Spa industry veteran DIANE TRIESTE is teaming up with Group West Companies PLLC to form Strategic Spa Solutions. This new company will offer integrated solutions in spa planning, design and development, operations and management, and training and education. Trieste has held management positions with Canyon Ranch Health Resorts and Cortiva Education.

Carpet manufacturer Brinton will collaborate with American designer ESTHER DUNBAR-CULLUM to produce four new collections of her designs in its signature Axminster carpet.

The AH&LA's first John Whitaker award, given to the most outstanding hotel supplier, was presented to American of Martinsville's LEO A. VOGEL. The award is given in honor of John Whitaker, a hospitality veteran who died last year.

The president and c.e.o. of Milliken & Company, ASHLEY ALLEN, retired following his 65th birthday on May 1. Milliken's board of directors appointed c.o.o. JOE SALLEY to take his place.