Women in the Home Industries Today (WITHIT) announced ten finalists for the organization’s 2003 WOW awards. The awards, given in four categories, provide an opportunity for the industry to recognize and celebrate excellence. Congratulations to the following finalist:

Legacy Award Given to a woman of achievement who has made significant lifetime contributions to the home furnishings industries
Jena Hall President; Jena Hall Designs and Marketing	Katharine Lambeth CEO/President (deceased); Erwin-Lambeth	Connie Lineberry Vice President, Marketing; Reed Business Information
Mentoring Award Given to a retail executive or retail organization that has fostered the advocacy, development or promotion of women in their company
Clive Lubner CEO; Robb & Stucky	Lyn Peterson President; Motif Designs
Education Award Given to a manufacturing executive or company for the creation of programs to educate associates, retailers or consumers about home furnishings
Kathleen Ammemueller Director of Education, Training; Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.	Kim Shaver Director, Marketing Communications, Brand Manager; Hooker Furniture Corporation	Gale Steves: President, Open House Productions
Future Leadership Award Given to salute an individual who is under 40 for outstanding achievement and demonstrated potential to become an industry leader
Jana Platina-Phipps Creative Marketing Director; Gelberg Braid Company, Inc.	Catherine Shearson President; Kingsway Fabrics

WITHIT will announce the WOW Award winners and salute all honorees on Friday evening, October 17, 2003 during the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point. The festivities and awards ceremony will be held in the Courtyard at Market Square beginning at 6:00 p.m. with entertainment from the now-legendary furniture market band Slick Veneer and the Laminators. Food and drink will be served during the social time and the formalities of the recognition ceremony are slated to begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about WithIt or the WOW awards, contact Sara Lyke, WithIt Executive Director at 336-880-2188, or by email at director@withit.org.