WHFA Celebrates 60 Years Of Service

Furniture World Magazine

The Western Home Furnishings Association announced that 2004 marks six decades of service to home furnishings retailers. During the year long celebration, the association has planned commemorative events, as well as retrospective articles for the association’s magazine, the Western Reporter. In observation of this landmark anniversary, the association’s special 60th Anniversary logo will be used throughout the year along with the vision statement – WHFA, a trusted partner in your journey to a prosperous future. “This is a tremendous milestone for the association and it’s members. The legacy of service, industry development and representation is as strong today as it was back in 1944. We look forward to another 60 years of service,” exclaims Sharron Bradley, WHFA Executive Director. The 2004 WHFA President, Giff Gates, Gates Furniture, Grants Pass, OR expresses, ”I am amazed with WHFA. Being a mature organization it is easy to stagnate, but WHFA is a growing, vibrant, ever-changing organization that serves members with a passion. They are never satisfied with status quo and are always looking to be better and more valuable to the members.” The association was formed in December of 1943, as the second World War was coming to a close and factories and soldiers were converting to post-war production to take advantage of the pent-up demand for consumer goods. The first meeting of the then Pacific Southwest Furniture Retailer Association took place in 1944 in Los Angeles with the mission to be an industry information resource, provide educational opportunities, be a legislative watchdog, offer discount programs and have national affiliation. This mission remains the cornerstone of today’s Western Home Furnishings Association. WHFA closes out 2003 with an all-time record year for membership retention (over 90%). Currently there are over 1,050 association members, nearly 50 discount programs, dozens of educational events throughout the region, a growing list of industry standard guidebooks and manuals, and a steadily growing membership roster. The association is currently seeking stories and recollections from retailers and manufacturers who were part of the “Pacific Southwest Furniture Retailer Association” in the 1940’s. If you have a story to share please contact WHFA’s Chris Tejeda or Shannon Smith at 800/422-3778.