CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The Accessories Resource Team (ART), the decorative accessory industry association, has elected a new board of directors and approved a by-law change that created an expanded executive committee last month.
Steve Crowder, GuildMaster, has become president of ART; Mindy Lowack, Dallas Market Center, executive vice president; John Clements, BJ’s Home Accents, treasurer; and Vanessa Turney, Light by Design, secretary. In addition, David Gebhart, Global Views, heads the ARTS Awards; Monica Loving, HomeStyle, membership; Doug Self, j. douglas, ART conference; and Cody Hutcheson, CODARUS, education.
The elected board members at large are: Karen Greaber, AmericasMart; Lee Hershberg, IMCenters – High Point; Susan Andrulis, IMAX; Steve Papevies, Southern Accessories Today; Mark Phillips, The Phillips Collection; Boyd Tasker, IMCenters – Las Vegas; Laura Van Zeyl, Home Fashion Magazine and Residential Lighting; Kellee Hollenback, Troy/CSL – The Littman Group; Jim Hering, HW Home; Brad Clifford, Bravado Home; past president Bill Fortson, BJ’s Home Accents; and past president Colleen Visage, Swarovski Lighting Business.
“Small business owners, whether they are retailers, sales reps or manufacturers, often feel they are alone battling the everyday business challenges,” said Crowder. “Today’s business climate can be pretty scary. ART is one of the few trade associations in this industry where companies up and down the supply chain can come together to tackle the issues we all face. Our goal this next year is for ART to become the catalyst for ideas in solving some of today’s marketplace game changers from technology to supply chain management — issues that everyone is dealing with day to day. ART provides the forum to tap in to the wisdom of the crowd.”
The newly elected officers and board of directors began their tenure Nov. 1, 2011 and their term will end Oct. 31, 2013.