Atlanta—The 2003 Atlanta International Area Rug Market summer edition, co-sponsored by the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA), gave retailers an unmatched selection of merchandise that only the nation’s largest collection of area rug products could deliver. Under the premise, Cover New Ground: Shop the Area Rug Floors, area rug and home furnishings retailers explored the area rug showrooms and discovered handmade and power-loomed area rugs in every style, at every price point in classic and contemporary styling well suited to any retail environment, noted Chas Sydney, senior vice president of floor coverings and external new business development for AmericasMart•Atlanta’s parent company, AMC.

Crowning the summer market was the 10th Annual AmericasMart•Atlanta Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards. Each July, the ROY Awards salute outstanding achievement among the nation’s premier area rug retailers. All ROY nominees are nominated exclusively by AmericasMart•Atlanta area rug exhibitors and are then voted on by an independent panel of industry experts. A crowd of more than 500 was on hand at the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel to recognize and celebrate the winners in numerous categories. During the market, Lucille Laufer, executive director of the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) and long-time area rug industry advocate, was awarded the inaugural Americas-Mart•Atlanta President’s Award, an honor which will be presented annually to an industry professional who demonstrates excellence and innovation in his or her field.

Commissioned and designed by Jeff Portman, president of AMC, the parent company of AmericasMart•Atlanta, the President’s Award recognizes Laufer for her leadership, dedication and patronage to Americas-Mart and the area rug industry. Portman presented the award to Laufen during ORIA’s general membership meeting. “Lucille is an invaluable asset to our industry,” said Portman. “Because of her commitment to excellence, innovative spirit and dedication, we’ve built a relationship unlike any other in the industry. Our synergy allows both ORIA and AmericasMart to better service our manufacturer and importer customers. She is a tireless advocate and true friend of the industry.” Laufer’s industry roots run deep. Prior to her arrival at ORIA, she served as import manager for a major area rug wholesaler. Today, as she has for the past 13 years, Laufer serves as executive director of ORIA. She works closely with AmericasMart in co-sponsoring the January National Oriental Rug Show, oversees all new membership initiatives, is an enthusiastic promoter of area rugs, and is on the front-line of industry and trade specific issues. She also serves as editor-in-chief of the association’s Area magazine.

“I’m deeply honored to be the first recipient of The President’s Award,” said Laufer. “It has been my privilege to work hand-in-hand with AmericasMart in promoting the area rug industry and to witness our industry’s unprecedented progress. I look forward with great anticipation and excitement to the years to come. I’m especially appreciative of the personal care Jeff took in designing this award. I treasure its beauty as well as its significance.” Full Ownership During the show, as attendees shopped The Area Rug Center, they were encouraged to enter-to-win a two-year lease on a Mini Cooper—the new “It” car. Moments before the winner’s name was drawn however, Portman decided to give full ownership of the vehicle to the winner instead of the two-year lease. The winner of the car was veteran AmericasMart area rug retailer, India White, who is co-manager and buyer for Nashville, Tenn.-based, Bradford’s.

“I’m delighted and absolutely over the moon,” she said. “AmericasMart is an integral component of our success. Our bi-annual trips here allow us immediate access to the premier mills and importers in the area rug industry.” Established in 1889, Bradford’s is a premier interior design house and importer of European antique furniture, antique reproductions, home furnishings and distinctive area rugs. A 1996 recipient of the Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Award, Bradford’s has one of the largest fabric libraries in the Southeast and features a full-service design staff of 14 people. “We’re pleased to present the Mini Cooper to a retailer who has always supported our markets,” said Sydney. “Bradford’s runs an outstanding operation and we hope India enjoys her car for many years to come.” For more information on AmericasMart•Atlanta and it annual markets, call 800/285-6278.