Dedication to an Industry Honored at Hickorys Heritage Furnishings Festival

HICKORY, N.C. (PRWEB) July 24, 2005 -- On August 12, 2005, Hickorys Heritage Furnishings Festival will honor Glenn Hunsucker, retired president of Bassett Furniture Industries, for his distinguished career in the furnishings industry.

Born in 1934 in Conover, NC, Mr. Hunsucker began his furniture career after graduating from high school. In 1952 he joined Prestige Chair where he learned every aspect of manufacturing upholstery: framing, fabrics, to completed furniture. Bassett Furniture Industries bought Prestige Chair in 1970. Mr. Hunsucker continued as plant manager for three to four years when he was asked by Bassett to take over the upholstery division. Later he became Executive Vice President for the company. Around 1987 he took the reigns as President of Bassett Furniture Industries.

When asked what he thought was Bassetts greatest contribution to Catawba County, he quickly responded, Jobs."

At one time Bassett was the largest employer in the county, with as many as 1,200 employees while I was president. General Electric got close to that, but I dont think they ever had quite that many", Hunsucker stated.

In addition to major contributions to the county, Mr. Hunsucker also remembers some important changes that took place in the company during his tenure.

Hunsucker recalls, They (factory workers) used to spit tacks". This was a method of holding upholstery tacks in the mouth and feeding" them onto a magnetic hammer, then hammering the tacks into the wood frame. It was dangerous, not to mention pretty unsanitary."

Bassett was the first company to use staple guns making the process safer for workers and more efficient in the upholstering process. Another major change was implemented when Bassett wanted to switch from using oak and poplar frames to plywood.

Oak and poplar frames were very difficult to nail, especially the corner braces," Hunsucker said. We had trouble convincing the retailers, but finally made the switch. We eliminated 90% of the machining in making our frames, and found out plywood was also better from a retail perspective. Plywood doesnt warp or split like oak and poplar can."

Mr. Hunsucker offered his perspective on the future of the furnishings industry. He believes that imported wood furniture will continue to grow, and that furniture makers will need to find an offshore connection to stay viable.

Distribution is key; having the right selection, at the right place, at the right time." He also said retailers should strongly consider the Internet as an alternative to getting product in front of and to the consumer.

Though he is retired, he still does consulting work for furniture companies and works in real estate on the side". When he is not working", he enjoys a game of golf and ride on his boat. He and his wife, Susan, enjoy traveling especially to Florida. They now reside in Terrell, NC.

Please join the festivals opening ceremonies Friday, August 12 from 5pm-7pm when Glenn Hunsucker will be honored along with Allen Cole (Schnadig) and Rocky Holscher (Southwood Furniture). Enjoy live jazz by Joseph Hasty, and refreshments provided by Liazzos.

Hickory's Heritage Furnishings Festival is an indoor festival celebrating the home furnishings industry and features area and regional artists and potters, interior design consultations, furniture-crafting demonstrations, a wine tasting, community businesses and organizations, entertainment, food, contests, and childrens games and activities. It is held annually at Catawba Furniture Mall, 377 Highway 70, Hickory, Saturday, August 13, from 10 am - 7 pm and Sunday, August 15, from 1 - 5 pm.

For a full festival schedule, go to Www.catawbafurniture.com/festival.htm.
For more information on this and other events at Catawba Furniture Mall, call 828-324-9701, or visit www.catawbafurniture.com.
For lodging and dining information call the Park Inn Hotel and Gateway conference center at 1-800-670-7275, or visit www.parkinn.com/hickorync.

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