Newsroom

Nashville, Tennessee, USA: 8/21/2007

Annual prize recognizes promising new designers in the furniture design industry

(Nashville, Tennessee, USA: August 21, 2007) Hickory Hardware™ (www.hickoryhardware.com), North America's leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of decorative, functional and industrial hardware, is pleased to announce Suzanne Smalligan and Alexis Brannan as the recipients of the 2007 Withers Endowment Award at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Smalligan and Brannan, both seniors in Kendall College's Furniture Design program, were awarded the $1,500 prize for outstanding achievement in the program.

The Withers Endowment at Kendall College was established in 1993 by a contribution from FKI plc, parent company of Keeler Brass which is now part of Hickory Hardware. The endowment is named in honor of Joseph W. Withers for his years of valuable service as president of Keeler Brass. The award is presented each year to exceptional students in furniture, industrial, or interior design who intend to pursue careers in furniture or furniture-related industries.

"Our company strongly believes in supporting talented and innovative young designers," said John Pelka, vice president of marketing, Hickory Hardware. "This endowment allows us to invest in the future of the industry by giving students, like Suzanne and Alexis, the opportunity to pursue an education in the field of furniture design. We have high hopes for all Withers Award winners and look forward to seeing their talent flourish in the coming years," he added.

In addition to providing financial opportunities for students, Hickory Hardware currently employs four graduates of the school's furniture design program - Kevin Dewald, product manager for Hickory Hardware's decorative department, and designers Debra Mattson, Jonathan Lorenz, and Lisa Koskela.

Kendall College students who would like more information about the Joe Withers Endowment are encouraged to contact the financial aid office at Kendall College at (616) 451-2787 or (800) 676-ARTS.

For sales or marketing information, please call Hickory Hardware toll-free at (877) 556-2918, or at (615) 687-6300 outside of the US, or e-mail customerservice@hickoryhardware.com.

For media information, contact Lauren A. Frohne, public relations, Koroberi, Inc. (www.koroberi.com), by phone at (919) 960-9794 ext. 25 or by e-mail at lauren@koroberi.com.