Security letter draws mixed reaction
By Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, October 7, 2001
High Point — A letter to marketgoers explaining security measures planned for the upcoming furniture market has met a mixed reaction, according to Judy Mendenhall, president of the International Home Furnishings Market Authority.
The letter, written by Mendenhall and sent last month to buyers and others planning to come to market, detailed the actions the Market Authority would take in the wake of last month's terrorist attacks. That includes the presence of trained canine officers patrolling the downtown area, and the posting of local SWAT team officers on the roofs of some buildings during market.
The letter stressed these measures were put in place out of concern for the safety and well being of all market visitors, but Mendenhall acknowledged the letter evoked a "damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't" response from recipients.
"A number of people called to say they felt good about the measures we were taking," she said. But she also got calls from potential attendees who were worried the security measures had been put in place "because we must have thought something worrisome was going to happen."
While any large gathering that has international representation could be a potential target for disruption, "We are not the World Trade Center, the White House or the Pentagon," she noted.
The reality is that "we sent the letter out to reassure everyone, not to scare them," Mendenhall said. "We are not expecting trouble here during market. However, in light of the recent terrorist attacks, we need to be aware and take precautions."
Mendenhall said that as president of the Market Authority, her job is to ensure a good climate during market on all fronts. While security has been a hot topic, she also deals with less weighty matters, such as complaints from attendees who say they have been charged exorbitant rates for cab rides to and from the airport.
"I just may go undercover, take off my Market Authority badge and catch a cab from Main Street to the airport," she said.
| Mendenhall |
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High Point tightens security
Sep 23, 2001
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