Casual group taking on new name, mission
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 30, 2007
Chicago — The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn. has a new name and a new mission to unite the industry and meet the challenges of the future.
The group is transforming itself into the International Casual Furnishings Assn., with the goal to "create the demand for and promote the awareness of high-quality casual furnishings worldwide." Membership is 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 announcing the change during the annual Apollo Awards Dinner at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market here in late September. Rehmert is the vice president of sales and marketing for manufacturer Meadowcraft and president of SCFMA.
Eventually, the new organization is expected to succeed the SCFMA, whose membership has been limited to casual and outdoor manufacturers and importers. By opening itself to retailers and others, the new group will have a broader base.
"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 Design Excellence Awards, which recognize innovation and creative design in casual furniture products and accessories, and 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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