Valdese adds Viars

-- Home Textiles Today, 2/11/2010 8:13:00 AM

Valdese, N.C. – Jeanie Viars will join Valdese Weavers on March 1 as director of product development for its Home Fabrics by Wesley Mancini, a new post.

Viars, who has extensive experiences in the decorative fabrics and furniture business, most recently was creative director/product development manager for Hallmark Cards. Prior to that she was creative director for the former Concord Home division and earlier was director of fashion for Anju Woodridge and Bloomcraft, both former divisions of P/Kaufmann. She started her career as merchandising and fabric development manager for Thomasville Upholstery.

Viars will report to both Laura Levinson and Zack Taylor, senior vps of design and sales/marketing, respectively.

“Bringing Jeanie on board will further enhance the energy that has been established at the Home Fabrics division,” Levinson said.

Viars will handle all levels of logistical activities on site at the mill as the business continues to grow, working closely with Wesley, Levinson added. She also will be act as a liason to the sales side.