JOZI AWARDS SELECTION AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT BUSY YEAR FOR SUPPLIERS DIVISION.

With more than 350 member companies, the Suppliers Division has long been a very active as well as visible presence in the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA). In addition to its regular agenda, the Suppliers Division has focused on two main projects, a scholarship program and Supplier of the Year Award recognizing distinguished service to the Suppliers Division.

The Scholarship Program is designed to provide scholarship aid to children of employees of member organizations of the AFMA. Since the inception of the program in 1993, the Suppliers Division has hosted a variety of fundraising events and raised more than $120,000, making it possible for the group to award four scholarships this spring. Four student winners have been awarded scholarships of $2,000 each for the following school year.

Awards are made to students, age 21 or younger, who are enrolled or plan to enroll fulltime in a two- or four-year college, university or approved vocational/technical school. Awards are made on the basis of financial need, past educational performance and the student's potential to succeed in the chosen educational program. Other factors considered are scholastic aptitude and performance and outside interests and activities. Students are asked to discuss their educational and career aspirations and goals. The funds can be used to pay for tuition, books, lab fees, room and board or other educational expenses.

Those students awarded the scholarships include Shavvon Gough, the daughter of Thurman Gough, an employee of Creative Interiors in Fork Union, VA. Shavvon will attend Longwood College in Farmville, VA, majoring in Pre-Medicine.

Tiffany Dalton, daughter of Judy Dalton, who is employed by England Corsair, Inc., in New Tazewell, TN, will attend Carson Newman College in Jefferson, TN. Her major will be Business Education.

Carissa Greene, daughter of Kevin Greene, who is employed by Philadelphia Furniture in Salamanca, NY, will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and will major in Hotel/Resort Management.

Ashley Peel, daughter of Vicki Peel, an employee of Franklin Corp. in Houston, MS, will attend Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS and will major in Elementary Education.

BOB BUSH FIRST RECIPIENT OF 'THE JOZI'

When the Suppliers Division decided to initiate an awards program to honor a Suppliers Division member for distinguished service, they had a recipient in mind whose dedication and hard work made an impact on AFMA affairs as well as the furniture industry. The first winner of the Joe Ziolkowski Award for Distinguished Service to the Suppliers Division, aka The Jozi, is Bob Bush of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co.

The Jozi, presented at the annual summer meeting, was designed to honor a person who has shown through their effort and talents to be a valuable asset to the Suppliers Division in its work to enhance the relationship with the furniture industry.

"Bob Bush is most deserving of the Distinguished Service Award," said Andy Counts, Executive Director of the Suppliers Division. "Bush has devoted 48 years to our industry and has diligently worked with other industry individuals to help mold the mission of the Suppliers Division. Bush was instrumental in helping to organize the Division and was one of the founding members. He has held numerous positions within the Division, including that of third president and chairman."

Bush worked tirelessly with Joe Ziolkowski, retired staff member of the AEMA and for whom the award is named. Together they tackled many of the early upholstery flammability issues and helped direct many of the UFAC guidelines in place today.

Bush is "passionately involved" in the Suppliers Division, attending every meeting, reception and outing supported by the organization. He serves as an excellent role model and inspiration for other members as a strong advocate of the Division's activities and programs. He also serves the entire furniture industry by serving on furniture related boards, such as the Furniture Hall of Fame and Furniture Library.

Bush has been recognized by the bedding and wire industries as well, earning their highest awards for his contributions and service. In 1999, Bush was awarded ISPA's Exceptional Service Award for his work with the International Sleep Products Association. He previously won the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award, presented to the outstanding supply member and he recently received special recognition from the Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) for his long-time service on behalf of the group.

"No one speaks more boldly for our industry than Bob," said Counts. "His has been a constant voice for the past 48 years."