Pride Family Brands signs 5 year lease extension with Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for a 15th floor showroom as a part of the reconfiguration of the casual furnishing floors to be completed in 2012.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/11/2012 -- Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of casual furniture, announces that it has finalized an agreement with MMPI for the relocation of its company's showroom to the 15th floor of the historic Chicago Merchandise Mart. Currently located on the 17th floor, Pride's relocation is part of The Mart's anticipated reconfiguration of the casual outdoor furnishing floors intended to offer designers and buyers a seamless experience while shopping the outdoor showrooms.

"For years, Pride Family Brands has been committed to maintaining a major presence within The Mart and are excited about the renewed focus that is being given to our category with the redesign of the showroom floors," said Steve Lowsky, president of Pride Family Brands. "With the relocation, Pride will hold a prominent position on the newly designed 15th floor and offer our buyers an 11,000 square foot space with expanded features for showcasing our products. The space is slated to be completed by December 2012 and will be open for the first time to buyers in January 2013.

"The reconfiguration of our casual showrooms has been in response to requests from buyers, tenants and the International Casual Furnishings Association over the years," said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president of MMPI. "We are excited to have Pride Family Brands' five year lease extension and their commitment to a 15th floor showroom. ¬¬¬¬MMPI has been a steward of consistent growth for the casual industry and this move will increase the existing 250,000 square feet of space by 10%.

The Merchandise Mart is securing design visionary Gary Lee to bring his award-winning creativity to the design of the corridors of the 15th floor. An existing stairwell connecting the 15th and 16th floors will be complemented by a dedicated stairwell connecting the 14th and 15th floors, improving flow between the casual and residential showrooms.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Casual Furniture Manufacturer Pride Family Brands Files Suit Against Woodard Employee Scott Coogan for Patent Infringement, Violation of Trade Dress and Disclosure of Trade Secrets.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/31/2012 -- Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of casual furniture, today announced that it has filed in Miami Federal District Court, Miami, Fla., a patent infringement lawsuit against Woodard Furniture of Coppell, Texas, Carl's Patio, Inc., Carl's Patio West, Inc. and Scott Coogan, vice president – design, Woodard Furniture. The lawsuit claims patent infringement and violation of trade dress as well as disclosure of trade secrets.

"We filed this case for a very simple reason. Pride Family Brands' property is being knowingly and unfairly exploited," said Steve Lowsky, president of Pride Family Bran ds. & a mp; a mp; amp; amp;a m p;a m p;a m p;a m p;a m p;n bsp; ; "Pride is one of the casual furniture industry's leaders in driving and managing innovation and we place a high priority on protecting this innovation."

Pride Family Brands takes its patent rights for all of their uniquely designed patio furniture seriously and will not tolerate the unauthorized copying of designs. "Our designs are one of our core assets and each represents a tremendous investment of time and money," said Lowsky. "By the filing of this lawsuit today, we want to signal that we will do whatever the law allows to protect our patents, designs and the customer good will we have built and continue to enjoy today."

Pride Family Brands, a thirty-five year old manufacturing company headquartered in Hollywood, FLa., currently holds over fifty design patents on outdoor furniture and furniture accessories.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

About Pride Family Brands
For 35 years, Pride Family Brands has distinguished itself in the manufacturing of casual furniture. Innovation, state of the art manufacturing, and superior quality products are the trademark of Pride Family Brands and the reason Pride is recognized as a leader in the casual furniture industry.

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One year after expanding, domestic textile manufacturer, Abercrombie Textiles, will introduce designs slated to differentiate and define its individual brands, Abercrombie Textiles and Cone Decorative, during the summer 2012 Showtime – ITMA Market, June 3 – 6.

Shelby, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/25/2012 -- Abercrombie Textiles, a domestic manufacturer of jacquard and dobby fabrics for the residential furniture, jobber, hospitality, outdoor, recreational vehicle, healthcare and contract markets, announces a dual design plan for introductions at the upcoming 2012 Summer Showtime-ITMA Market. With the 2012 introductions, Abercrombie Textiles will present industry buyers with two collections that clearly differentiate between the ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES brand and their newly acquired CONE DECORATIVE brand.

Abercrombie's North Carolina based design department, headed by Wendy Haithcox, is responsible for the collections that address style, construction and an overall scope for each line. "Wendy and her team worked extensively to create the separation between the ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES and CONE DECORATIVE brands on multiple levels," said Debbye Lustig, Abercrombie's director of sales and marketing.

"We are confident that with our introductions plan, Abercrombie Textiles is positioned to offer a clearly defined, yet extensive, scope of designs," said Lustig. "With a casual, dryer hand, the ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES collection offers clean, fresh and youthful looks that target the increased popularity of lifestyle furniture." CONE DECORATIVE will continue to focus on offering edgier and more sophisticated textile designs. "With CONE DECORATIVE, we are committed to building upon the foundation that has evolved over the past years and incorporates well-defined looks into our 2012 introductions," said Lustig.

The collections will be presented at the new Abercrombie Textiles showroom at 333 Wrenn Street in High Point during the ITMA Market. "The designs being introduced for our ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES line can be defined as truly livable," said Haithcox. "Each design makes a real natural connection through simple designs and dry cotton motifs offering a lightness and casualness that will be attractive for residential applications."

With the CONE DECORATIVE designs, the manufacturer will be offering a more upscale story that has been evolving since the brand's purchase. "In the CONE DECORATIVE collection, we are responding to a desire for dressier looks," said Haithcox. "Our team has worked to embody this upscale philosophy through various approaches including silky looks with clean graphics to multicolor textures."

For more information about the designer textiles from ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES, contact Debbye.lustig@abercrombietextiles.com or visit http://www.abercrombietextiles.com.

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ID4EMT's Partner Program offers organizations and groups safety and peace of mind through emergency identification tags at a discount or as a fundraising tool.

Winterville, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2012 -- "Partnering for a cause," "… for success," "…for progress"… Partnering has become the latest catch phrase for combining efforts to do good things. It is with this caring message that ID4EMT.com announces the launch of its partnering program being offered to organizations from athletic clubs to mothers groups.

The benefits of the ID4EMT.com ID Partner Program not only include providing emergency identification to a group's membership; but also options for added member benefits from group discounts to fundraising opportunities or overall group message branding.

Marketed through the website, ID4EMT.com, the identification tags and the partnering program are the brain child of Larry Osborne, of Rocklin, CA. Through lightweight identification tags, any group, team, company or organization can create a branded message to encourage the use of ID for personal safety and peace of mind for family and friends. Each tag is constructed of a durable plastic and designed to be small enough to attach to the laces of a shoe, a zipper, backpack or on a neck chain. The tags are permanently imprinted with vital identification to speak when the wearer cannot.

"If an emergency occurs, time counts and being able to contact someone immediately can be a life saver as well eliminate any possibility of a misdiagnosis," said Osborne. "With this partnership program, the vital identification is made available to safety conscious groups with the added benefit of delivering a marketing message."

The ID4EMT ID Partnering program also includes assistance with the promotion of the tag to the group. "Safety and peace of mind are a team effort," said Osborne. "We realize some groups work with minimal staff and we can assist with marketing the partnership. We are proud to be a team player for our partner groups."

As an ID Tag Partner, the group, team, company or organization creates a branded ID Tag on the ID4EMT.com website. Assistance with set up is available by calling 1-800-204-3327. Once the Partner Program is set up, members can access and purchase tags via a site page customized for the specific group's program. There are no minimum order quantities or long term obligation incorporated into the ID Partner program.

"Our goal is to make it easy and affordable for every one of a group's members, employees, customers or associates to carry an ID that will put the right information in the hands of emergency response personnel," said Osborne. "The ID Partner tag includes an organization's logo or special graphic as an integral part of each ID creating a relationship for the organization with personal safety and peace of mind for all members."

For more information, contact 1- 800-204-3327 or http://www.id4emt.com .

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Award-winning cast aluminum outdoor furnishings manufacturer, Pride Family Brands announces positive sales indices reflected in size, frequency and high end styles of custom orders for 2012 exceeding same period in 2011.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/01/2012 -- Luxury causal furniture designer and manufacturer, Pride Family Brands announces that in-season custom orders have surpassed those for the same period in 2011. The positive growth being experienced by the company is reflected in increase s in custom order sizes, the frequency of casua l r e t ai ler orders as well as the higher-end products selected.

"The custom order segment of our business has always been significant," said Steve Lowsky, president of Pride Family Brands. "In 2012, we are experiencing increases from retailers across categories and regions of the country. We feel if this continues throughout the season, it will create a very positive atmosphere going into 2013's intro season."

Pride Family Brands currently is well within the design phase of the 2013 product introductions that will debut at the July 2012 Pre-Market in Chicago. Planning one of its most extensive new product releases, Pride Family Brands will premier multiple collections and an estimated 100 new units. One of the collections slated to be unveiled is described as a "WOW collection," indicating the award-winning designers from Pride will deliver once again outdoor furnishings that will set trends within the industry.

"Along with the increases in the size and frequency of custom orders so far this season, we are also seeing a trend toward the higher end products," said Rory Rehmert, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Pride Family Brands. "Among our ten top selling collections this season, two are from our premium lines and carry some of our highest price points. We see this as an indication of outdoor consumers returning to investing in their outdoor spaces."

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800 .

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Award-winning cast aluminum outdoor furnishings manufacturer, Pride Family Brands has hired Marcia Blake as design consultant to dress the company’s marketing images and showroom spaces.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2012 -- Pride Family Brands announces the hiring of Marcia Blake as an independent design consultant for the award-winning manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings and accessories. Ms. Blake currently is the president and creative director of a full service design firm specializing in outdoor environments.

"Marcia's work within the casual industry is well recognized," said Steve Lowsky, president of Pride Family Brands. "We are looking forward to applying her design talents and expertise in the outdoor segment to further define the luxury message of Pride Family Brands within our catalogs and showrooms." Blake's responsibilities will include consultation on fabrics across the company's multiple lines including the luxury cast aluminum Castelle line.

Blake also will coordinate and consult on catalog photography as well as brand and showroom displays. Blake's expertise will be focused on Pride's 12,000 square foot showroom in Chicago's Merchandise Mart and its 10,000 square foot showroom within the company's Ft. Lauderdale headquarters.

Marcia is an eight year veteran of outdoor furnishing design and has served on the board of directors for the ICFA since 2009. "I have long been a fan of Pride Family Brands and its Castelle® line and am excited to begin working with the Pride organization in the presentation of its luxury products," said Blake. "My goal with our association is to bring the quality of the products to the forefront for all to see through the studied selection of fabrics as well as the proper staging for its retailers' media and showroom experiences."

A 1978 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Blake worked in executive-recruiting and marketing positions. In 2004, she became the Manager and Buyer for Patio Furniture & Collectible for Roger's Gardens. A contributor to outdoor living trade and consumer publications, Ms. Blake is also a sought after speaker on topics of home decor and outdoor living. Ms. Blake resides in Orange County, CA.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Casual furnishing consumer buying trends and preferences will once again be made available to the casual industry through a sponsorship agreement between Casual Living magazine and Pride Family Brands.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- For the fifth year, Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury outdoor cast aluminum furniture, will sponsor the publication of extensive research created exclusively for the outdoor living segment. The research, conducted in conjunction with Casual Living and HGTV, includes consumer buying trends, design and coloration trends, sales demographics, logistics, retail venues and select outdoor product preferences.

"Pride Family Brands is dedicated to the continued growth of the specialty retailer segment within the casual category," said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands. "Through a continuation of the research that is conducted by Casual Living, we are able to make it possible for retailers and suppliers within the industry to keep their fingers on the pulse of the casual consumer. Throughout the years, this research has been expertly conducted and presented in a format of which we are proud to have been a part."

Conducted and published by Sandow Media's Casual Living magazine in issues throughout 2012, the extensive research is designed to provide comprehensive statistics indicating the depth, health and future of the outdoor living product segment. "With the focus that is currently being placed on consumer spending, readers are seeking out a source for qualified information with regard to consumer trends as they apply within the casual marketplace," said Norman Hamilton, publisher, Casual Living. "Through the continuation of the partnership with HGTV and Pride Family Brands, the research will once again be available throughout the industry in a timely and comprehensive manner."

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their lines of casual furniture visit pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Establishing a Channel on YouTube, Pride Family Brands, manufacturer of luxury outdoor furnishings offers casual retailers insights and information via video format from company and industry experts -- hosted by Jamie Sorcher, Resident Lifestyle Expert.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2012 -- Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of award winning cast aluminum casual furniture, announces the launch of its Pride Family Brands YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/PrideFamilyBrands. The channel provides easy online access to product and profiles through a growing library of videos produced by or featuring Pride Family Brands.

"In less than three minutes, the Pride Channel can offer retailers, their sales personnel or their customers multiple opportunities to gain fresh information about our award-winning products as well as the latest insight from company and industry experts," said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands. "This electronic platform is the latest component in Pride's strategy to better serve our customers utilizing online and new media."

Pride Family Brands' online marketing strategy also has included the launch of Pride social media sites on Facebook and Twitter, a company blog, Outdoors With Pride and electronic email marketing campaigns. Future plans include a blog by Jamie Sorcher, Pride Family Brands' Resident Lifestyle Expert as well as a complete website redesign.

Sorcher, serving as host and spokesperson within several videos on the Pride channel, offers a casual yet informative perspective during product tours and interviews including casual retailers and company and industry experts.

To subscribe to the Pride Family Brands YouTube channel, individuals can visit http://www.youtube.com/pridefamilybrands and click on the "Subscribe" button. Comments and video topic suggestions are welcome and encouraged at the site.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Campfire cookouts come to the city as Philly beerhall puts the fun into functional art. The popular draw of a Big Bowl O’ Zen Sculptural Firebowl inspired the restaurant to order a second firebowl, subsidized by food sales.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2012 -- Surprise success of snack sales could point the way to a new restaurant trend, announces firebowl sculptor, John T. Unger. Handcrafted firebowls from John T. Unger Studio are sparking increased food and beverage sales for Frankford Hall, a Philadelphia, PA, biergarten with a modern twist.

"My firebowls are popular with hotels and restaurants for their beauty and ambience as well as their functional warmth, durability and maintenance-free upkeep" said John T. Unger, owner of John T. Unger Studio, Mancelona, Mich. "By adding toasted treats to the menu, the folks at Frankford Hall have discovered a way to generate direct income from my firebowls. This model could readily become a trend for the food industry."

Frankford Hall, a property embodying the spirit of an open-air German biergarten set in an industrial structure was a fitting location for Unger's work. "Our space called for a fire pit and our designer, Richard A. Stokes loved the rustic and natural look of the Big Bowl 'O Zen (from John T. Unger Studio)," said Greg Root, general manager of Frankford Hall, one of the Starr Restaurants.

Once the Big Bowl 'O Zen was installed Root came upon an added benefit. He began selling the ingredients for a classic dessert, S'Mores at "a buck a pop." The idea not only took off, but Frankford Hall began selling thousands of the s'mores. "We were seeing such tremendous draw for the s'mores, we decided to add a second firebowl," said Root. Restaurant patrons enjoy the firebowls' warmth and social atmosphere while also creating a fun treat. The tradition and nostalgia of cooking over an open flame has almost universal appeal.

Functionality and sustainability have been core values of artist and sculptor John T. Unger's work since he began in 1995. He believes art is most successful when it embodies the qualities of beauty, meaning and function. Today, Unger is a recognizable force in the art world as well as in the area of outdoor decor. Unger's designs, individually crafted from recycled steel, have been embraced by restaurants, resorts and residential clientele in 50 states and 10 countries.

"When homeowners purchase my firebowls, they begin a legacy to be be passed down to future generations. I love being able to foster family traditions and togetherness," said Unger. "Public installations in hotels or restaurants are also satisfying for me because thousands of people a year are able to see and enjoy my work. The ability of the artwork to generate additional revenues for hospitality venues is an exciting and attractive benefit."

For more information about John T. Unger Studio and the line of firebowls, visit http://www.johntunger.com, call 231.584.2710 or follow on twitter@twitter.com/johntunger.

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A first for the Casual Living Outdoor industry – to congregate, educate and motivate is coming February 22-24, 2012. The event’s agenda includes keynote speaker and performance coach Bob Davies. Davies, the author of The Sky is Not the Limit – You Are and numerous speakers, sessions, and functions targeting the outdoor industry retailers, designers, representatives and manufacturers.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/14/2011 -- Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings, announces its participation as a sponsor of the inaugural Casual Living industry conference. Designed to educate and motivate the outdoor living segment, the conference will take place in Sarasota, Florida from February 22nd through the 24th.

Entitled "The Sky's The Limit: Maximizing Opportunities in the Casual Market," the conference will include social and educational functions designed specifically for retailers, designers, representatives and manufacturers within the outdoor industry.

"We are proud to be a part of making this ground-breaking conference possible," said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands. "With the growth and changes happening in the outdoor category, this conference will provide the perfect format for all levels of the industry to connect and learn from speakers and each other as we all look to energize for the upcoming outdoor season."

The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) also is a sponsor of the event along with additional manufacturers. "The benefits of any organization is the networking and educational opportunities," said Rory Rehmert, vice president, sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands and chairman for the ICFA. "With this conference, all of these functions will be addressed making it a must-attend event for anyone, whether a veteran of the outdoor category or someone branching into outdoor."

Seminars topics have been selected to target key opportunities in the outdoor category. "While the camaraderie is great, there is the extra added value of the professional speakers that are brought in," said Bruce Aronson, owner, The Pool and Patio Center and ICFA member, Metairie, La. "I don't know how they do it; but the organizers always seem to find speakers that talk about areas of immediate concern."

The event's agenda includes keynote speaker and performance coach Bob Davies. Davies, the author of The Sky is Not the Limit – You Are, is a former college football coach and is the author of three books and several audio albums and DVDs. Sphere Trending founder and CEO Maxine Lauer will tackle the topics of life stages and the changing consumer. Jim Jensen of Pew Research will be on hand to break down web statistics and Gallery Furniture's own Robert Williams will discuss taking technology to the next level. Financial analyst Jerry Epperson of Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd. will give his take on the casual category and Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president of library and materials research, Material ConneXion, will present the latest in materials germane to outdoor.

Retailer and supplier panels will examine critical issues facing the outdoor industry today, discuss category growth and share success stories. Golf, spa services and a neighboring retail store tour and an awards dinner honoring supplier and retailer of the year round out the event.

For more information about "The Sky's the Limit" Casual Living Conference, visit http://tinyurl.com/7dend55 or Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Expanded, comprehensive, in-home elder services are now available through Visiting Angels in multiple counties of eastern North Carolina. Expert speakers are being offered to civic, social and professional groups on timely elder care and aging topics.

Greenville, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/05/2011 -- Visiting Angels, national living assistance service provider, has recently expanded its home care services throughout sixteen additional counties in eastern North Carolina. Specializing in companion and personal elder care, Visiting Angels provides area elders the option to safely remain within his or her personal residence and experience what the program calls, "aging in place."

"We understand the reality of the aging population, not only here in eastern North Carolina, but nationwide," said Peter Siessel, owner of the Visiting Angels franchise for the eastern North Carolina region. "Our goal is to allow seniors, through our assistance, to be able to remain in their own home or that of a family member. Nursing home care can be an unwelcome alternative for families. With our services, independence continues to be a possibility and one that is fashioned specifically for the individual and his or her family."

With the expansion of the service area of Visiting Angels into eastern North Carolina, individuals and family members now can receive the Visiting Angels' elder care assistance in Beaufort, Bertie, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Edgecombe, Greene, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Pamlico, Pitt, Washington, Wayne and Wilson Counties. "Our staff, which is thoroughly screened, bonded, and insured, are available to provide care that can range from a few hours a week up to 24-hour live-in care," said Siessel. "For those who are caring for a family member, we also can offer a scheduled respite from caregiving."

Through Visiting Angels, services can include grooming and bathing assistance, personal hygiene care, medication and fluid reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, assistance with mobility, errands and companionship. Individuals in assisted living facilities that require extra help to meet independence requirements also are assisted through the Visiting Angels organization. Costs for Visiting Angels services compare favorably to assisted living facilities and nursing homes with the added benefit that loved ones can maintain independence or remain in their own home.

Visiting Angels is a nationwide service that incorporates a network of experts and information that is available through the company's website and local speaking engagements provided by the regional franchisees. "Our concern for the elder citizens of (Pitt) county and eastern North Carolina extends to educating family members and the community on elder issues from home safety, to scam prevention, to Alzheimer's issues," said Siessel. Visiting Angels provides talks to educational, municipal, medical, church or professional groups within the seventeen county region on timely aging and other related topics.

For more information about Visiting Angels contact 252.227.9080 or email Peter Siessel at psiessel@visitingangels.com.

About Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels is one of the nation's fastest growing providers of assisted living services for seniors with currently over 400 franchises nationwide. http://www.visitingangels.com

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Identifying the size, growth, and distribution of the casual outdoor industry, the 2011 Universe Survey, sponsored by Pride Family Brands, indicated a positive retail outlook for numerous segments of the market.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) --11/16/2011 -- Indicating welcome positive growth, the results of the 2011 Universe Survey for the outdoor marketplace have recently been released. Published by Casual Living magazine through an ongoing sponsorship by Pride Family Brands, the Universe Survey reflected that the outdoor marketplace is estimated to reach 6.7 billion in sales for 2011. This figure is up 1% overall from 2010.

Indications within the Universe Survey found that outdoor specialty retailers continue to be seen as the go-to place for quality products built for longevity. This segment is expected to hit $535 million in retail figures. The areas estimated to see the most growth include shade products and conversation groups. Within furnishings, dining sets continue as the number one category comprising 52% of all outdoor living products at an estimated $1.95 billion in sales. For specialty retailers, 46% of all sales include dining sets.

"Retail sales for all outdoor furniture products totaled an estimated $3.75 billion last year, a 1.4% increase from 2009," said Dana French, Director of Research for Sandow Media. "Casual Living magazine is predicting outdoor furniture sales to grow slowly through the end of 2011, another 0.7% to $3.78 billion. Outdoor furniture comprises about 5% of the $80 billion-plus residential U.S. furniture and mattress market."

This exclusive category-specific research for the outdoor living segment has been made available through an association with designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum casual furniture, Pride Family Brands since 2008. "Pride Family Brands is committed to establishing itself as a true partner with our retail base not only during the sale; but also in providing valuable insight into the industry as a whole," said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands.

The Universe Survey research is based on numerous data sources including import figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis as well as consumer surveys and conversations and unpublished reports from casual retailers, vendors and industry analysts. The complete research results were published in the November issue of Casual Living magazine.

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Eight additions have been produced for the Pride Family Brands Resident Lifestyle Expert Video Series including interviews with casual industry and retail professionals. Videos are available for viewing on Pride’s website and social sites.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/24/2011 -- Pride Family Brands announces the debut of the latest installments in its Resident Life Expert Video Series captured directly from the recent International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market. Filmed on location from Pride Family Brands' showroom on the 17th floor of Chicago's Merchandise Mart, numerous retailers and industry professionals shared their individual insight and impressions on the casual furnishings industry.

"The goal of our video series is to draw attention to not only Pride Family Brands' product lines and processes; but also to the casual furnishing industry and the importance of the relationship we enjoy with our retail partners," said Jamie Lowsky, C.E.O., Pride Family Brands.

Hosted by Pride Family Brands' Resident Life Style Expert, Jamie Sorcher, a total of eight videos were created and now are available for viewing on the Pride Family Brands website - http://www.pridefamilybrands.com, social sites including Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pride.brands as well as additional internet venues.

Industry individuals profiled in conversations with Sorcher for the latest videos included David Swers, Glen Raven, Glen Raven, NC; Paul Otochits, Carl's Patio, Boca Raton, FL; Mike Ratigan, Sundown Ski and Patio, Lake Grove, NY; Lee Recchia, American Casual Living, Atlanta, GA; Lynn Opdyke, Opdyke's, Bayhead, NJ; Carter Fowler, The Patio Shop/The Furniture Shoppe, Chattanooga, TN and Connie Lineberry, vice president, Sandow Media.

Also included in the series is a video featuring Sorcher introducing two of Pride Family Brands' latest collections, Cannes and Lucerne, which were show favorites with market goers.

A conversation with Pride's recently named president, Steve Lowsky, focused on the company's designation as the Manufacturing Leadership Award recipient for Cast Aluminum Products.

"With the use of these videos, we are able to focus on our company's attention to detail that extends to being responsive to our retailers," said Steve Lowsky. "Those efforts were acknowledged with the recent award as well as throughout the video series."

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Pride Family Brands' CEO, Jamie Lowsky announces the promotion of Steve Lowsky to the post of President for the Ft. Lauderdale, FL-based premier luxury aluminum casual furnishings manufacturer.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/14/2011 -- Pride Family Brands announced today the promotion of Steve Lowsky to President of the award-winning designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings. The announcement comes as the company begins its thirty-fifth year as a leader in the casual furnishings industry.

"Steve has been an integral part of our business since it was founded in 1977," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO, of Pride Family Brands. "For the past 20 years, Steve has been a valuable member of Pride's management team. With his leadership, we have been able to position ourselves in the forefront of the casual industry."

As President, Steve Lowsky will continue to oversee all financial, marketing and production fulfillment activities for the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. based company. Lowsky previously held the position of Executive Vice President. "The promotion is a natural progression for Steve and the company," said Jamie Lowsky. "His promotion to President is an integral part of our move to the next level of management and leadership succession within our management team."

Lowsky is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in finance. He resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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As Pride Family Brands begins shipment of its exclusive line of Castelle luxury fire pits, the company has been required to expand its work force and add production shifts to meet demand. The introduction of the fire pits, which was at the urging of its retail network, has exceeded Pride Family Brands' expectations and resulted from the products' quality, design and value.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2011 -- Pride Family Brands announced today that has begun shipments of its recently introduced luxury cast aluminum fire pits due to the enthusiastic reception of the items. Debuting at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, the fire pits were exceedingly well received and have required the luxury casual furniture manufacturer to increase its work force and production shifts to meet shipment demand.

"Our new fire pit designs have received a tremendous response and the demand has been unbelievable," said Steve Lowsky, President of Pride Family Brands. "We had to add an extra shift exclusively for fire pit production." The addition of the fire pit designs to Pride's line up of luxury outdoor furnishings was driven by requests from the company's network of specialty retailers.

"Retailers have continued to show us that the quality, the design, and most importantly, the price point of the Castelle Fire Pits are right on target," said Lowsky. "We are pleased to get this type of retailer feedback as it is a very important component in our product development process."

Each fire pit, designed to coordinate with the Castelle line of cast aluminum furniture, is available in two styles including a 50" round model and a 36" x 54" rectangular model.

Both styles include a base featuring Pride's signature hand woven aluminum detailing. In combination with six of Pride Family Brands' most popular cast top designs and the signature hand applied decorative finishing; extensive possibilities are available for the fire pits to coordinate with outdoor living spaces.

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla based Pride Family Brands designs and manufactures luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings. The company holds over 50 design patents and is the recipient of multiple design excellence awards and the 2011 Manufacturer Leadership Award for luxury Cast Aluminum furniture. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Award-winning casual furnishings designer and manufacturer, Pride Family Brands was the recipient of the Manufacturing Leadership Award for Cast Aluminum Products for 2011. Announced during the industry's International Casual Furniture Market, the award was determined by a vote of casual furnishings retailers.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/30/2011 -- At the 2011 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum furniture, was awarded the Manufacturing Leadership Award for the Luxury Cast Aluminum Category. As a result of voting by the retail membership of the International Casual Furnishings Association, Pride Family Brands was recognized for excellence in design, quality of manufactured goods, merchandising, customer service, ethics/trade relations and communications. The distinguished award was conferred on members of Pride Family Brands' management by the Association's Executive Director, Joe Logan at a ceremony held at the Chicago Institute of Art.

Designed to acknowledge excellence in manufacturing within the casual industry, The Manufacturing Leadership Award is based on criteria encompassing the entire association between the manufacturer and the retailers.

"We are honored to have received this prestigious award," said Steve Lowsky, President of Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum casual furniture.

"Our entire organization was instrumental in our obtaining this award. Each and every department's commitment to superior designs, manufacturing, and service resulted in our being acknowledged in this way."

The award was on display within Pride Family Brands' showroom during the Casual Furniture Market. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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The 2011 Pride Family Brands Manufacturer Representative Awards were recently announced in Chicago. Sales Representative of the Year was awarded to Michael Urkowitz. Members of the Pride sales team also were recognized for Summer Winds Brand Specialty Sales Representative of the Year, Most Improved Territory Award and Prospecting Award.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/26/2011 -- Pride Family Brands, luxury casual furniture designer and manufacturer, recently acknowledged members of its sales representative force for superior achievements during the 2010-2011 sales year. The awards ceremony was held during the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market in Chicago. The Sales Representative of the Year award was presented to Michael Urkowitz (pictured) of Michael Urkowitz Associates. The award recognized Michael's overall excellence in territory growth, sales growth, customer service and product knowledge. Urkowitz, who also received the prestigious award in 2008, is Pride Family Brands' patio specialty representative for the Mid Atlantic region including Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC and Fairfax County Virginia. He has represented the product lines of Pride Family Brands since 2003.

The Specialty Sales Representative of the Year for the company's Summer Winds brand was presented to Steve Tunnicliffe who serves customers in the mid-west region including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Don Bennett and HC Haynes were awarded the Prospecting Award. Bennett - Haynes Associates represent Pride Family Brands in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The Most Improved Territory award was presented to the sales representative in Illinois and Wisconsin, Doug Becht, of Jack Becht, Ltd.

"Each year with the presentation of these awards, we are proud to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism that is represented by these individuals as well as the entire Pride sales team," said Rory Rehmert, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Pride Family Brands. "This had been a successful year for our entire company and we are once again proud of the accomplishments of our team as well as the overall quality manner in which they represent our company throughout the casual industry."

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Award-winning casual furnishings designer and manufacturer, Pride Family Brands announces the promotion of Sylvia Henderson to Director of Sales and Marketing for the company's multi-brand product lines.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/09/2011 -- Pride Family Brands is proud to announce the promotion of Sylvia Henderson to Director of Sales and Marketing. Henderson joined Pride Family Brands in 1998 and previously held the title of Marketing Manager.

"Sylvia is an amazing human with an unbelievable work ethic and always gets the job done and done well," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO of Pride Family Brands. "Sylvia travels throughout China to all the factories and can easily assimilate into any environment."

In 1998, Henderson was hired by Pride Family Brands as marketing assistant and worked directly with management to carry out all marketing functions, catalog production, advertising coordination and publicity efforts. Her hard work and the shouldering of additional responsibilities led to Sylvia being subsequently named Marketing Manager. In this position, she was responsible for all sales and marketing for the company's key accounts and mass retail partners. The post required Henderson to work directly with the President and CEO, Jamie Lowsky on all major customers. As Director of Sales and Marketing, she will continue to report to Jamie Lowsky.

"The relationship Sylvia has established with our vendors and our customers and the respect she has earned has made her a valuable member of our sales and marketing team," said Steve Lowsky, Executive Vice President, Pride Family Brands. "Her attention to detail and continuing ability to understand the needs of the clients and the company have led to this promotion."

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Henderson will be responsible for managing all sales and marketing functions for Pride Family Brands' Castelle, Prestige, and Summer Winds brands.

Prior to joining Pride Family Brands, Henderson served as an Intelligence Interrogator for the US Army. She currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Beth Entwisle is promoted to the position of Sales Manager by award-winning outdoor furnishings designer and manufacturer, Pride Family Brands. She will coordinate independent representative network and customer service personnel.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL - (SBWIRE) -- 08/26/2011 -- Pride Family Brands proudly announces that Beth Entwisle has been promoted to the position of Sales Manager for the company's Castelle, Prestige and Summer Winds brands. Entwisle has been with the Ft. Lauderdale, FL- based designer and manufacturer of cast aluminum outdoor furniture since 2001 when she joined its Customer Service department. Most recently, she has held the post of Assistant Sales Manager under Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rory Rehmert.

In her new management position, Entwisle will continue to report to Rehmert and manage the company's 30 member independent representative sales network and sales of the products of Pride Family Brands nationwide. As the Sales Manager, Entwisle also will manage the customer service staff located in the Ft. Lauderdale headquarters.

"We are proud of the job Beth has been doing as Assistant Sales Manager and feel confident that she will continue in the same professional manner to serve our representative force, our retailers and our company," said Steve Lowsky, Executive Vice President, Pride Family Brands. "Her years of experience and thorough knowledge of the Pride organization will benefit our entire organization."

Entwisle holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and resides in the Miami, FL area.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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An Intricate cast design combining openwork and hand-tooled motifs, the Trellis Table Top from Pride Family Brands adds another elegant option for outdoor dining.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/19/2011 -- With the combination of a fresh open work cast design and an intricate carved inset, the Trellis table top is the latest cast design from award winning casual furniture manufacturer, Pride Family Brands. Created to coordinate with multiple seating styles, the Trellis Table Top is the latest addition to the high-end manufacturer's outdoor dining selections.

"Each season, we look to our artisans to introduce another fresh cast table top design that will score big with our dealers," said Jamie Lowsky, C.E.O., Pride Family Brands. "The Trellis design has answered this call. It is creating a great deal of excitement and should be one of our leading table top designs this season."

Trellis joins Pride Family Brands' multi-style line up of eleven cast aluminum table top designs. "The Trellis design has been created to fit into our expanding line of wrought aluminum dining selections," said Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands. "The wrought aluminum collections have been extremely popular with our retail partners and this addition is in response to interest in additional complementing table tops." Coordinating with the Centurion, Veranda and Milazzo leg designs, Trellis is available in multiple sizes including this season's debuting elliptical design.

All 2012 introductions are on display at the International Casual Furniture Market in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Pride Family Brands' handcrafted luxury casual furnishings are available at specialty retailers nationwide. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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With the introduction of the Casabella Collection from its Castelle line of high quality cast aluminum casual furnishings, Pride Family Brands responds to current buying trends with simplified design styling.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/29/2011 -- The introduction of the Casabella Collection from Pride Family Brands' Castelle line of designer cast aluminum casual furnishings answers a growing trend for affordable luxury through simplified styling. With the award-winning quality for which Pride Family Brands is known, the Casabella offers an elegant design simplified to attract today's consumers.

"We are proud of our history of high quality outdoor furnishings. We also are committed to our retail partners and to being responsive to trends that are occurring in the marketplace," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO, Pride Family Brands. "With the Casabella and other introductions this season, we are able to offer the specialty retailer high end products at multiple pricing levels without sacrificing Prides' superior level of design, manufacturing and customer service."

The use of a larger profile woven aluminum detail in the chair backs and an open arm design, the Casabella creates outdoor elegance affordably. "Pride continues to offer the finest in casual furnishings with an awareness of today's buying trends," said Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands. "The Casabella delivers just that and more." Cushioned and sling dining as well as deep seating in standard and crescent styles are available in the Casabella Collection.

The Casabella Collection will be introduced in Pride Family Brands' showroom #1747 during the International Casual Furnishings and Accessories Market at the Chicago Merchandise Mart from September 12 - 15, 2011.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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Elements handcrafted of weather resistant aluminum and inspired by the tropics come together to create the Cannes Collection; the latest casual furnishing introduction from the award-winning designers at Pride Family Brands.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2011 -- Tropical locales and motifs are the inspiration for the Cannes Collection, the latest addition to the Castelle line from the award-winning designers at Pride Family Brands. Each piece in the collection incorporates handcrafted rattan-like elements formed of heavy duty all-weather aluminum. Through an airy open work back design and oversized fade-resistant cushions, the Cannes provides a fresh tropical look. The collection incorporates sling dining, cushioned dining and deep seating to fully dress any outdoor space.

"Our Coco Collection was our first cast aluminum collection and its tropical look has made it a consumer favorite to this day," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO, Pride Family Brands, Hollywood, Fla. "With the addition of the Cannes Collection, we feel we have another winning tropical group that can create an island vacation feel for any backyard or patio."

With curving cane-like double supports and decorative arcs, Cannes brings the beauty of the tropics to life. Dining options including sling and cushioned seating as well as multiple conversation pieces are included in the collection. All pieces are equipped for long outdoor use with durable multi-phase powder coat finishing and attractive hand-applied antiquing.

The Cannes Collection will be introduced in Pride Family Brands' showroom #1747 during the International Casual Furnishings and Accessories Market at the Chicago Merchandise Mart from September 12 - 15, 2011.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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From the manufacturer of handcrafted outdoor furnishings, Pride Family Brands, the Ibiza Collection incorporates intricate cast work while adding old world style to outdoor living.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/13/2011 -- A European design influence and old world details are incorporated as the latest collection from Pride Family Brands' Castelle line, the Ibiza, is introduced. From the luxury manufacturer of aluminum outdoor furnishings, the Ibiza Collection is handcrafted incorporating designer cast components inspired by old world artistry.

"The handcrafted quality of our furnishings is on full display with the Ibiza Collection," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO, Pride Family Brands, Hollywood, Fla. "Simple, yet well appointed, the curved supports and open back castings exemplify the artistry and skill that our design team puts into every collection and what has made them the recipient of multiple design awards."

Named for a beautiful Mediterranean island off Spain, the Ibiza boasts intricate eternity-like curves in chair back castings and flowing arm supports. Ibiza is being introduced with a full complement of dining options including sling and cushioned seating as well as multiple conversation pieces. Items within this collection are crafted to coordinate with other old world collections offered throughout Pride's Castelle line. All pieces are equipped for long outdoor use with durable multi-phase powder coat finishing and attractive hand-applied antiquing.

The Ibiza Collection will be introduced in Pride Family Brands' showroom #1747 during the International Casual Furnishings and Accessories Market at the Chicago Merchandise Mart from September 12 - 15, 2011.

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Comprehensive promotional campaign to enter phase two for casual furnishings manufacturer, Pride Family Brands utilizing traditional and emerging media.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/11/2011 -- Pride Family Brands, manufacturer and designer of casual furnishings, announces the launch of the second phase of its "Attention to Detail" (ATD) promotional campaign slated for 2011-2012. Numerous media and marketing outlets including traditional and emerging media will be incorporated into the efforts.

Earlier in the spring of 2011, the first phase of the campaign was announced including the naming of Jamie Sorcher, media personality, as Pride's Resident Lifestyle Expert and the host of the company's Attention To Detail video series. Phase two will include additional video productions as well as theme driven print and electronic advertising, email marketing, expanded social media and coordinated collateral materials.

"Over the past two years, we have positioned Pride Family Brands as a luxury outdoor furnishings company with our 'Finest Casual Furniture In the World' campaign," said Steve Lowsky, executive vice president of Pride Family Brands, Hollywood, Fla. "From that campaign came the Attention To Detail theme that is what defines the product quality position recognized by our retail partners."

Phase two of the campaign will focus the theme as it relates to multiple components including Pride's product design, the cast construction, the finishing, the fabrics ultimately to the packaging. "Attention to Detail is not only an advertising campaign, but a visualization of our ongoing company policy," said Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for the award-winning casual furnishings manufacturer. Pride Family Brands will incorporate the campaign's message into internal and external communication including newsletters and retailer handout materials.

Multiple videos featuring Sorcher interviewing members of the Pride sales and management teams on topics related to the ATD message will be made available to the trade and consumers via Pride Family Brands' website, social media sites and online video sites including YouTube.

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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The old world styling and handcrafted wrought aluminum is on full display with the introduction of the new Centurion Collection from the award-winning designer and manufacturer of luxury casual furnishings, Pride Family Brands.

Ft. Laurderdale, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/02/2011 -- From the award-winning designers at Pride Family Brands comes the Centurion Collection handcrafted of durable wrought aluminum from the Castelle line of luxury casual furnishings. Inspired by old world styling, the Centurion Collection provides a perfect complement of slender yet sturdy aluminum construction and ample weather resistant cushioning.

"With the introduction of the Centurion and other collections within the wrought aluminum construction, excitement is building within our retail partners as they take advantage of the quality and value these collections offer," said Jamie Lowsky, C.E.O., Pride Family Brands. "Dealers and consumers are attracted by the handcrafted designs as well as the price point."

The Centurion Collection features wrought aluminum at its handcrafted finest. Slender, gently curving elements with cast features adorn the chair back and sides leaving room for the oversized cushioning to shine through. Each piece in the collection incorporates curves within the arm and back structures. For 2012, the Centurion Collection also has a table design that follows in this elegant style.

The Centurion Collection includes cushioned and sling dining as well as a full complement of deep seating pieces. All items feature Pride's premium powder coat finishing and hand applied decorative accents. Action and stationary seating are available in all sets.

"With the success of the Veranda introduced last season, our retailers requested additional wrought aluminum designs," said Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands. "The Centurion is just one of the exciting new wrought aluminum collections we will be offering."

For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit http://www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.

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