IHA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Deborah A.Teschke
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
847-692-0110

HOUSEWARES CHARITY FOUNDATION WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS

ROSEMONT, ILL (September 5, 2007)—The Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) has appointed two new members to its board of directors: Keith W. Jaffee, chief executive officer, Focus Products Group, and James E. Joseph, president and CEO, Oneida Ltd.

The mission of the non-profit HCF is, in the spirit of goodwill, to raise funds annually for designated charities and help unite and promote the philanthropic image of the housewares industry. In a collaborative effort among industry manufacturers, retailers and allied industry partners, the HCF hosts an annual charitable dinner that coincides with the International Home + Housewares Show. The Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary annual gala during the 2007 International Home + Housewares Show last March. The 11th annual gala is set for March 17, 2008 in Chicago.

Jaffee founded Focus Products Group in 2001. The company owns several housewares companies, including Amco Housewares, Chicago Metallic, West Bend Housewares and Back to Basics Products, with the last two companies comprising the Focus Electrics Group. Prior to starting Focus Products, Jaffee served as president of the Store Fixture and Store Products Group at Leggett & Platt from 1997-2001. Before that, he served as president of Amco Corporation, a manufacturer of commercial storage systems and upscale housewares, from 1982-97.

Joseph joined Oneida in 1988. The company is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and distributors of stainless steel and silver-plated flatware, as well as a leading marketer of crystal and other metalware products. Joseph has held several management positions within the company, including senior vice president and managing director of Oneida International, based in London, England. Following his appointment as president in June 2006, Joseph played a key role in Oneida’s successful emergence from its Chapter 11 recapitalization.

Housewares Charity Foundation Welcomes New Board Members/Add One Since the first Gala in 1998, HCF has contributed more than $6 million to breast cancer research alone. The cure and prevention of breast cancer has always been a strong focus of HCF. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), HCF’s legacy charity, has received more than $5.3 million over the years. It was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder and is dedicated to funding innovative clinical and genetic research.

Also serving on the HCF board of directors are: Phil Brandl, International Housewares Association and 2008 Event co-chair; Ronald Diamond, Conair Corporation and 2008 Event co-chair; Myra Biblowit, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; Peter Cameron, Waterford Wedgwood; Leon Dreimann; Cyndi Evans, ICD Publications; Alon Kaufman, HoMedics, Inc.; Herb Landsman, TJX Companies; Vincent Naccarato; Marc Navarre, All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC; Barbara Pizzella, Office Depot; Leandro Rizzuto, Conair Corporation; Eric Salus; Jeffrey Siegel, Lifetime Brands,Inc.; and Barbara Westfield, HoMedics, Inc. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as Honorary Chair and serving on the Honorary Board are Patricia Haegele of Good Housekeeping and Evelyn H. Lauder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Estee Lauder Companies.

EDITOR’S NOTE: To download photos of Keith Jaffee and Jim Joseph, please go to http://www.housewarescharity.org/boardphotos.html