The Wallcoverings Association (WA), a nonprofit organization representing wallcovering manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers, recently recognized five industry leaders at its annual meeting in Clearwater, Fla. John Baechle, the former CEO and chairman of RJF International, now known as Koroseal Interiors, received the Justin P. Allman Award, the industry’s highest honor. President’s Awards recognizing long-standing contributions to the industry were presented to Beth Rich, LSI Wallcovering marketing director; Giselle Walsh, MDC Wallcoverings director of environmental affairs and manager of training and development; Mark Strauss, president emeritus of Interior Design; and Carol Cisco, publisher of Interior Design.
The Allman Award honors leaders who made positive contributions that shaped the future of the wallcovering industry. Established in 1946, it is named for the founder of the Wallcoverings Wholesalers Association, the WA’s predecessor. Baechle, who sold RJF International in March 2014, now runs the company’s legacy charitable foundation. He has served on the WA board of directors, helped develop industry educational initiatives such as trade magazine special sections and a series of brochures, managed technical studies, and guided early development of the NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainability Standard for Wallcovering.
“John Baechle has developed an innovative business model and is respected in the industry for his professional competence and visionary thinking,” said Rick Hickman, TRI-KES and past WA president.
Four President’s Awards were bestowed. Rich, who currently serves as the WA’s vice president and marketing committee chair, was recognized for her contributions to the marketing and education committees and stewardship of the WA’s public relations program. Walsh, who chairs the WA education committee, was honored for work on the organization’s NSF/ANSI 342 Online Training Program and two CEU courses. Strauss and Cisco were recognized for their long-term partnership with the WA.
“We are grateful to have so many leaders who contribute their time and talent to promote the products, services, and sustainability of the wallcoverings industry,” said Sean Samet, WA executive director. “We are also thankful for the award recipients for their volunteerism, professionalism, and inspirational example.”