High Point moves toward one voice
Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief -- Furniture Today, July 31, 2006
If you're old enough to remember Woodstock, you probably remember a band called Three Dog Night and their monster hit, "One." Based on last week's meeting of the International Home Furnishings Market Authority board, that ought to be the High Point market group's official theme song.
Under new President Brian Casey, the authority, previously criticized for rarely being able to agree on anything, seems determined to speak with one voice.
Case (or perhaps Casey) in point: At the meeting, the board announced plans to hold firm to a Monday opening day for the upcoming market. Representatives from Showplace, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. and the International Home Furnishings Center indicated a willingness to adhere to that plan.
Speaking on behalf of the 220 Elm building, which has opened prior to the official opening day, Art DeFehr expressed a desire to be in line with the group on this issue.
While this may not seem monumental to the casual observer, the authority's effort to speak with one voice on this controversial topic is huge. The board passed out copies of a new brochure on the theme, "One Market, One Vision." If they are able to put teeth into that smiley-face slogan, it will be music to the ears of nearly everyone associated with this market.
They appear to be on their way. The choice of Kim Wray as vice president of marketing was right on the money. She's smart, knows the industry and is a savvy marketing executive.
The board also is dealing with other longstanding issues, such as the high cost and short supply of rental cars. The authority went over the heads of the local rental offices and contacted corporate representatives. Suddenly, the number of car rental companies has shot up from three to eight. And some rates have been cut almost in half.
Casey reported on a similar effort with area hotels. Hopefully, the authority can leverage its experiences in dealing with car rental companies to put themselves in the driver's seat with the hotels.
I also applaud the addition of Palliser's DeFehr, City Furniture's Keith Koenig and Jordan Furniture's Tony Moretti to the board. These guys ask questions, have suggestions and are intent on moving things forward.
One market, one vision. How refreshing. One more suggestion: The board ought to consider adding Lynn Davis of Davis International. He has a lot tied up in this town, has a lot to say and even more to offer.
