The Greater Midwest Home Furnishings Assn. has named Bay Furniture its Retailer of the Year.

Bay is a family-owned business run by brothers Rick and Larry Slovy. The company employs over 250 people and has stores in Homewood, Fox Valley, Hoffman Estates, Lake Zurich and Mokena, Ill., and in Merrillville, Ind.

"We couldn't be more pleased," said President Rick Slovy. "This award is a testament to the way we do business. We not only serve our customers well, we treat our suppliers right too."

Area furniture sales representatives vote on the award, based on the rep's perceptions of dealer business practices and professionalism.

"We recognize the importance of good relationships with the manufacturers who's furniture brands we carry," said Vice President Larry Slovy.