Mendenhall Resigns From International Home Furnishings Market Authority

Furniture World News

The International Home Furnishings Market Authority (IHFMA) announced the retirement of President Judy Mendenhall. Mendenhall will remain involved in the Market Authority to ease the transition of the new Authority president, who has yet to be named. Mendenhall joined the Market Authority at the time of its inception in 2001. In her role as president, she was charged with improving the level of services for Market attendees, obtaining additional state and local funding and developing an effective and efficient transportation terminal. Mendenhall has achieved these goals and been credited with numerous other accomplishments. “It’s amazing to look at how the Market has grown and evolved over the last four years,” said Paul Toms, IHFMA Board chairman. “Judy has been instrumental in uniting the various constituencies who have a vested interest in the High Point Market and bringing order and organization to the Market Authority. Because of Judy’s tenacious drive and leadership, the Authority is in a position to focus on additional initiatives to ensure that High Point remains the premier home furnishings market in the world.” “My work with the Authority has brought me immeasurable satisfaction, building on all of the professional opportunities that have been afforded me since I moved to High Point in 1960,” said Mendenhall. “I feel confident that I am leaving the Authority in a position to concentrate on new programs to ensure further enhancements for attendees, thus securing the long-term viability of Market.” Prior to joining the IHFMA in 2001, Mendenhall served as High Point Chamber of Commerce president (1994-2001). Additionally, she served the city of High Point as Mayor from 1985-1987 and has held various other elected positions within High Point and North Carolina. She is currently involved in the leadership of numerous other local organizations including (but not limited to): The Piedmont Triad Partnership, High Point Community Foundation, High Point Economic Development Corporation Board, High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau. In her newly found leisure time, Mendenhall looks forward to reducing her golf handicap, improving her bridge game and spending time with her friends and family, which includes five children and six grandchildren.