The Merchandise Mart Design Center

September 17–20	International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market View the newest in indoor/outdoor furniture designs in the permanent showrooms on 16 and 17, temporary floors 7 and 8 and in various design center showrooms throughout the building.
Sept 28–Dec 21	2007 DreamHome The 3rd annual DreamHome returns to The Mart with another stellar design line up. Tour the luxurious spaces in the permanent location in the North Lobby, 1st floor.
October 9–10	DesignChicago and Ones to Watch Reception Don’t miss the 2nd annual Design Chicago Fall Market celebrating Future Fashions of Fabric, Furniture and More, offering TWO days of product debuts, color and trend seminars and keynote presentations.
November 1–3	DIFFA's Dining by Design Whether the ultimate in forward design or simply over-the-top, the tables at this years Dining by Design will leave you inspired. Visit diffachicago.org for dates and times.
November 2–4	Fall Treasure Hunt,™ The Luxury Sample Sale Mark your calendar and get ready to shop the Treasure Hunt trade preview on November 2 and come back when it is open to the public on November 3 and 4.
November 13	2nd Tuesday, Design Inspiration Get ready for the New Year with the last CEU accredited 2nd Tuesday of 2007. Keep your 2nd Tuesdays free for The Mart!
December 11	2nd Tuesday Holiday Fête Toast a prosperous 2007 and welcome in 2008 with the 4th annual holiday fête. Mix and mingle while you enjoy cocktails, raffle prizes and wonderful goodie bags from the showrooms.

Visit merchandisemartdesigncenter.com for details.
All dates subject to change.

The Dessin Fournir Companies, Suite 1813
The Dessin Fournir Companies announce Felipe Gonzalez’s new role as full-time sales representative. “Felipe’s knowledge of the company and expertise in working with the trade is a wonderful addition to our sales team,” commented Bryan Schrader showroom manager. The Dessin Fournir Companies also announces the addition of Laura Villarreal of Chicago. “Laura brings eight years of order expediting experience and we are excited to have her with us,” stated Schrader. With many years of experience Gonzalez and Villarreal will help fulfi ll one of The Dessin Fournir Companies’ core values through their strong commitments to customer service.

George Smith, Suite 1879A
George Smith welcomes Evin Croner as its new showroom manager. Croner brings with him nearly 20 years of industry experience in both showroom management and design. See Croner in the showroom or contact him at 312.464.0242 or evin@georgesmith.com for all George Smith information.

Grange, Suite 1825
Grange is thrilled to announce that Lori Meyer has just started as showroom manager. Meyer is a familiar face in The Mart and has worked with the Chicago design community for many years. Please stop by and say hello. Reach her at lmeyer@grangeny.com or 312.527.1919.

Michael-Cleary LLC, Suite 1822
Lew Michael, Matt Costigan and Richard Trenz are delighted to announce that Deborah Thoma-Charbonneau has joined their staff as general manager of both their Chicago and Washington D.C. showrooms. She brings a long history within the design community and has great strengths in business improvement, product development, promotion and customer service.

S. Harris/Fabricut, Suite 6-152
S. Harris/Fabricut is excited to announce several new staff members in the Chicago showroom and Midwest territory. Roger Evans is the new showroom manager. Evans has been with S. Harris for the past year and a half and brings with him more than 10 years of sales and manager experience in the design industry. They are also very happy to welcome Melissa Vargas. Vargas has earned her design degree from International Academy of Design and has three years experience within The Merchandise Mart. In addition to the showroom changes, Ted Mouros has joined S. Harris/Fabricut as their newest road rep, covering the north side of Chicago and northern suburbs. Mouros has been in the textile industry for 25 years and brings with him vast knowledge from all aspects of out industry.