Area Rug manufacturer and importer Couristan has promoted Steve Codella to senior vice president of sales for the eastern United States. Codella joined the company in 2000 as Eastern regional sales manager and, after four years, became the vice president of sales for the eastern region.

In his new post, he will continue to contribute to product development and supervise territory managers, as well as oversee the strategic advancement of key accounts throughout the eastern portion of the United States.

Ron Couri, president and CEO of Couristan said, "As senior vice president, we are confident that (Codella) will lead our Eastern region to new heights of success and help achieve our ongoing sales objectives."

Codella's promotion announcement was made during Couristan's recent National Sales Conference held in Atlanta.

The National Sales Conference was held to commemorate Couristan's 81^st anniversary and to bring together more than 60 members of its domestic and international team.

Couristan used the event to announce one other new employee and to recognize members of its sales team.

Justin Posada was hired as a new residential territory manager for northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

He has four years of sales experience in the floor covering industry, with particular emphasis on fashion-oriented products. Posada previously handled Karastan's retail accounts in the San Diego area.

As a residential territory manager for Couristan, Posada will be responsible for increasing sales as well as providing sales training and merchandising support to accounts in his region.

Andrew Thompson received Couristan's highest accolade, the Chairman's Award, for his outstanding achievements as the company's western regional manager in sales and commitment to professional ethics.

Catch Molina, senior vice president of contract sales, and Charles Romano, senior account manager for the residential division, received the Basil J. Couri Award for their outstanding dedication and devotion to the principles and ideals of Couristan.

The George J. Couri Award was awarded to Steven Lewis, a contract specialist from New Hampshire, and J. Michael Moore, a residential territory manager based in Arizona, in recognition of their outstanding improvements and superior salesmanship.

In addition, Couristan issued Service Excellence Awards to eleven members of its sales force who have been with the company for more than a decade. Special acknowledgement was made to Charles Berger who recently marked his 28^th anniversary with the company.