From HQ
ORIA Spearheads Membership Donation Drive
For Turkey Earthquake Relief Effort
When news of the devastating earthquake that struck Western Turkey in mid-August reached ORIA headquarters, an emergency fund-raising drive was quickly mobilized. Within two weeks, the Association had raised thousands of dollars in donations from its members. The funds were immediately sent to the American Red Cross, which in turn forwarded the money to the Turkish Red Crescent Society, a branch of the International Red Cross. In thanking the ORIA for its timely and generous support, Red Cross Chapter Chairman Douglas H. Dittrick stressed that the large donation "truly helps the people in need in this devastated area of the world." In all, the American Red Cross raised a total of $17.8 million for the Turkey relief effort. The ORIA Executive Board wishes to thank and acknowledge the many Association members who responded so quickly and generously to this humanitarian appeal.
Americasmart Atlanta And ORIA
Renew NORS Co-Sponsorship
The Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) has reached agreement with AmericasmartnAtlanta to extend for three years their co-sponsorship of the annual National Oriental Rug Show (NORS). This year's 18th annual event, NORSo2000, is scheduled for January 13-16. The four day show is by far the largest for oriental rugs in the country, drawing exhibitors and buyers from across the U.S. and around the globe to the over 500,000 square feet of temporary and permanent exhibit space on five floors of the Mart.
According to Lucille Laufer, Executive Director of the Oriental Rug Importers Association, "We are very pleased to have renewed our commitment to Atlanta as the venue for NORS. The continued growth of the event in both size and stature is testament to the effectiveness of our partnership with AmericasMart Atlanta. We look forward to working with them over the next three years to make NORS even bigger and better.