NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Susan Lobel.

Bella-Dura fabrics are exceptional, state-of-the art performance textiles that truly (OUT) perform on every level. Now, that brand message will be pushed a step further with the addition of a newly appointed vice president, Marketing & Brand Development.

Susan Lobel brings with her nearly 20 years of expertise in the interior design industry, and in this newly created role she will be tasked with increasing Bella Dura brand exposure and awareness among designers

"The time is right to internally invest in elevating our brand in a smart and thoughtful way," says Bella-Dura/Wearbest president & CEO Irwin Gasner. "Susan's vast experience in the interior design industry on both the publishing and client sides puts her in the perfect position to lead that charge.

"Over the years, she has created and sustained extremely strong relationships in the design industry and is very well respected. Her close relationships with designers will help take the Bella Dura brand to the next level."

Beginning her career as a window stylist and design editor, Susan moved on to become Promotion manager for Architectural Digest then director of Marketing for Interior Design magazine.  For the past eight years she has been a consultant to high-profile design clients including, most recently, the luxury carpet manufacturer Tai Ping.

"I am very excited to get behind Bella-Dura and bring its remarkable story of innovation and sustainability to the broader design world," she stated. "The brand has an impressive tale to tell.  Now it's simply about further educating designers about its technical advantages, certified Green story, and versatility for multiple applications, so it can become the preferred resource for their various projects."

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

Driven by rising home prices and growing demand, the U.S. housing recovery is well underway, concludes The State of the Nation's Housing report released today by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. While still at historically low levels, housing construction has finally turned the corner, giving the economy a much-needed boost. But even as the recovery gains momentum, millions of homeowners are still delinquent on their mortgages or owe more than their homes are worth, and severe housing cost burdens have set a new record.

Driven by an increase of 1.1 million renter households, last year marked the second consecutive year of double-digit percentage increases in multifamily construction. But the flip side of the strong rental market was the continued slide in homeownership rates.

"Even as historically low interest rates have helped make the monthly
cost of owning a home more favorable than any time in the past 40 years, the national homeownership rate fell for the eighth straight year in 2012," says Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies. "The drop was especially pronounced for 25-54-year-olds, whose homeownership rates were at their lowest point since record-keeping began in 1976."

"Tight credit is limiting the ability of would-be homebuyers to take advantage of today's affordable conditions and likely discouraging many from even trying," says Chris Herbert, director of Research at the Joint Center for Housing Studies. "At issue is whether, and at what cost, mortgage financing will be available to borrowers across a broad spectrum of incomes, wealth and credit histories moving forward."

And while the recovery is good news for many, the number of Americans shelling out half or more of their incomes on housing is at an all-time high. At last count, 20.6 million households were shouldering such severe burdens, including nearly seven out of 10 households with annual incomes of less than $15,000 (roughly equivalent to year-round employment at the minimum wage). But, the report notes, even as the need has never been greater, federal budget sequestration will pare down the number of households receiving rental housing assistance.

"With rising home prices helping to revive household balance sheets and expanding residential construction adding to job growth, the housing sector is finally providing a much needed boost to the economy," says Belsky. "But long-term vacancies are at elevated levels in a number of places, millions of owners are still struggling to make their mortgage payments, and credit conditions for homebuyers remain extremely tight. It will take time for these problems to subside. Given the profoundly positive impact that decent and affordable housing can have on the lives of individuals, families and entire communities, efforts to address these urgent concerns as well as long-standing housing affordability challenges should be among the nation's highest priorities."