N.C. Furniture Forum Draws a Crowd

February 22, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007 More than 650 people turned out for an open forum discussing the future of furniture manufacturing held at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C.

Co-sponsored by Home Furnishings Business, the event featured a panel discussion moderated by industry veteran and consultant Alan Cole.

The event was part of the college’s Leading Edge Series, which provides a sweeping look at issues relevant to the Hickory region.

Michael Dugan, Alex-Lee professor and chair of the Charles M. Snipes School of Business at the College, organized the event.

Panel members were Mickey Holliman, chairman of Furniture Brands International; Kevin O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of Samson Marketing; Don Coleman, president of Hickory Springs; John Bray, president and chief executive officer of Vanguard Furniture; and Bob Maricich, president of Century Furniture.

Dr. Art Padilla, N.C. State associate professor of management, entrepreneurship and innovation, set the tone for the evening by addressing challenges faced by domestic furniture manufacturers in today’s global economy. Padilla encouraged industry leaders to look beyond immediate hardships and seek long-term solutions for educating our children to be well-equipped future employees.

Padilla pointed out that other industries, including technology, have “looked death in the face” but now thrive because they reinvented themselves. He cited IBM and Motorola as classic examples of companies that have made dramatic comebacks.

Each of the panelists summed up the night’s discussion by saying the furniture industry has a bright future.

Check out the March 26 issue of Home Furnishings Business for more coverage of the forum.