MONTEVALLO, Ala.- Summer Classics, a leading outdoor furniture manufacturer and retailer, celebrated its annual Garden Party, Aug. 6-10. The weeklong event allowed customers to view the company's six new collections, additions to existing collections and fabric introductions.
"Getting to go to the Summer Classics Garden Party is like getting the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory," said Chris Price, regional sales manager, Sunbrella.
In attendance were more than 40 dealers and 77 buyers, along with Summer Classics employees and sales representatives. Meetings and events were held in Birmingham as well as in the 42,000-sq.-ft. Summer Classics showroom in Pelham, Ala.
During the annual Awards Dinner at The Mountain Brook Club on Aug. 8, the company honored outstanding employees and individuals who have been with Summer Classics for 10 years or more.
Wynne White received The Susan Lambeth Sales Representative of the Year Award, which honors a sales rep for exceptional work and is given each year in memory of Susan Lambeth, a Summer Classics sales representative who lost her battle with ovarian cancer more than two years ago.
"I am lucky to have customers that are like family," said Wynne White, who represents north Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. "I could never be successful without the help of all the Summer Classics employees. This award is for them, as a thanks for making me look good!"
The Summer Classics' IT Department was honored with the "Whatever It Takes" Award for their outstanding work and dedication to the company. This award is chosen by the Summer Classics' sales representatives every year for the person or team who goes above and beyond what is expected to help others within the company.
Those honored for being with the company for more than 10 years were Neal Morgan, CFO of Summer Classics, for his 25 years with the company. Paul Bentley, sales representative, and Jim Parker, VP of Parker James, for their 15 years with Summer Classics. Honored for 10 years of work were sales representatives Kelly Patton and Steve Bennett, and Lynda Martin who is with the company's accounting department.
"The atmosphere at the 2012 Garden Party was electric," said Keith Norton, VP of operations for Summer Classics. "Our President and CEO Bew White mesmerized the entire company and all of our guests with his enthusiastic presentation of our products during our national sales meeting."
As part of the week's events, the Summer Classics Super SHOPS Dealer of the Year was awarded to The Summer House in Highlands, N.C. The store's commitment to offering the best home furnishings for its customers lead the owners, Paula and Barry Jones, to select Summer Classics as their only outdoor furniture manufacturer.
Their continued excellent performance as a dealer, and the exceptional way in which they display Summer Classics products is why they were selected as Super SHOPS Dealer of the Year for 2012. Located in a town of just over 5,000 permanent residents, The Summer House's dedication to quality customer service and offering the best home furnishings makes the store a destination retailer in a small area.
"Our sales reps and corporate staff were all very excited about our new products, and the direction the company is heading," Norton said. "I am excited about being a part of Summer Classics and the momentum our company has going for it."
