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GAIL'S
GAB!
 
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THE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE!!
Wow!!! Here we go again.  It's the last edition of Gail's Gab for the year 2018.  I can't believe I have GABBING away for over 2 years! #holycow!  This has been quite a year. 
So many events happened this year.  So, let's look at the year 2018 in review.  Of course, I would start off with.....
  • My son, the confirmed bachelor (LOL) got engaged. Stay tuned for details #NOTABACHELORANYMORE #OMGSTILLINSHOCK
  • Kershner Office Furniture expanded our showroom this past Spring!! #looksamazing #stillgrowing
  • Philadelphia had two new showrooms enter the scene this year.  The "Grand Opening" (DOUBLE DRUM ROLL PLEASE!) of the Global Showroom and the Humanscale Showroom, #totalwow #totalwow
  • Neocon East did not return to Philadelphia this year #itwasn'tmissedanyway
  • The Product Parade #RAW returned to Philadelphia HOORAY HOORAY and got off to a great start last month
  • BIG NEWS!!  Kimball acquired David Edward and they have combined forces to create a more comprehensive furniture line for designers #biggerandbetter
  • VMA celebrated their 30th anniversary!!
  • Finally, the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018!! YES, that was this year.  Do you believe it??? Now that RAW!!! #sendinglots&lotspositiveenergy
  • On a sad note, Robert Venturi passed away.  For those of you who might not know Robert Venturi was awarded the Pritzker Prize in Architecture in 1991 and was the brain child behind the first "Market Street East: which changed the future of the Philadelphia forever.  His wife legendary Denise Scott Brown.
Now, let's get the "show on the road"!
THANKSGIVING
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Turkey "Spatchcock" Style
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Say "YES" to Yams!
I hope everyone had a an enjoyable Thanksgiving with scrumptious turkey dinners #gobblegobble.  It amazes me the different ways you can make your turkey.  I just heard of "spatchcock" turkey this year.  I personally like to prepare my turkey the traditional way and I love Bruer's cranberry sauce recipe but I am not a fan of the mashed potatoes.  I know people think I am crazy.  I think it's a texture thing with me.  I do however like yams.  It seems like everyone has been super busy this past year.  I probably say that every year??  It is really wonderful that we can take one special day out of the year to take the time to be with family and friends and enjoy each others company.  #letsallbegrateful  Its not what we say about our blessings - but how we use them - that is the true measure of our Thanksgiving!
 
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I found myself at the LeadingAge Expo at the Convention Center in October.  I had never attended before, so I decided I would like to "experience" it.  Over 8,000 professionals from various services for the aging came together to exchange ideas and explore new strategies for this sector.  I had expectations of seeing more architects and designers than I did, however, in the program I notice an architectural firm from Colorado that I recognized from my past!   Back in the day - after graduating from Drexel #godragons - my brother #wearepennstate and I moved to Colorado.  I found a position with McOG Architects in Denver where I was employed for about a year.  There were about 10 employees at the time (early 1980's - yikes!  Check out the pic below!)  The firm I saw at LeadingAge went by the name of OZ.  YES - you guessed it!  This was the same firm I had worked for - but with a new name and a new location!   They are now located in Denver and Boulder CO and they have really grown.  I believe they are now over 100 people strong.  I worked with Jim Bershof, the president of OZ and Joe Levi, a principle with OZ.  I also worked with Tom Obermeir who has since retired.  He contributed the "O" in OZ.  Check out the before and after pics.  Jim is the architect on the left with the curls, Joe is standing to the side with the mustache, and Tom is beside Joe with the beard. #Wowcongratulationsonyouramazingsuccess!
 
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McOG Team Circa 1980's
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Jim Bershof (without curls!)
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Joe Levi (w/o mustache!)
 
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The Product Parade made a HUGE comeback this year.  The theme was "RAW" (yes RAW) and it was held at 421 North 7th Street - near the Electric Factory.  There were about (70) RAW exhibitors representing their various lines including flooring, furniture, glass partitions, sound masking, wallcovering and more!  it was a great night for designers to be in the "RAW EXPERIENCE" and see products that were introduced at Neocon 2018.  The event was catered, and music was provided.  Kershner Office Furniture featured the "SKYLINE LOUNGE" and you guessed it - we had a beautiful view of the Philly skyline.  We feature a lounge-inspired set up with furniture - thanks to our partners Kimball, Global, National, Claridge, Dauphin, Stylex, Vitra and TONIK.  Keeping with the RAW theme we used a burlap backdrop with shimmering lights that I thought looked just like a display from Anthropolgie.  One of our attractions (to our surprise) was a Richard Mark   #niceview #realnicewindow
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Kershner "Skyline Lunge"
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Mike and Karen Stanczak and Bruer!
CREW ANNUAL LUNCHEON 2018
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Our table at the luncheon
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Amazing Women!!
This year 800 people attended the 20th Annual CREW Luncheon, which was held at the Convention Center Terrace Ballroom this year.  The new space provided more room to move and network.  It is such a lovely event with proceeds donated to the ACE Mentor Program, CREW Network Foundation and the CREW Philadelphia Scholarships.  Special guest appearance included Natalie Kostelini from the Philadelphia Business Journal, Stephanie Sprenkle, President of CREW, Andrea Lukens and Dina Miller.   Awards went to (Drum Roll Please....) Kristen Reese, Marinela Abele, Stephanie Sprenkle, Sue Taylor, Jessica Thornton and Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP.  Applause please for these wonderful, inspirational women!  #womenrock
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If you haven't heard....Kimball acquired David Edward!!!!  I was just at the David Edward factory in Baltimore, MD on November 19th.  I was really impressed with the quality of craftsmanship.  We saw how carefully their seating is constructed.  They still hand-tie springs - which is an art in itself.  The union of these two manufacturers is such a WIN-WIN for both companies targeting the commercial and educational markets - with a huge emphasis on the healthcare market.  And yes, we actually got to meet the dogs - which are so cute and lovable!
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Jeremiah and pooch at David Edward
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Inside DE Design Studio - Baltimore
David Edward has remained a family owned business for 50 years strong.  Supported by the values of hard work, handmade quality and top-notch designs that are both classic and appealing to modern day designers.  Always known for its high quality and reasonable prices, David Edward seating is proudly manufactured in the USA.  A work force of more than 300 skilled crafts people uses old-world methods to create the standard product line. David Edward's philosophy is to manifest a positive, unconditional regard for its customers, employees, suppliers, the environment and the community at large.
 
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"Kutee" - designed to give the pup a place
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"Stratus"
 
December Industry Events
Thursday 12/6 - 4pm - 7pm  
Furniture Friends Holiday Happy Hour @ Manayunk Brewery

Wednesday 12/12 - 5:30pm-8:30pm

IIDA Merry Masquerade
Ballroom @ the Ben

 
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It has truly been a super year!  Jeremiah and I had an outstanding response to our post-Neocon presentation.  We are working hard to bring our Amenity Spaces presentation in early 2019!  Our Mini Masters Golf Shoe Design competition keeps growing with more and more design firms competing each year.  We enjoyed your participation in "PARKing Day"!  Thank you for stopping by to see us at the Product Parade.  Where would be without all of you?!  We are so grateful for your support and look forward to working with you on projects in 2019!  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in the new year with new and exciting presentations and amazing "not to be missed" events!
 
I will be back at my blogging desk next month with more to GAB about!  Till then - be well - and remember I am here to HELP YOU so call me @ 610-768-0200 or email me gail@kershneroffice.com
Till Then!! - Gail
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