Bassett nominated to furniture hall of fame

HIGH POINT, N.C. — John D. Bassett III of Galax has been named an Industry Fellow by the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.
Bassett is one of six U.S. fellows named July 12 and is a nominee for election into the hall of fame. Voting by members extends through Aug. 16.
The six nominees will be made industry fellows at an Oct. 20 banquet at the High Point market.
Bassett is chairman of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co.

John D. Bassett III

Inductees will be determined by the combination of a vote of foundation members and a points rating system of each nominee by the foundation’s industry fellow selection committee.
New members will be announced and officially inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame at the annual banquet Oct. 20.
During the event, each nominee will be publicly recognized and presented with a Hall of Fame pin and plaque.
New inductees will be presented with the “Affie,” the highest award bestowed by the American furniture industry.
Candidates were selected from open nominations and the industry fellows selection committee based on their contributions to the growth and development of the furniture industry in America with a focus on four standards: enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity, and philanthropic generosity.   
The foundation called Bassett a champion of American-made furniture. He serves as chairman of the Committee for Legal Trade and advocates for a critical Environmental Protection Agency rule change to benefit the furniture industry and environment.
He has led the company from sales of $38 million when he joined it in 1983, to more than $90 million today.
Vaughan-Bassett is one of the largest American wood bedroom manufacturers, importing less than 2 percent of total sales.
Bassett in 2012 oversaw an $8 million expansion and reopening of a factory.
He is recipient of the American Home Furnishings Alliance Distinguished Service Award, the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association’s Pillar of the Industry Award, and InFurniture Magazine’s Man of the Year award.
The foundation said he willingly shares his best practices about American manufacturing throughout the country.
He supports many community organizations and created the Vaughan-Bassett Free Clinic, which provides free medical care for all employees and their families.
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. is an international, industry-wide organization founded to honor individuals whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the continued growth and development of the U.S. furniture industry, as well as to research, collect and preserve its cultural, economic and artistic history.
Membership includes eligibility to vote for inductees into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and the opportunity to help preserve the history and heritage of the industry.
The organization is based in High Point.