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International Casual Furnishings Assn. forms

New group aims to promote casual business worldwide

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 21, 2007

CHICAGO — The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn. announced last night it has initiated plans for a new organization to unite the industry and meet the challenges of the future.

To be called the International Casual Furnishings Assn., the new organization’s mission is to “create the demand for and promote the awareness of high-quality casual furnishings worldwide.” Membership will be open to all in the casual furnishings industry.

“The new association will allow for a more unified voice and provide an open forum for industry communication,” said Rory Rehmert in making the announcement last night during the annual Apollo Awards Dinner at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market. Rehmert is the vice president of sales and marketing for manufacturer Meadowcraft and president of SCFMA.

“Our industry is at a crossroads, and it is imperative that we ask ourselves, ‘What makes specialty casual furniture retail special?’ We have to ask ourselves this question so we can better prepare our businesses for the future,” Rehmert told industry executives.

The new ICFA will become the official sponsor of the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market. ICFA also will sponsor the prestigious Design Excellence Awards, which recognize innovation and creative design in casual furniture products and accessories, as well as sponsor the Apollo Awards, which recognize retailing excellence.

Additional information on the new association, its organizational structure and its leadership will be announced in the coming weeks.

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