07202014 Michael Yaraghi to Receive Jery Gans Memorial Award from Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association

CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ -- Michael Yaraghi, a principal of Safavieh, will be presented with the Jerry Gans Memorial Award at the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association’s Gala Dinner and Dance to be held Saturday, Nov. 22nd, 2014 in Cliffside Park, NJ.

Retailers, manufacturers, representatives and industry suppliers will gather for this annual event.

One of five Yaraghi brothers who jointly own and operate Safavieh, Michael Yaraghi is president of the retail division. Since the launch of a pilot Safavieh furniture and rug store in 1995 in Stamford, CN, Yaraghi has spearheaded Safavieh Home Furnishings into a chain of 10 total home stores in metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

He was born in Isfahan, Iran in 1960, and was studying at the American College of Switzerland in 1979 when the revolution in Iran forced his father and brothers to close Safavieh and relocate the business to New York City. He joined the family business in 1984 at Safavieh’s original Madison Avenue showroom.

“It’s fitting that Michael Yaraghi will be honored by GMFA this year as Safavieh is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary,” noted Andy Gans, for whose father the Award is named.

Patrick Cory, managing partner of Cory First Home Delivery and president of the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association noted, “Yaraghi  expanded his core area rug business, mixing it with lifestyle furniture brands to create a unique shopping experience."

 In 2014 the GFMA will also honor Will Schafer of Ashley Furniture Home Stores with the Howard Liveright Award, and Todd Weinstein as Representative of the Year, noted Cory..  

The GMFA  Dinner and Dance (black tie optional)presents an opportunity for retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and dancing, Cory added.

Reservations and Souvenir Journal: For more information on attending the event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor Michael Yaraghi, please contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.

About GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, and service related industries in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. An affiliate of the representatives’ association IHFRA, GMFA works to foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among members in the home furnishings industry, hosts networking and social events, educational seminars, provides valuable discounts and is a voice for industry interests on national, regional and local levels.

07.20.14