Psychologist, design guru share insights with HFIA
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 9, 2001
SAN FRANCISCO — Members of the Home Furnishings International Assn. heard everyone from a clinical psychologist to a globe-trotting design expert during their inaugural Board of Directors and Talent Team Meeting here.
HFIA is a Dallas-based association with a national membership. Retailers from as far away as Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey joined retailers from HFIA's traditional Southwest base at the three-day meeting.
"We have seen a need and our board has expressed their desire to expand our presence in the industry by collectively visiting other venues outside Dallas," said Mary Frye, HFIA president. "As an association, we have a history of shopping markets outside of Dallas. However, the addition of educational and association business meetings is a new approach for us."
The meeting got under way with a presentation by clinical psychologist Samantha Kurtz, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the human touch in a fast-paced, high-tech world. She also outlined the psychological elements needed to develop solid relationships with customers.
Other speakers included Ted Shepherd of Shepherd Retail Performance, who talked about "Profit Mapping," and Joe Ruggiero, the popular design show host on the Home and Garden cable TV network. His talk was titled, "The World of Design."
Dave Palmer of the World Market Center in Las Vegas gave the group an overview of that market's plans.
About 40 HFIA members attended the meeting. The association, which has 1,800 members from 49 states, is made up largely of retailers, but includes manufacturers, sales representatives and market showrooms. HFIA, formerly the Southwest Home Furnishings Assn., expanded to a national group in 1990.
Frye said the San Francisco meeting achieved her goals of enhancing the leadership skills of "Talent Team" members, those who are preparing for leadership roles, as well as offering insight into key industry issues and recognizing the achievements of past and incoming board members.
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