On June 5, 2010, Robert F. de Castro, Sr., one of the founders of the framing industry, died. He was born in Cuba, came to the United States in 1943, and his business success ultimately embodied the American Dream. In 1955 he and his wife, Estrella, better known as Titi, who passed away on June 2, 2008, opened a picture-framing business in New Orleans under the name of Robert F. de Castro, Inc. The business started as a two-person operation in a simple two-room office/warehouse, offering picture frame moulding imported from Italy and serviced the local market. Over time it grew into an organization employing 85 people and was housed in a 127,000-square-foot building on seven acres. By 1976 it served the entire nation and exported to several countries.
      Robert de Castro was instrumental in the formation of the PPFA and served as chairman of the 1977 National Convention. He received countless national and local awards, both for his professional and personal achievements. What he was most proud of, what motivated him, and what he became best known for were his tenacious work ethic and his flawless character. He was a consummate gentleman, always showing sincere respect and care for customers and employees alike. He also took great pride in being self-financed and in making quality, depth, and uniqueness synonymous with his moulding collection.
      He created and introduced many innovative product offerings, products so original in concept and execution that they are still referenced on a regular basis. Although he retired in 1997 he continued to enjoy his love of the moulding business by sharing his thoughts and dreams with his family. They valued these discussions, which expressed in great detail the treasured memories of his customers, employees, and suppliers.
Robert de Castro not only lived the American Dream, he daily expressed his passionate love for the USA, which had given him the opportunity to succeed. The American flag was an unmistakable presence in both his home and office. In his later years he remained politically active but found time for traveling, gardening and spending time with his cherished family and beloved dogs.
     He was truly a gentle giant, and he will be missed.

Larson-Juhl Featured in Southern Living
Larson-Juhl and Artaissance products are prominently featured throughout the 2010 Southern Living magazine Idea Houses located in Senoia, GA, and Covington, LA. Open from June to December, the Idea Houses exhibit unique ideas, products, and concepts created by local, well-known interior designers and are expected to welcome approximately 30,00 visitors.
     Larson-Juhl and Artaissance products were specified for a number of art and framing projects throughout each Southern Living Idea House, including salon style wall groupings and framed flat screen televisions. In addition, Larson-Juhl and Artaissance created custom take-away literature that directs consumers on how to find local custom framers to help with framing projects. The 2010 Idea Homes are also featured in the August issue of Southern Living magazine. For additional information, visit www.SouthernLiving.com/home-garden/idea-houses/.

Wizard Holds Global Distributor Symposium
Wizard International hosted business partners from around the world during a distributor symposium in June. Nearly 20 attendees from 13 countries attended the event at Wizard's corporate headquarters in Mukilteo, WA.
The weeklong event included sessions on product development, technical training, marketing, communications, and company strategic direction. The customer support team provided hands-on instruction of Wizard CMCs, MatDesigner software, and Integrated Framer Suite software products. “The event continues our dedication to developing and delivering innovative products for the worldwide custom picture framing market,” says Mike Claudio, vice president of marketing and business development.

West Shore Hosts Annual Open House
In celebration of its 25th Silver Anniversary, West Shore Distributors in Westlake, OH, will host its annual Open House and Warehouse sale in September, featuring discounts, events, promotions, and prizes.
Clients and friends are invited to celebrate with food, door prizes, socializing, and industry networking. Attendees will be treated to discounts of up to 50 percent off wholesale prices on a wide array of picture framing products including mats, frames, mouldings, mirrors, and framed art. Guests can also tour the showroom, warehouse and new giclée printing area.
The Open House and Warehouse Sale will be held September 23-24, and 27-28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clients are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local Hunger Center. In return, they will receive a coupon for a free mini-frame at the event. Clients unable to attend the event can participate in some of the specials by visiting the Outlet page at www.WestShoreFrames.com.

Neschen Opens Training and Education Center
Neschen Americas has announced the opening of its Training & Education Center, which provides value-added services in a hands-on learning environment. The training center, located in Elkridge, MD, houses state-of-the-art presentation equipment designed to aid traditional and non-traditional learning. It is equipped with laminators, laminates, media products, and large format printers and can create customized space layouts so students can work efficiently and effectively. The multi-use facility includes a workroom, conference room, and expandable classroom area to accommodate lectures, hands-on demonstrations and brainstorming sessions.
“We are committed to helping our customers be more efficient and effective in their graphic production and believe that conducting trainings in a dedicated environment can greatly enhance the learning experience,” says Angela Mohni, vice president of marketing.

Gunnar moves North American Headquarters
To match growing and changing market requirements, the Gunnar International group is expanding and moving its North American headquarters from Barrie, ON, to Seattle, WA. The new company name will be Gunnar USA, Inc. The current Canadian office will remain fully operative as a technical sales, service, and support office under the lead of Gunnar USA.
To accompany this move, Gunnar USA has named Axel Hofmann as the new general manager. Hofmann has a proven track record and extensive experience in the cutting technology industry. His customer-focused philosophy will be used to develop the new headquarters and its assistance to its North American customers.

Frames Galore Makes Style Network Appearance
In March, Peter Smith of Frames Galore in Sherman Oaks, CA, received an urgent call from Lynchpin Productions. It was filming an episode of “Tacky House,” a new series on the Style Network and needed a frame shop to provide a location for filming a framing service the next day. The crew came and completed filming by 3 p.m. the following day, and Smith finished the very challenging framed display by 9 p.m. The completed project was 42"x42" and featured items including a Korean flag and currency, chop sticks, a Frisbee, silver flask, small Buddha, and an arrangement of photos and postcards.
This is not the first time Frames Galore performed services for the TV industry. In 2006, Smith framed all of the memorabilia for the “Big Brothers All Stars” show.
The episode of Tacky House, “Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Tacky Bite,” hosted by Thom Filicia (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), aired on June 16 and will rerun on the Style Network regularly.

Tru Vue Contributes to Consumer Preservation Guide
With support from Tru Vue, the Rochester Institute of Technology's Image Permanence Institute (IPI) has published A Consumer Guide to Materials for Preservation Framing and the Display of Photographic Images. This new consumer guide was developed to educate consumers on how photographs on display can become damaged and how proper framing and display practices can help safeguard these items. The guide is based on ISO 18902 and ISO 18916, published by the International Organization of Standardization as well as the extensive scientific research performed by the IPI. For additional information or to download a copy of the guide, visit www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org.