PINEHURST, NC - Kea Capel Meacham has been named business and brand director for area rugs for Gulistan Carpet and Bacova Guild, Ltd., according to Tony Prestipino, executive vice president of  sales and marketing for Gulistan Carpet.

Meacham  will direct the design, product development and marketing efforts of Gulistan and Bacova's area rug business. 

She will continue to serve as trend expert for home goods for HSN (Home Shopping Network) and to market her own line of products under the KEA brand. 

 "I am honored to be associated with two of the leading floor décor  companies in the market today. Gulistan and Bacova are both uniquely committed to product design and innovation.They sell through all levels of distribution with a strong commitment to product, service and quality,€VbCrLf said Meacham. 

Gulistan's new collections will be exhibited at the  Atlanta International Area Rug Market,  Space 3-C-1, January 20-23, 2005 and Surfaces January 26-28, Space 6058. 

The collections include the first collection of Stainmaster nylon woven area rugs, a collection of printed, hand-carved Stainmaster nylon rugs, and a new collection of 10-color polypropylene woven rugs. 

"We are coming to market with collections that serve the carpet-based distribution network with innovative merchandising opportunities.With our woven Stainmaster area rug collection, we intend to build momentum for our dealers with area rugs that will keep them competitive, fashion-forward and profitable,€VbCrLf  said Meacham.

Gulistan first imported and sold rugs in the United States in 1899 under the name A&M Karagheusian.  It was the first company to produce machine made Persian rugs in the United States. 

Today, Gulistan makes and markets premium quality floor covering products for the home and office.  Gulistan is headquartered in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  

Founded in 1957 in Bath County, Virginia, Bacova  focuses on decorative rugs, floor mats, and bath textiles and accessories.  Bacova is based in High Point, North Carolina, with manufacturing operations in Low Moor, VA.