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Tom Russell

Dalian officials seek business opportunities in High Point

The week of June 10, a group of U.S. furniture retailers and Furniture|Today representatives went to the Dalian region of China to visit a trade show and some local furniture factories. The goal was to better understand the region and how production capacity there can benefit furniture companies in the U.S.

Perhaps not so ironically, representatives from Dalian came to North Carolina on June 5 for their own understanding of the U.S. marketplace. The delegation was made up of some 15 individuals, including furniture industry representatives, government officials and officials representing industrial parks house furniture plants. They were greeted by officials from the High Point Chamber of Commerce, the High Point Market Authority and the High Point Economic Development Corp., a local economic development agency.

The visit included a two-hour stop in High Point, which was sandwiched in between visits to nearby Charlotte and Raleigh. For the most part, the brief visit was a way for the Dalian officials to get to know their High Point counterparts, who in turn, answered questions about the city and offered to help with any future business needs.

The nature of those needs remains to be seen. Some manufacturers might want to lease temporary or permanent showroom space in High Point. Others might want to open up some form of distribution or warehousing in the area in conjunction with their import partners.

Whatever the case, officials here in town let them know High Point is open for business.

“This was the initial meeting,” said High Point EDC President Loren Hill, noting that the city hosts international groups several times a year. “It was very positive — things started off very well. It’s a good way to set the tone.”

A key goal, he said, was to convey that High Point is one of the state’s most international cities, with more than 70 internationally based companies with locations in town. It also touted the fact that two furniture companies with Chinese ties — Legacy Classic Furniture and Lifestyle Enterprise — have facilities here and are expanding their operations.

“Everything was done with a great spirit of working together,” said Tom Dayvault, High Point Chamber of Commerce CEO and president. “I think they came away with the idea that if they are going to be part of the American economy, they have to be in High Point.”

How this evolves remains to be seen. The good news for the area is that locals seem poised and ready to help them take that next step.