
Jeff Portman, president of AmericasMart (left) with honoree, David Harounian
David Harounian, principal of Harounian Rugs Intl. (HRI), was bestowed with AmericasMart's highest tribute, the President's Award, at the 2012 America's Magnificent Carpets Awards ceremony during the January International Area Rug Market in Atlanta. Mr. Harounian is just the third person to receive the Award since its inception in 1994.
"This is not an honor or an award that is given away lightly," said Jeff Portman, president of AmericasMart, at the Friday, Jan. 13 evening gala. The event took place at the Georgia Aquarium's Oceans Ballroom, which was filled to capacity with rug industry friends and colleagues.
Portman cited David Harounian's tireless dedication to the industry and his title as the longest serving president of the Oriental Rug Importers Assn. (ORIA) as determining factors leading to the coveted award.