NEW YORK CITY – “It is definitely not true,” states Leanne Stella, president of Stella Show Management Co., in response to multiple rumors circulating about her 30-year-old company. “Stella Shows has definitely not been sold and the shows at the Piers have not been canceled.”

Although the company is mourning the loss of Shawn Powell, a New York City firefighter who was a beloved part time employee, and is reeling from the effects of the World Trade Center disaster, no show has been canceled.

Like most New Yorkers and complying with the request of Mayor Guiliani, Stella Show Management Co. has gotten back on track, fast.

“Going forth in as normal a way as possible is our tribute to those who lost their lives and to those working so hard on the World Trade Center recovery and clean up,” continues Stella. “Our company has an obligation to be a part of the economic life of New York.”

Although the 69th Regiment Armory and Piers 92 and 94 play a vital role in the disaster relief, Stella expects that use of the piers as a relief and command center will cease in the next few weeks. The Piers are city-owned and not a military facility. Therefore, they are needed as a show facility again as soon as possible to support the economic revitalization of entertainment and tourism in New York City.

The Stella shows scheduled for October at the 69th Regiment Armory – The Modern Show October 5 to 7 and The Antiques and Textiles Show October 19 to 21 – are planning to move to a new location, as services related to the World Trade Center disaster continue to emanate from that Armory. If emergency COs and work permits come through as expected, these shows will be held at an excellent new venue in midtown Manhattan.

The Triple Pier Antiques Show is still scheduled for November 10 to 11 and November 17 to 18 on Piers 88, 90 and 92. Six hundred dealers will exhibit each weekend. Should there be any cancellations, those spaces will be filled from a long waiting list of dealers from the New York area.

The Waterloo Antiques Fair September 22 to 23 in Stanhope, N.J., depended on temporary help to replace the firefighters and National Guardsmen who serve on the Stella staff, and the show donated 100 percent of its profits to the Twin Towers Fund.

As far as customers will be able to tell, there is no disruption to Stella Shows. “We hope customers can use the shows as diversion in these troubled times.”