Ecko will consolidate its operations into its Glenwood Avenue location in Raleigh. But the company was founded here.

"I'm still a Chapel Hill resident," Stewart said. "And I can't tell you how it pains me to be leaving the business community here and moving to Raleigh."

Stewart thought Ecko would always be a Chapel Hill store. "We started in 1986 in Rams Plaza and we moved twice in that shopping center," he said. "In 1994 we had the opportunity to lease the space we have near 54 and I-40. We have our warehouse behind our retail store."

But the furniture business has been changing -- for the worse.

"Five years ago I knew that would be the last lease I would sign," said Stewart. "I need 10,000 square feet I couldn't find anything in Chapel Hill that wasn't cost prohibitive.

"The furniture industry as a whole has declined markedly in the last few years, retail and manufacturing.

"We bought a lot of furniture in North Carolina and I used to buy a lot in Scandinavia. Now it is all manufactured in Asia. It is still Scandinavian design, but it is all manufactured in Asia.

"Currently I have one North Carolina upholstery manufacturer that I carry in my store. That is all I have left. And I hope they survive."

In Raleigh, Ecko will be located close to a number of furniture stores.

"Most in Raleigh are on the Glenwood Avenue Furniture strip," said Stewart. "At one time there were 12 furniture stores in Chapel Hill. There's Hill Country downtown and one store on Elliott road that sells leather recliners. Other than that, I don't think there are any others. Even Haverty is closing."

RSVVP honors

RSVVP, a Triangle-wide fundraiser for hunger relief, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. On Nov. 11, more than 250 participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of the tab of each meal purchased that day to hunger-relief programs in the Triangle.

Six restaurants that have supported RSVVP (Restaurants Sharing V/5 & V/5 Percent) every year since the project's inception were honored at a reception at The Siena Hotel.

They are Carolina Crossroads at the Carolina Inn, Crook's Corner, Il Palio Ristorante at the Siena Hotel, Sal's Pizza, Weathervane at A Southern Season and Weaver Street Market Cafe in Carrboro.

Spotted Dog Restaurant and Bar and Tyler's Taproom and Restaurant were honored for their 10 years of involvement while Armadillo Grill and China Chef Restaurant were recognized for their 15 years of involvement. They join the 24 restaurants still operating in Chapel Hill-Carrboro that have been involved for 10 years and the 24 more that have been involved for 15 years.

RSVVP has raised more than $500,000 to address hunger-relief efforts in the Triangle since the event's inception.

Sustainability awards

The third annual Sustainable Business of the Year Awards will be presented at the Foundation for a Sustainable Community's Annual Meeting, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Carolina Club.

The Foundation will honor businesses -- one recipient each for small, mid-size and large organizations -- that have demonstrated commitment to improving the quality of the environment, investing in the diverse community, and growing a successful business with a positive impact on the economy.

Register online at www.carolinachamber.org/events.

Family friendliness

Child Care Services Association (CCSA) has been chosen as one of North Carolina's top family-friendly companies. Each year, Carolina Parent magazine compiles a list of 40 companies that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting parents as they strive to balance work and family.

Carolina Parent honored the 2008 N.C. Family-Friendly 40 Companies at the Women@Work Breakfast at American Tobacco Bay 7 in downtown Durham.

Please send business news to Julian Sereno at chnclerk@nando.com