HIgh Point Market Authority Names Marketing & Communications Manager

Furniture World Magazine

The High Point Market Authority has created a new staff position and named a well-known home furnishings industry insider to the post. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Kennedy as our first Marketing and Communications Manager,” says Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “Shannon’s experience in advertising, marketing, and trade show management will be of great value to us in continuing to implement our strategic marketing objectives for the High Point Market.” Kennedy has extensive experience in marketing and communications, most recently as marketing manager for CMT USA, an Italian woodworking tool manufacturer. In this position, she managed company operations for the bi-annual IWF and AWFS Woodworking shows, in addition to regional trade shows, all media relations, consumer and trade advertising, and marketing and sales support for U.S. operations. Prior to that, Kennedy served as advertising director for Market Press, a High Point-based Market newspaper, and also published the Showtime Preview for the fabric market, as well as produced other home furnishings industry-related publications. With a focus on publishing and advertising sales for most of her career, Kennedy has worked in various capacities for a variety of industry newspapers, trade journals and consumer magazines. “Sales and marketing go hand in hand, and over time I’ve gravitated toward the marketing end of things, be it product or services, so this position is a perfect fit for my talents and abilities,” says Kennedy. According to Casey, in her new role, Kennedy’s responsibilities will encompass supporting the strategic marketing plan, including outside agency support services, creative and branding development, direct mail, website enhancement, e-marketing campaign development, advertising and telemarketing, as well as market research and post-event analysis. She will report directly to Kimberley Wray, vice president of marketing and communications at the High Point Market Authority. “The addition of Shannon to our staff is just another means of adding the necessary services to support the needs of our customers,” Casey notes. “We are continually working to expand our programs and these added resources will help us to jump-start many of the creative ideas we have to continue to improve the Market experience for all concerned.” Adds Kennedy, “As someone who has spent the better part of her professional life working around the High Point Market, it’s just amazing for me to see the changes that the Market Authority team has implemented in the past year-and-a-half alone. I’m simply thrilled to be part of this energized and passionate group of people who are so driven to make a difference, and to be back working in the industry where I have developed so many wonderful relationships over the years.” About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.