High Point Market to Get Funding Boost

September 17, 2015  by in High Point, Market   

The $21.75 billion budget bill includes an additional $544,528 in marketing funds for High Point Market. 

The bill, which has cleared the Senate and House budget committee, is expected to be voted on later this week.

The original budgets from N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and the State House of Representatives did not include additional marketing dollars for Market. However, Sen. Trudy Wade (R-Guilford) pushed to include it in the budget.

“We are grateful for the dedicated work of Senator Trudy Wade and Representative John Faircloth during these budget talks,” said Doug Bassett, High Point Market Authority chairman and president of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture. “As the largest economic event in the state, High Point Market is committed to positively influencing North Carolina’s economy. This additional funding will be a great resource to help us maintain our status as the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.”

A 2013 Duke University study found that High Point Market generates more than $5.39 billion in economic impact to the overall regional economy. The State House and Senate are expected to vote on the budget bill later this week.

“The additional funds will come from the Commerce Department,” said Tom Conley, president of the High Point Market Authority. “We look forward to using the funds to expand our marketing efforts, with the goal of attracting more attendees to Market.”