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INDUSTRY NEWS

Lone Star Furnishings Dedicates Showroom to Rhonda Ellington

January, 2025 — In a heartfelt tribute to her exceptional contributions, Lone Star Furnishings has renamed its Carrollton showroom the "Rhonda Ellington Showroom" in honor of Rhonda Ellington, the retiring Vice President of Sales. Since joining the company in 2014, Rhonda has been instrumental in shaping sales strategies, mentoring team members, and advocating for innovative, student-centered learning environments. Her unwavering dedication and deep industry expertise have left an indelible mark on both the company and the educational furniture sector.

The decision to name the showroom after Rhonda reflects the profound respect and appreciation she has garnered throughout her tenure. As the company stated, "We are thrilled to honor her legacy in a meaningful and lasting way. This tribute ensures that her commitment to enhancing educational spaces will continue to inspire future endeavors at Lone Star Furnishings." said Ben Herrick, President of lone Star Furnishings.

Beyond her role at Lone Star Furnishings, Rhonda has been an active leader within the Education Market Association (EDmarket). She has served as First Vice-Chair on the Executive Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors since 2021. Additionally, Rhonda has contributed to the Distribution Council, focusing on enhancing the role of dealers in the educational furniture marketplace.

Her passion for creating effective learning spaces has positively influenced countless educational facilities. As she embarks on this new chapter, the entire Lone Star Furnishings community and the broader educational industry extend heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering dedication and wish her a fulfilling and joyful retirement. (Source: Lone Star Furnishings)

Read the Full Press Release


INDUSTRY NEWS

EDmarket and BASIC Coalition Support Federal Role in Modernizing Public Schools

March, 2025 — As a proud member of the Build America's School Infrastructure Coalition (BASIC), EDmarket supports a strong and consistent federal role in improving the condition of the nation's public-school facilities. BASIC advocates for investment in safe, healthy, sustainable, and modern learning environments for all students.

"Our students deserve inspiring, safe, healthy, sustainable and modern public schools buildings and grounds and BASIC believes the Department of Education has an essential role to play in making this a reality," said Ally Talcott, Executive Director of BASIC.

"In recent years, the Department has piloted essential programs to support state capacity on school infrastructure," continues Talcott. "However, President Trump's Executive Order threatens this critical work. Already, too many of our kids go to school every day in woefully inadequate schools, as state and local education agencies struggle to scrape together funding to keep the doors open. This Executive Order takes us in the wrong direction. BASIC urges this Administration to reconsider this directive and not further undermine the invaluable services the Department of Education provides to states and districts." (Source: BASIC)

Read the Full Federal Policy Position Statements


INDUSTRY NEWS

Whitney Brothers® elevatED™ Collection Receives Design Journal BEST of 2024 Award

February 27, 2025 — Acclaimed furniture brand Whitney Brothers® today announced its new elevatEDâ„¢ Collection of furniture for young learners received a BEST of 2024 award from Design Journal, a leading global trade resource for interior designers, architects and facility managers.

A Design Journal panel of 2,400 internationally renowned interior designers, architects and facility managers cited the elevatED™ Collection's distinct contemporary style and its inventive adaptation across 46 individual pieces in the collection. Each piece is constructed in textured white oak and white melamine structural elements that form crisp, pleasing lines with refined contrasting color accents. Brushed nickel legs add design counterpoint and rich visual interest.

The elevatED™ Collection comprises 46 individual and modular pieces for young learner activities including art, STEM / sensory, literacy development, play, tables, seating, lockers and storage. Each piece is flexible, mobile or modular to enable furnishing a dynamic learning environment for young learners completely within the elevated™ Collection.

Technical attributes of the collection include FSC certified wood material and Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) certification, an exemplary commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The finish on each piece includes proven antimicrobial properties, an important attribute that contributes to the health and well-being of young children.

"The Design Journal BEST of 2024 award recognizes how a fresh, modern expression of furniture can play a central role in creating a dynamic learning environment for our youngest learners," said Mike Jablonski, president of Whitney Brothers®. "The elevatED™ Collection is another great example of our brand's innovation and commitment to furnish learning environments that inspire and engage young children."

Read Full Press Release and Access Images of the elevatED™ Collection


About Design Journal
Design Journal is a leading international trade resource for interior designers, architects and facility managers since 1988. The Design Journal awards program is one of the most prominent design recognition platforms in the world for the fields of architecture and design. Each year, a global advisory board of 2,400 internationally renowned industry professionals preside over a rigorous evaluation process to select projects and products that represent the highest standards of design excellence.

About Whitney Brothers®
Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers is a 100% employee-owned producer of furniture for Early Learning and institutional childcare environments sold through educational distributors and dealers to schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, museums and residential homes throughout North America and around the world. The brand's rich 121-year history reflects old world raftsmanship blended with state of the art manufacturing technology to create products of uncompromising quality, design, innovation, safety, durability and value. Each product is UL GREENGUARD® Gold and antimicrobial certified, qualifies for LEED credits, meets or exceeds applicable CPSIA, ASTM and BIFMArequirements, supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and proudly made in America.


INDUSTRY NEWS

Meteor Education Partners with EDmarket to Empower Women in the Education Industry

February 27, 2025 — The Education Market Association (EDmarket) is pleased to announce that Meteor Education has joined on as a Premier sponsor of the EDmarket Bold Women Collective, a year-round forum for connecting, sharing, and learning for women in the education market.

Launched in April 2024, the Bold Women Collective provides a platform for female professionals — both new and experienced — to connect, find mentorship, and build relationships that foster both personal and professional growth.

"Meteor Education's decision to sponsor the EDmarket Bold Women Collective aligns with our core values of inclusivity and empowerment, epitomized by our own Meteor Women's Movement," says Pam Dempsey, Director of Partnerships. "By supporting the Bold Women Collective, we aim to extend these values beyond our organization, helping to advance the professional and personal growth of women across the industry. This partnership not only enhances our commitment to developing future-ready educators and students but also supports our broader goal of impacting educational experiences positively and inclusively."

A hallmark of the Collective is the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on topics relevant to professional success in a supportive environment. In addition to monthly virtual meetings, the Collective will meet in person at AASA's National Conference on Education (March), NeoCon (June), and EDspaces (November) to discuss challenges and opportunities among female professionals. Meteor joins KI as a Premier Sponsor, providing year-round support for the Collective's many programs.

Membership in the EDmarket Bold Women Collective is open to all EDmarket female members. Learn more about EDmarket's Bold Women Collective.


About Education Market Association (EDmarket)
Founded in 1916, EDmarket represents, connects, and serves education leaders and industry professionals who are creating inspiring products, services, and spaces for teaching and learning. EDmarket provides educational opportunities, resources, and thought leadership to those serving education.

About Meteor Education
Meteor Education accelerates student engagement by designing and delivering modern evidence-based, collaborative, flexible learning environments supported by comprehensive educator services. With over 30 years of experience and partnerships with more than 1,200 districts, we integrate local teams, education specialists, and design experts to transform educational spaces.


INDUSTRY NEWS

KI Champions Esports in Education

February 2025 — Esports is not only a platform for students to pursue their passion for gaming, but it also offers valuable opportunities for skill development, teamwork, and digital literacy across all age groups.

KI recently published a collection of research that explores how well-designed esports spaces enhance student engagement, support social-emotional learning, and introduce career pathways in STEM, media production, and game development.

"Esports is more than just gaming-it's an educational tool that fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and student engagement," said Bryan Ballegeer, Vice President of Education markets at KI. "KI helps schools build dynamic esports spaces that support inclusivity and career readiness."

The KI approach to furniture design makes the company a trusted partner for schools looking to embrace esports as part of their curriculum. From dedicated arenas to STEM labs and multipurpose gaming spaces, KI solutions help educators prepare students for the future. (Source: KI)

Read Full Press Release


INDUSTRY NEWS

Nominate a Teacher for School Specialty's Crystal Apple Award

February 2025 — Teachers make an impact on their students every day. Now, you can take just a few minutes to recognize and reward them by nominating a deserving teacher for School Specialty's Crystal Apple Award by March 10. On April 7, 16 finalists will be announced for public voting to help select five Crystal Apple Award winners. All five winners will receive a personalized trophy, a $500 gift certificate to spend at School Specialty, and a $250 gift certificate for their school. Plus, the other 11 finalists will receive $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves, $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for their school, and a finalist certificate.

The Crystal Apple Award celebrates the dedication and exceptional contributions of teachers, acknowledging their vital role in shaping enriching educational experiences and providing safe havens for students.(Source: School Specialty)

For more information and to learn about the nomination process, visit www.schoolspecialty.com/crystal-apple.


INDUSTRY NEWS

ARIS Thrive Grant for Autism Educators — 2025

January 2025 — Angela Nelson, CEO of Stages Learning and recipient of the David McCurrach Award, proudly announces the ARIS Thrive Grant for Autism Educators 2025. As a leader in autism education and the creator of Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS)—the only comprehensive curriculum for early autism education—Stages Learning is committed to empowering educators with the tools they need to support autistic students.

Grant recipients will join a cohort led by Stages' professional learning team, gaining hands-on support to implement the ARIS program in their classrooms. Applications are open to passionate educators dedicated to making a difference, as well as district-level administrators seeking to recognize outstanding educators.(Source: Stages Learning)

Key Dates:
  • Applications Open: January 20th
  • Submission Deadline: February 19th
  • Winners Announced: April 2nd (Autism Acceptance Day)

Learn more about awards, benefits, and eligibility: https://info.stageslearning.com/grant.


INDUSTRY NEWS

Empowered Ventures Acquires Whitney Brothers

January 24, 2025 — Empowered Ventures, a 100% employee-owned holding company based in Carmel, IN, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Whitney Brothers, a Keene, New Hampshire-based manufacturer of high-quality wood furniture and educational products for daycares, preschools, and classrooms. The companies were introduced by Peloton Advisory LLC, who led the initiative and transaction process on behalf of Whitney Brothers.

Founded in 1904 as a producer of wooden toys, Whitney Brothers soon shifted to commercial distribution, ultimately focusing on the early learning and institutional childcare markets. Its sustainably manufactured products are available through educational distributors, dealers, and retailers that sell to schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, and museums in North America and worldwide. Whitney Brothers has around 50 employees, with President Mike Jablonski leading the business since 2015.

"I am thrilled to welcome the entire Whitney Brothers team to Empowered Ventures," said Empowered Ventures President & CEO, Chris Fredericks. "As an employee-owned holding company, we help business owners by providing a relatively easy buyout process that results in the employees joining our diversified ESOP. We are incredibly grateful to Mike for entrusting us with Whitney Brothers' future and are excited to partner with him and his team going forward."

I am incredibly proud of what my team has accomplished, and so the decision to sell the business was easy," shared Mike. "In Empowered Ventures, we found a partner that deeply values both our employees and Whitney Brothers' rich 120-year history. Their commitment to honoring our legacy while investing in our people gives me great confidence in the future of the company. I am looking forward to leading the company into the future and working with the Empowered Ventures team to bring Whitney Brothers to new heights." (Source: Busineire, a Berkshire Hathaway Company)

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INDUSTRY NEWS

2025 Chair of the Board for EDmarket, Darlene Akers Explores the Current State of and Future Potential of the Education Sector

January 2025 — "Serving in a leadership position on the EDmarket board has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me so far.

Business products and office furniture dealers play a crucial role in ensuring schools are well-equipped with the tools and supplies to create an optimal learning environment," writes Darlene Akers (President of Akers Business Solutions | 2025 EDmarket Chair) in an opinion piece in the new issue of OPI magazine.

".... [EDmarket] identified a significant need for dealers to understand how students learn and what the core competencies are. To address this — under the direction of Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, a pioneer in exploring how the design of the built space impacts learning — EDmarket developed the EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS) program. This comprehensive certification program aims to elevate the learning experience for school districts and industry professionals involved in planning, managing and designing future learning environments.

The education market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by innovative solutions and a focus on student well-being.The role of organisations such as EDmarket, combined with the efforts of a cohesive and collaborative supply chain, is to shape a future where education settings are adaptable, inclusive and conducive to effective learning. I am honored to be part of this journey." (Source: OPI Magazine)

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Smith System/Steelcase Learning Announced as Exclusive Sponsor of the 2025 EDmarket NexGen Rising Stars Program

NexGen

January 15, 2025 — Smith System Smith System and Steelcase Learning have signed on as the exclusive sponsor of the EDmarket's NexGen Rising Star Awards. This program recognizes outstanding young professionals 40 and under for the contributions these emerging leaders bring to the education field. The recipients are chosen based on their exceptional dedication to the industry, innovative thinking, and positive impact on student achievement and success.

This annual sponsorship helps support the year-round opportunities to NexGen winners including invaluable mentoring and networking provided by EDmarket leaders, press recognition, and professional development. Winners are celebrated at the annual EDspaces conference and recognized on the EDmarket website, Essentials magazine, and various social media outlets.

"At Steelcase Learning and Smith System, we believe in empowering the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Sponsoring NexGen aligns with our mission to create innovative learning environments that enable the genius inside every student. By supporting this award, we celebrate those who are shaping the future of education and design."

— Thomas Cook, General Manager, Education at Steelcase

The Call for 2025 NexGen Nominations is Now Open!
Nominate an exceptional young professional today: Submit Your Nomination
Deadline: April 30, 2025

Learn More About the 2024 NexGen Rising Stars
Explore the impressive list of last years's honorees: View 2024 Winners


About the Education Market Association (EDmarket)
Founded in 1916, EDmarket represents, connects, and serves education leaders and industry professionals who are creating inspiring products, services, and spaces for teaching and learning. EDmarket provides educational opportunities, resources, and thought leadership to those serving education.

About Smith System
Smith System is a leading manufacturer of innovative school furniture designed to support active, student-centered learning environments. With a focus on flexibility, durability, and modern design, Smith System creates learning environments that foster engagement, collaboration, and creativity in classrooms.

About Steelcase
Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work, healthcare, and education. Along with an expansive community of brands, Steelcase designs and manufactures innovative furnishings and solutions to help people work and learn better.


INDUSTRY NEWS

Kidstuff Playsystems Receives Purdue NW Society of Innovator Award

January 2025 — Kidstuff Playsystems, Inc. was recently inducted into the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators for their groundbreaking development of an innovative series of themed playsystems for children aged 2-5. These playsystems are built using a consistent design template featuring three platforms, eight posts, four themed panels, accessible steps, and three climbers and slides.

To date, the team has created a variety of imaginative themes, including a locomotive, caboose, train, pirate ship, woodland trees and animals, dinosaurs, a Pueblo home, the Alamo, farm animals, animal habitats, and an excavator.

Kidstuff Playsystems team members — Richard Hagelberg, George McGuan, and Ed Rodriguez — were honored for their achievements at the annual induction luncheon held on November 20, 2024, at the Purdue Northwest campus.

Watch the video to hear directly from Kidstuff Playsystems about their journey as a 2024 Society of Innovators Team Inductee.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Robin Randall Appointed to Playful Learning Board

January 2025 — The Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network (PLLAN) has appointed Robin Randall, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, director of learning at Legat Architects, to its board of directors. Robin will serve as the nonprofit's first architect and Chicago-area member. PLLAN operates on the research-supported framework that children learn best through play. The organization's mission is to "create playful learning infrastructure and activities in the everyday spaces where children and families gather."

According to PLLAN Executive Director Sarah Lytle, the appointment is part of an initiative to expand the board to better reflect the industries and communities the organization serves.

"Robin is a distinguished architect with a history of designing educational spaces, including Playful Learning Landscapes," said Lytle. "She brings an incredible depth of knowledge about designing for children and working with communities, and these are integral to the playful learning process." (Source: LEGAT Architects)

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