Article Number : 1206 |
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| Date | 7/19/2006 11:59:14 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1206 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Atlanta—The allure of the undiscovered—unmatched variety and selection—are just a few of the advantages that bring buyers and sellers home each summer to AmericasMart•Atlanta and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, from July 16 to 19, noted Chaz Sydney, senior vice... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Atlanta—The allure of the undiscovered—unmatched variety and selection—are just a few of the advantages that bring buyers and sellers home each summer to AmericasMart•Atlanta and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, from July 16 to 19, noted Chaz Sydney, senior vice president of floor coverings and external new business development for AmericasMart•Atlanta’s parent company, AMC. And this summer, AmericasMart introduces yet more defining advantages for customers with its most diverse and comprehensive educational and entertainment offerings, including: • An expanded and refined AmericasMart University (AMU). More numerous in course number, and now tailored to specifically address the unique needs of area rug exhibitors and retailers. AMU core curriculum addresses three Topics of Learning: Retail Business Basics, Buying & Selling and Building Your Brand. Each offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Select elective-level courses have been retained. All AMU participants are eligible to earn an AmericasMart MBA—awarded to participants who complete all AMU curriculum requirements—or the completion of each Level of each Topic of learning for a total of nine classes. MBA graduates will be recognized at exclusive at-Market events and are eligible to receive incentive packages; • A refined Area Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards. Relocated in 2006 to the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium, and its majestic Oceans Ballroom, the ROYS, an annual ceremony honoring exemplary achievement among the nation’s most accomplished rug retailers, will take place on July 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and • The inaugural Area Rug Silent Auction benefitting ORIA’s Charitable Fund—a vehicle through which children in the world’s major carpet weaving districts receive educational, community and public healthcare assistance. For more than a decade, the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) and its members have been financially committed to a variety of philanthropic support initiatives and charities worldwide. Many of these organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of children—specifically those affected by global disasters. Additionally, ORIA has expanded its reach to include ongoing support for non-governmental programs aimed at improving the health, welfare and educational enrichment of needy children and their families in the world’s major carpet weaving districts. This month, ORIA’s commitment to children extends to a unique but natural alliance between itself and AmericasMart•Atlanta, the nation’s leading wholesale market center, noted Sydney. “In conjunction with the summer Rug Market, AmericasMart and ORIA will host a silent auction featuring 20 to 30 of the world’s most exquisite, hand-knotted rugs. Donated exclusively by ORIA members, opening bids on these large-sized area rugs will be listed significantly lower than wholesale value.” Bidding will begin Sunday, July 16 at 9 a.m., in the MOI Gallery located on the fourth floor of AmericasMart bldg. #1 in 4B1 and is open to all Market attendees. The auction will end on Monday, July 17 at 5 p.m. Auction participants will also be eligible to enter-to-win a hand-knotted area rug, as well as an Apple IPod. Winning bids will be announced during the annual ROY Awards held Monday, July 17 at the Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom. The ballroom—situated among the most spectacular and endangered sea creatures, including Beluga Whales and Whale Sharks—the largest fish in the world—will host live entertainment, a complimentary cocktail buffet and a Monte Carlo-themed casino evening. For more information on the ORIA Charitable Fund, contact Lucille Laufer, ORIA’s executive director, at llaufer@oria.org. Once again, for buyers and sellers, education plays a major role at the summer show. On Monday, July 17, Steve Boodakian of Koko Boodakian & Sons and Sy Mahfuz of Persian Rug Galleries will partner to present “Does Selling Rugs Have You Tied Up in ‘Nots?’” It will take place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in AmericasMart bldg. 1, floor 4, 4B1. Another class to pique the interest of attendees is “Oriental Rugs 101,” a course presented by Michael Joseph, owner of Joseph Oriental Rug Imports. This seminar is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., also in AmericasMart bldg. 1, floor 4, 4B1. On Wednesday, July 19, “A New Vision for ORRA” will be presented by Mark Kambourian of M. Kambourian Sons and is mandatory for all ORRA members. It takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in AmericasMart bldg. 1, floor 4, 4B1. For more information about the market, call 800/285-6278. |