop sound strategies and ground-breaking new brand experiences at retail. In 2008, the company added Interbrand to its Design Forum name.

About Interbrand Design Forum
The company, founded in 1978, creates retail brand experiences for companies around the world using a business model that integrates analytics-based strategy. The firm is part of a network of 1,200 associates in almost 40 offices around the globe.

April 6, 2010 — DVUV, LLC announced today that it has hired Jack Garforth as Operations Manager. Garforth will have responsibility for the following areas of operations management: quality control, production, process improvement and vendor development for the company’s powder application business.

“We’re experiencing tremendous growth both in the number of customers we’re serving as well as the size and complexity of programs our customers are bringing us,” said DVUV’s President Michael F. Knoblauch. “Jack will be a critical resource as we prepare to add a second shift and lay the groundwork for our next phase of growth. I’m confident his well-honed leadership, organizational, and manufacturing abilities will provide significant benefits to our customers, partners, and employees.”

Garforth has over 20 years of operations and manufacturing experience including responsibility for a $180 million automotive coating facility during his tenure with LTV Steel. His primary focus has been improving productivity, quality, safety, and process efficiencies using practices such as kaizen, kanban, and lean manufacturing and growing staff through mentoring and innovative employee development programs. Garforth graduated from Ohio University with a degree in operations management and marketing.

About DVUV
DVUV, LLC, based in Cleveland, provides UV-cured powdercoated finishes for wood and other heat-sensitive substrates. The company is committed to creating new design possibilities and
offering more environmentally sustainable alternatives. All of DVUV’s finishes are  solvent-free and emit no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). DVUV provides turnkey production services in a range of industries from retail interiors to medical equipment and educational furniture, manufacturing finished parts to customers’ specifications.