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In photo (left to right): Bob Bruns – IHFRA & HFRM Past President, Gary Sonnenberg – HFRM President, Gerry Ross – HFRM Honorary member, Tom Conley – High Point Market Authority President & CEO, Ted Weisbach – MFC Past President, Terry Clemens – HFRM Chairman, & Roger Schiftar – HFRM Ins. Lesion.
Home Furnishings Representatives of Michigan (HFRM) reported that the Walnut Creek Country Club in suburban Detroit was the scene of a festive and informative holiday luncheon for the members and guests of the Home Furnishings Representatives of Michigan (HFRM) on Friday December 2.
First of several guests to speak was Mr.Ted Weisbach, member of the executive board of the Chicago area's IHFRA chapter, The Midwest Furniture Club, who described some of the successful activities of his group. He also expressed the hope that in the near future the two organizations can work together on events such as local markets, seminars, recruiting and golf outings.
Next was Mr. Roger Schiftar, who has offered his services as insurance agent to HFRM members.
Mr. Tom Conley, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, then spoke to the group. He shared the good news that attendance at High Point was up in October, and stressed that the Authority is working hard to continually improve the High Point experience. A new brochure he presented gives the Market a more professional image, and includes all the benefits of attending.
A highlight of the event was the genial roast ninety year old HFRM's member Gerald (Gerry) Ross who is still an active furniture representative. He has been on the road for an amazing 62 years.
Ms Edie David, HFRM's administrative assistant, along with Ric Tyler, longest serving president of HFRM and current chairman, unveiled the new website that has taken the place of the group's booklet, The Buyers' Guide. The website is planned to function as a guide for retailers and designers, an all-industry community for information and social networking, and a bulletin board for upcoming events such as markets, seminars, etc.
The event concluded with the election of HFRM officers for 2012.