Eddies Quilting Bee

For the first time, sewing machine dealers from Russia were invited to spy in the United States for education so that they can sell Bernina Sewing Machines in their homeland. Eddie's Quilting Bee (a top ranking dealer) from Sunnyvale was one of the first U.S Bernina dealers to welcome them to this fabulous convention. During the extended weekend, event dealers learned about the new 3-series Bernina line as well as other networking opportunities. His Russian counterparts asked Eddie about his feelings and some American thoughts on Russia. The interactions were made sometimes in the resort's hot tub and while playing pool volleyball at the Hyatt's resort in Orlando, Florida. All felt a good camaraderie.

Eddie's Quilting Bee was awarded the Top Dealer Award in their district, acknowledging an acceleration and growth in Bernina Sewing Machine sales, in addition to being a leader in top shelf customer service, education and support.

Sunnyvale, CA – Date, 2010 – Eddie's Quilting Bee, an authorized dealer for BERNINA, one of the world’s largest and most esteemed sewing machine companies, received the 2009 District Dealer of the Year Award.

Awarded at the 2010 BERNINA University dealer conference in Orlando, Fla., BERNINA of America recognized top dealers nationwide with awards based on achievements in sales, service and customer education.

The District Dealer of the Year Award recognizes dealers from BERNINA’s 11 districts for positive sales momentum and an aggressive approach to promoting and advertising the entire BERNINA product line, a modern and evolving store-merchandising concept and dedication to total customer service.

Aurora, Ill. – July 21, 2010 – BERNINA of America recognized top dealers nationwide with achievement awards in sales, service and customer education at its recent BERNINA University dealer training conference in Orlando, Fla

John and Judy Curtis of It’s A Stitch-Bernina, Humble, Texas, received the 2009 BERNINA Presidential Award, which recognizes the dealer that best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and education represented by the BERNINA brand. This includes successful promotion and advertising of the entire BERNINA product line, a modern store merchandising concept, a well-developed educational approach, dedication to total customer service and above-average growth in dollar sales and BERNINA units sold.

“BERNINA’s success is tied to the success of its dealers. It’s A Stitch-Bernina has reaped the financial benefits that result from truly outstanding sales and customer support,” said Martin Favre, president of BERNINA of America.

In addition, BERNINA single- and multiple-store dealerships with the highest sales dollar volume during 2009 were honored. The 2009 Top Five Multi-Store Dealer Awards were presented to:

• Judy and John Curtis, It’s A Stitch-Bernina, Humble, TX
• Rhonda Lopez, Nuttall’s Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
• Richard and Rod Borget, Dave’s Bernina, Provo, UT
• Jack Pierce, Atlanta Sewing Center, Duluth, GA
• John Ramsey, Bernina of Oklahoma City, OK

The 2009 Top Five Single-Store Dealer Awards were given to:

• Ervin and Ella Mae Zimmerman, Hinkletown Sewing Machine Shop, Ephrata, PA
• Leon and Linda Hoover, Hoover’s Bernina Sew, Mifflinburg, PA
• Jill and Henry Reicks, Pine Needles Sewing Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Regina Owen, Gina’s Bernina Sewing Center, Knoxville, TN
• Timothy and Lois Hoover, Top Stitch Sewing Service, Barnett, MO

Merrily Parker of Merrily We Quilt Along, Springfield, Mo., received the 2009 Rookie of the Year Award, which recognizes the new dealer from BERNINA’s Class of 2008 that best incorporated lessons of BERNINA dealer training into its operation, and that delivered impressive 2009 sales volume, market share, merchandising, customer service and educational support.

“Our New Dealer Training program is designed to educate and motivate our newest members to ensure their first year with BERNINA is a success,” said Martin Favre, president of BERNINA of America. “This accolade celebrates Merrily’s achievements in implementing the business development strategies she learned at BERNINA University, as well as her commitment to innovation.”

Along with this Rookie of the Year Award, Parker and her staff were the Grand Prize Winners of the One Million Pillowcase Dealer Challenge. They collected more than 5,000 pillowcases that were donated to the Child Advocacy Center in Springfield, Mo. from March through May 2010.

“BERNINA has always been the only sewing machine for me. I waited five years to become a dealer, and was happy to have lived up to BERNINA’s expectations as a new dealer,” said Parker.

BERNINA also announced 2009 District Dealer of the Year Award winners from the company’s 11 districts. They include:

• Robin Parker and Pamela Dunn, Robin’s Sewing Shoppe, Hoover, AL
• Barb Perry, Aurora Sewing Center, E. Aurora and Williamsville, NY
• Terri Gunn, Quilt Quarters, Carmel, IN
• Judy Munro, Bear’s Paw Fabrics Inc., Towson, MD
• Karen French, The French Seam, Stuttgart, AZ
• Patrick and Cathy Morin, Bernina Sewing Machine Station, Brentwood, TN
• Laurie Mangold, Sew Special Quilts, San Antonio, TX
• Edward Leone Jr., Eddie’s Quilting Bee, Sunnyvale, CA
• Jenny Yannone, The Sewing Palace, Helena, MT
• Jean Graham, Quilter’s Haven LLC, Rosemount, MN
• Marsha Cowen, Bernina Sewing and Design Center, Las Cruces, NM

About BERNINA - Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world’s premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software. BERNINA’s leadership is marked by an impressive number of industry leaders, influencers and artisans who chose to partner with the company. BERNINA products are sold in the United States through a network of approximately 500 fully trained Dealerships. In 2008, the company released the BERNINA 8 Series, two of the world’s most advanced home sewing and embroidery systems that offer more than 70 exclusive features and 15 patented features. To learn more, visit www.berninausa.com