CHAPEL HILL, NC – The Sustainable Furnishings Council announced today it has named its 2013 Officers of the Board. Steve Freeman of Room and Board serves as President, Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home serves as Vice-President, Greg Harden of Harden Furniture serves as Treasurer, and Peggy Burns of Circle Furniture serves as Secretary. Other new appointments to the Board include Amy Smith of WWF/GFTN and Norman Coley of Lee Industries. SFC Board members take responsibility for the organization’s mission, developing goals annually and ensuring that programs move the industry forward.
The SFC Board of Directors made the appointments when they met last week in Minneapolis at the headquarters of Room & Board. The Board also announced new initiatives and focus for 2013, including an amended membership structure, the review and revision of standards, and a new corporate sponsorship program.
“I am excited to work with the new board of directors and executive committee to move the Sustainable Furnishings Council forward into a brighter future. Our recent meeting was extremely energetic and produced a clear plan for the direction we want to take the organization. Our hopes are to build on our past and include all of our members more in building our future. Our goal will continue to be to look at each sector of our industry and encourage everyone to take steps to help them make a difference in slowing the impact we all have on our planet,” said Steve Freeman, SFC Board President.
Membership continues to be open to all, and continues to provide recognition of exemplary performance at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels for companies that have met strict requirements. Qualifying members use the member seal and are listed in a “finder” on the organization’s website, and Exemplary Manufacturers use a tag on their products. The organization announced a new entry level of membership. These member companies do not use the member seal, but are provided with educational programming and resources to help them qualify. “The Board is clear that our mission is to provide meaningful support to members, and I have no doubt that our improved membership structure and new programs will be effective in influencing progress towards the adoption of practices that make an immediate difference in the impact our has, not only on the climate crisis but also on many other problems that threaten our health and prosperity. I invite everyone to get involved!” said Susan Inglis, SFC Executive Director.
The SFC’s new corporate sponsorship program recognizes Sustainers, Friends and Colleagues for donations made to support the programming that moves the industry forward.
Other members of the SFC Board of Directors include: Jeff Hiller, PROaction Marketing Group; Christina Nicholson, Williams-Sonoma; Mitchell Gold, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; and Kathryn Fernholz, Dovetail Partners. Founder Gerry Cooklin, Arte y Madera, is ex officio on the board.
