WHFA Annual Managerial Conference MAY 5-7, 2002

Furniture World News

Western home furnishings retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals are invited to immerse themselves in education May 5-7, 2002, for the WHFA 42nd Annual Managerial Conference and Tradeshow, at the Maui Sheraton Kaánapali Beach Resort. The 3-day conference will embrace the spirit of Maui with energetic speakers, educational workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities poolside and throughout the many activities planned for the event. Mark your calendars now to be in Maui this May to soak up the education and networking. Last years managerial conference in Scottsdale brought together over 300 industry professionals from across the country. The 2002 all-industry managerial conference will openly discuss retail issues that affect the entire industry and develop working solutions to better the industry. Ray Nunez, Furniture Center, Sacramento, CA, who has attended the last 12 conferences, states "Each time I go to the WHFA Conference I get motivated and re-enthused about the furniture industry. At home, I spend everyday teaching and motivating my staff, WHFA’s conference motivates the motivator." The 2002 Managerial Conference has been developed by the WHFA Conference Committee which includes: Chair: Mary Ann Levitt, Breuners Arizona, Scottsdale AZ, Vice Chair: Marvin Kerby, Kerbys Furniture, Mesa, AZ, Richard Donaldson, JS West, Modesto, CA, Greg Follett, Folletts Furniture, Lewiston, ID, Taylor Ganz, McMahan’s Furniture, Los Angeles, CA, Giff Gates, Gates Furniture, Grants Pass, OR, Geoffrey Halpern, Valley Manor Ethan Allen, Northridge CA, David Harkness, Harkness Furniture, Tacoma, WA, Ron Hoesterey, Royal Mattress Co., Orange CA, Jerome James, Hafers Furniture, Manteca, CA, Keith Koplan, Koplan’s Furniture, Vancouver WA, and Larry Miller, Sit N’ Sleep, Montebello, CA. In deciding whom would benefit from attending the 2002 Conference, Mary Ann Levitt, Committee Chair, stated "The WHFA Managerial Conference will provide key retail managers, CEOs, manufacturers, and reps the combined wisdom and practical experiences of other successful retailers and industry professionals. The unburdened environment encourages the free flow of ideas and friendly networking." The conference opens Sunday evening amidst the gentle tradewinds with a beachfront reception and dinner. Monday morning begins with a "Best Idea Exchange" breakfast, where retailers, of all sizes, share ideas while sipping Kona coffee. The WHFA Conference Committee then has secured the talents of Dr. Jay Zink who will kindle a holistic approach to living and business and Suzanne Gust who will share insights and tips into taking control of your success. Workshops and offsite activities like; snorkeling, an aquarium trip, shopping, site-seeing, annual golf tournament, and evening cocktail reception, complete Monday’s agenda. Tuesday dives right into "Improving Profitability" with John Eggers and follow-up workshops sharpen and refine profit-building ideas and skills. There will also be a workshop for the incoming and outgoing generations, "Easing Into The Drivers Seat", will discuss the complex issues of taking over the business from within the family. The conference concludes with the always exciting Western Retailer of the Year presentation and luau feast. "Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best) pretty much explains why Maui was selected as the 2002 conference location. The perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, exciting activities all wrapped up in a tranquil ease that is the spirit of Maui, made our choice easy. You blend this Maui spirit with the best speakers, workshops and networking and you have our conference", exclaims Marvin Kerby, Kerbys Furniture, Mesa AZ, WHFA Conference Vice-Chair. All registration materials will be mailed in December 2001. For more immediate information call WHFA at (800) 422-3778 or register online at www.whfa.org.