CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

I want to personally let you know that within the next few weeks I will begin the process of handing over my day-to-day responsibilities at MMPI.

I am now in my 26th year and it has been a great ride!  Over these many years it has been my pleasure to see and be a part of all the many changes, tremendous growth, and terrific improvements that have occurred during my time here. 

These changes are in evidence as this landmark building has undergone major structural renovations and improvements, and we have implemented projects to enhance design space and improve the Marts permanent design showrooms, temporary exhibit areas, office space, trade shows, and consumer events.

During this time I have worked with five CEO's and have had various responsibilities including the Design Centers in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as the Antique, Casual, Contract, and Gift Trade Shows.  I also was instrumental in launching the Chicago Design Show and Dream Home and the well known Architectural Design Show in New York, as well as working with and sponsoring various charities such as DIFFA's Dining By Design in Boston, Chicago, and New York, the Chicago Symphony, and The Rehabilitation Institute.

The work we do at the Merchandise Mart has been highly challenging, and thus, highly rewarding. The success and accomplishments here have been due to the strong management team and support staff, which includes leasing, marketing, financial, legal, operations, and administrative. I have met and been inspired by so many brilliant and talented innovators who with their entrepreneurial spirit have added new dimensions to our already high visibility and respect throughout the industries and businesses we serve.

It's also been my distinct pleasure to have worked with so many amazing professionals, talented, creative, and dedicated building owners, tenants, manufacturers, and designers. Without a doubt the work we do here has always been based on integrity and trust, with the goal of understanding that what was in the best interest of our tenants would ultimately be beneficial to MMPI as well.

While the business has had many changes and challenges throughout my career, I value most highly the personal relationships I have established and which I will surely miss.

Myron Maurer, COO, a twenty-five year veteran of MMI and a very capable executive has assumed the responsibility of MMPI and will manage the Chicago team. I know that Myron will continue the successful direction we are headed in.

It has been a good run and I have finished the race!

I extend my best wishes to all for continued future success and happiness.   

John H Brennen  

Larry Schwartz

Larry Schwartz, 68 years old, passed away in early December after a long battle with brain injuries resulting from being hit by a car while on his bicycle in Boca Raton, Florida, about four years ago.

Larry's career was highlighted by his founding in 1981of OMNI Products International, an extruded PVC and welded aluminum casual furniture company. His company was the first to import casual furniture from Taiwan.  After selling OMNI to Household International in 1988, he started Sun Isle USA in the mid-'90s; it was an importer of all-weather wicker furniture that he ran until the mid-2000s.

Larry was born and raised in Rhode Island, and opened a home center in his mid-20s, before he started Franklin Cast Products, an importer of Air-Tight Wood Stoves from Taiwan in 1977.

"Larry was a very special person in the seasonal hard lines industry, and most specifically in the casual furniture industry," said Bob Gaylord, president of Agio USA. "I worked with him from 1977-1988 and his motivation behind every company he started was to bring something different and special to our industry."

 
OMNI's patented extruded PVC was a very large part of the business in the 1980s at the mass level, and almost all of OMNI's welded aluminum chairs featured passive motion, or some other unique feature. OMNI was the first company to introduce square dining tables, which were a huge hit for many years.  

 
His patented twisted wicker, which was the signature feature of his Sun Isle All-Weather Wicker product, was very popular from the late 1990s through the late 2000s. At Franklin Cast Products, he was the first to add catalytic converters to his wood stoves; that was the first successful attempt at curbing air pollution from burning wood."

Larry is survived by his wife, Maxine, and his daughter, Elizabeth. 

BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA