LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

For the second year in a row, TUUCI has won an Excellence in Design Award during the Hospital Design Expo & Conference (HD Expo) in recognition of the company's cutting edge shade products. This year's winner was TUUCI's Plantation MAX F-1, which is a high-performance parasol ideal for hotels, resorts and other hospitality venues.

The award was presented jointly by HD Expo and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), which represents professional interior designers. Judges selected the Plantation MAX F-1 as a winner in the case goods and freestanding furniture category based on innovation, technical advancements, cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility, aesthetics and ability to meet the needs of the hospitality industry.

"The energy displayed in this year's entries was palpable as leading brands such as TUUCI truly elevated the design level of the entire industry," said IIDA executive vice president and CEO Cheryl Durst.

The Plantation MAX F-1 is TUUCI's most durable and wind-resistant parasol design, featuring high-tension, stainless-steel reinforcement cables, tensioned stainless-steel pockets and TUUCI's proprietary Armor-Wall-Aluminum construction and Aluma-TEAK hardwood finish. The Plantation MAX F-1, which is mounted directly into the ground with reinforced concrete and steel anchors, can withstand winds of more than 65 miles per hour.

"Shade structures that are durable, easy to operate and aesthetically beautiful are essential for hospitality venues today," said Dougan Clarke, CEO and founder of Miami-based TUUCI. "We view these awards from HD Expo and IIDA as confirmation that we are responding effectively to the industry's need for shade structures that contribute to customer enjoyment and result in increased revenues from visitors who want to return often to luxurious outdoor spaces."

LOUIVILLE, KENTUCKY

Brown Jordan International was named a 2013 Partner in Transformation for Sears Holdings Corp. The exclusive licensee for La-Z-Boy Outdoor, the company received the Retail Excellence award for making a significant contribution to the growth of Sears' outdoor living business.

Chris Carmicle, president of Brown Jordan International, accepted the Partners in Transformation, CEO Award at the Sears Holdings 2013 Vendor Summit. This is the second time in a row Brown Jordan International has received a Partners in Transformation Award and the first time it has been honored with the coveted CEO Award.

Sears Holdings presented the award to a select group of supplier companies that excel in supporting the transformation of Sears Holdings through innovation around customers, core retail excellence and financial and operational discipline. Of the more than 30,000 suppliers that work with Sears Holdings, less than one half of one percent had the privilege of receiving the Partners in Transformation award.

Brown Jordan International is only one of four companies that received the Partners in Transformation, CEO Award, which is the highest distinction. UPS, Hankook Tires and Dickies were the other three CEO Award winners.

"The Partners in Transformation award recognizes our top-performing suppliers as true partners that support our transformation," said Edward S. Lampert, Sears Holdings chairman and chief executive officer. "They provide the quality services, products and experiences that exceed the expectations of our Shop Your Way members, and enable us to build successful, meaningful relationships with them. Through our continued collaboration, we will be able to more effectively leverage the breadth of our portfolio and the power of our brands to meet our Members and customers' needs."

The Partners in Transformation recipients were selected from nominations that were submitted by Sears Holdings' associates responsible for purchasing decisions.

"We are extremely honored and proud of our team to once again be recognized on a national level for our commitment to deliver innovative products and superior service," said Chris Carmicle, president of Brown Jordan International. "The relationships we build with our customers are the most important aspect of our continued success and we are very pleased to receive the Partners in Transformation, CEO Award from Sears Holdings for this accomplishment."