Market Authority seeks funding
Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, March 16, 2003
High Point — The International Home Furnishings Market Authority is continuing to seek both state and federal money to assist with transportation and promotion of the event.
Market Authority President Judy Mendenhall said she is encouraged that some money is expected to be included in North Carolina's budget for next fiscal year, but said any federal assistance is at least a year or two away.
Mendenhall and Tammy Covington, the group's director of operations, met with several state officials and legislators in Raleigh last week to press their case for funding in the fiscal year beginning July 1.
"I don't think anyone in Raleigh disputes the value of the market to the state's economy," Mendenhall said. "The real issue is ... how much money will be available, given the economy and the tight state budget."
The Market Authority originally sought a $100,000 appropriation from the state Department of Commerce, but she said the total amount of state aid "could be more" and will not necessarily come from Commerce.
IHFMA has a budget of $1.52 million for the fiscal year ending June 30.
Mendenhall said IHFMA completed some "preliminary paperwork" on how the group would use federal transportation dollars directed its way, but said it's premature to predict if and when money will be forthcoming.
She said the paperwork was done after Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., contacted the Market Authority to see if there was some way the federal government could help the market.
Coble, whose district includes High Point, is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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