Reynolds to retire as CHFA chairman

Will pursue merger of three Canadian associations

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, September 8, 2008

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Laine Reynolds says he will step down as chairman of the Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance sometime in the next few months, once his successor has been elected.

In his remaining months of office, Reynolds said he plans to talk with the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. and Furniture West in the hopes that the three groups will merge into one national association.

"The intent is to look to the future and discuss the merits of a potential merge. The time is right to open a discussion on this critically important issue," he said.

Reynolds, who has held the post for three years, made the announcement during the CHFA's recent annual general meeting.

"We are in a strong financial position," he said. "We've gone through a year of continuous change, which has been both positive and beneficial. Even in the current tough business environment, we have maintained a strong core of committed members."

He said the CHFA, which was known as the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn. until a year ago, has made strides on a number of fronts. For one, the association's health and safety group, working with the Ontario Worker's Compensation & Insurance Board and the Industrial Accident Prevention Assn., has reduced compensation premiums for the majority of 20 or so CHFA members who participate. Last year, the group earned total premium rebates in excess of $238,000.

"Being a member of the safety brings solid financial rewards - it more than justifies the cost of membership," Reynolds said.

He also said the CHFA has taken on more of an advocacy role in government. CHFA President Murray Vaughan has written to the federal and provincial finance ministers with an eye to becoming one of the industry groups whose opinions are sought in the run up to the passage of their respective annual budgets. In addition, Vaughan is working on getting a 14% import duty on upholstery fabric reduced or eliminated.

Reynolds was re-elected to the CHFA's board for the coming year. Once his successor is chosen, he will remain on the board as past chairman.

Also re-elected to the board for the coming year were Al-Karim Chatur, Eztia Furnishings; Dino Colalillo, Edgewood Furniture; Alison Dosman, Durham Furniture; Angelo Gallo, Statum Designs; Robert Infusino, Future Chair; Alan Kornblum, Distinctive Designs Furniture; Stan Mintz, Reflections Furniture; Hugh Owen, Owen & Company/Kingsdown Canada; John Power, Star Bedding/Serta Toronto; Paul West, West Furniture.

Colalillo is association treasurer. Owen is past chairman and Kornblum is vice chairman, while Power chairs the marketing and events committee.