WHFA hires new Communications Director

Furniture World Magazine

The Western Home Furnishings Association, a regional trade association representing furniture retailers located throughout the Western United States, announces hiring Dave Atkinson as their Communications Director.  Dave brings over twenty years of experience in Marketing Communications to his new position, including association marketing, event planning and most recently, serving as the Marketing Director of a large member-owned natural foods cooperative. Dave will oversee all marketing and communications for WHFA including coordination of advertising sales in the monthly Western Reporter magazine and other annual publications. “Dave brings a comprehensive background in retail marketing as well as association communications to his position.  Having run his own business, he understands the challenges small business owners face every day.  We are very happy to have Dave join our team,” explains Sharron Bradley, Executive Director of WHFA.  A graduate of California State University Sacramento with a degree in Communications Studies, Dave began his career with the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce as the Assistant Director of Small Business Development.  He was then recruited to be the Production Director for Paula Moore Advertising and Public Relations.  A few years later, Dave started his own event planning company specializing in theatrical corporate events.  Throughout a strong ten year run with his company, Affairs To Remember, Dave earned his certification as a professional meeting planner (C.M.P.) and sat on the board of the Sacramento chapter of Meetings Professionals International.  During this time Dave worked with many trade associations producing statewide and national conferences, trade shows and other events.  In 1997, Dave was selected to be the Marketing Director of the Davis Food Co-op, a large member-owned natural foods retailer.  In this position Dave coordinated production of a monthly member newsletter, developed all advertising and public relations including print, radio and television media buying and increased sales by over 14% in his first two years.  The Western Home Furnishings Association provides products, services and education at low rates to more than 1,100 members representing over 2,700 stores throughout the Western United States and is the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association. For more information please contact Dave Atkinson, Communications Director at (916) 960-0348 or via e-mail at datkinson@whfa.org.