Jul 12, 2011

Midwest-CBK Says Farewell to President, Welcomes MVP Group International President Troy Propes to Lead Company

Cannon Falls, MN – Midwest-CBK, leading designer and manufacturer renowned for its design, style and sparkle, announces that president Frederic Contino is departing the company after nearly six years of service. MVP Group International president Troy Propes will assume leadership of Midwest-CBK, along with the company’s current executive, sales, design, development, sourcing and operations staff.

“We are grateful to Rick for his outstanding leadership and steady guidance of Midwest-CBK through one of the most difficult economic periods our country and industry have experienced, as well as the merger with CBK and the recent sale of the company to MVP Group International,” says Propes. “We look forward to growing the business through the talent, energy and experience of the current Midwest-CBK and Colonial Candle teams, combined with MVP’s entrepreneurial philosophy. We’re excited to focus on innovation and newness, bringing our customers more exclusive and diversified products than ever before in the Colonial Candle, gift and décor lines.”

Propes led the MVP Group International purchase of Midwest-CBK in May. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, MVP Group International has offices around the world.

“I treasure and appreciate the Midwest-CBK team’s hard work and achievements during my tenure, as well as customers’ ongoing support and business,” says Contino. “I look forward to watching the company succeed in the years to come.”

Midwest-CBK, a national design leader in holiday, home décor, gifts, candles and outdoor living, is proud to bring independent retailers more Design, Style and Sparkle than ever before, through exclusive designs and best-selling formats. New introductions feature excellent prices and terms designed to boost your margins; an experienced, dedicated sales team to assist you at the store level; award-winning display ideas; a drop ship program to provide incremental décor sales; and a new Web site providing 24/7 access to account history and online ordering. Please call 800-394-4225, visit www.mwcbk.com or contact your local Midwest-CBK account manager for more information, to request a catalog or to locate a showroom near you.