AFMA panel readies views
Brian Carroll -- Furniture Today, April 13, 2003
High Point — A blue-ribbon committee of the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn. met at market to forge recommendations on AFMA's future mission, scope and structure.
The association's board will take up the issues at a meeting May 22 in Greensboro, N.C.
Andy Counts, AFMA executive vice president and a member of the blue-ribbon committee, said the group would not disclose the recommendations publicly before they are presented to the board. The 20-member committee is co-chaired by Farooq Kathwari, chairman of Ethan Allen, and Albert Prillaman, chairman of Stanley Furniture.
The recommendations are expected to include the organization's first mission statement revision in nearly two decades. Also on the agenda are decisions on criteria for membership and how dues are calculated.
Committee members and longtime industry executives, interviewed at market, agreed on the need to raise the profile of the industry in the minds of consumers and thus increase the amount of disposable income spent on furniture.
AFMA represents more than 200 U.S. furniture manufacturers and 250 suppliers.
Among the ideas suggested for initiatives or changes were a higher-profile advertising and public relations campaign for the industry, and new criteria for membership to admit foreign factories.
-
AFMA realigns jobs, appoints study group
Jan 26, 2003 -
AFMA changes name, opens membership to importers
Nov 5, 2004 -
OFMA re-elects Owen; market set Aug. 8–10
Sep 14, 2003 -
Bassett given Distinguished Service Award
Nov 18, 2001 -
Genrich succeeds Parnell at CFMA helm
Jan 26, 2003
Specialty retailer LoveSac introduces new store design
Belfort Furniture, Lawrance Furniture are NHFA Retailers of Year
Kincaid Furniture honors Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter for Habitat work
Singapore furniture show expecting increased turnout
Furniture, mattress sales boost Conn's sales 37.6% in recent quarter
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
