Furniture Export Seminar At Spring High Point Show

Furniture World Magazine

American furniture manufacturers will learn about “Seizing Furniture Export Opportunities” under United States negotiated Free Trade Agreements at a special power breakfast during the Spring High Point Market, on Thursday , April 10, 2008, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 o’clock. Co-sponsored by the International Home Furnishings Center and the High Point Market Authority, the meeting’s focus on Free Trade Agreements highlights ways exporters can compete more effectively in the global economy, in addition to learning from major foreign retailers about American furniture acceptance in their markets. Open to all furniture American furniture manufacturers, the breakfast meeting will be conducted in Ballroom B on IHFC’s’ Club Level, Green Wing, where seating is limited and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be available. “Exports are a bright spot for manufacturers wanting to increase business, especially now with the dollar’s favorable exchange rate,” said Tom Lindh, IHFC president and chief executive officer. “Learning how to take advantage of Free Trade Agreements can be extremely helpful to our American furniture manufacturers.” International trade economist, Patrick Kirwan will detail how FTAs strengthen export business by eliminating or reducing tariff rates, improving intellectual property regulations, opening government procurement opportunities and easing investment rules. He serves as senior staff director, Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee in the International Trade Administration (ITA), United States Department of Commerce. The balance of the breakfast meeting features export insights from Jay Reardon, president of Hickory Chair. He will discuss his company’s emerging export program within an institutional context of, “As an industry, let’s work together to find ways to lower export costs for all companies so we can sell more American furniture in foreign markets.” For insight into design, style and business trends, a couple of major foreign retailers — The Gallery, Korea and Brown Antiques, United Kingdom — will outline what American manufacturers need to know about their markets for greater success. With 15 stores in South Korea, The Gallery has established itself as a fashion merchandiser, featuring major American brands. Likewise, Brown Antiques, with two stores in Greater London, is a microcosm of aggressive merchandising in high quality home furnishings. 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, encompassing some 12 million square feet of exhibit space, 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. For additional information, visit www.highpointmarket.org. About the International Home Furnishings Center: Opening in 1921, IHFC was the original showroom building in High Point and after 87 years of expansion remains the centerpiece of the High Point Market, the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show. IHFC alone is home to 650 of the leading home-furnishings manufacturers, including 15 of the top 20 companies, and encompasses 3.5 million square feet.