Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
American Furniture Hall of Fame Opens Hub for Rising Young Leaders
April 25,
2023 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry 
The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., is an industry-wide organization founded to preserve its history, to celebrate exceptional individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the U.S. home furnishings industry, to inspire the next generation of innovative leaders and to engage the community with the world of home furnishings.
In 2019, the organization purchased a building at 311 S. Hamilton St. in High Point. The new home is a symbol of the Home Furnishings Capital of the World™ where the industry gathers, where the story is told and where future generations are inspired. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, funds support our history and leadership programming.
A grand opening reception for the Karen and Stephen Pond Hub area in the new American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame building was held April 20 prior to the official start of the spring High Point Market.
Designed as a gathering spot for rising young leaders, such as Paul Broyhill Future Leaders honorees and attendees of the annual Hall of Fame Home Furnishings Leadership Institute, The Hub provides home furnishings executives under the age of 40 with a place they can call their own to meet, relax and share ideas.
Four Hands has furnished the space with comfortable seating, a high-top table and a large flat-screen television.
“We are in a generational transition of leadership to emerging leaders,” says Karen McNeill, CEO and president of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
“A critical mission of the Hall of Fame is to inspire and empower future generations in their journeys by providing them with the support and resources they need to make an impact. During markets, we hope it will become a hub of new ideas, connections and peer learning that crosses all segments of the industry.”
The new Hall of Fame building features multiple meeting spaces, the Hall of Fame Gallery, a Tribute Wall and Innovation Center, an immersive theater, the Trend Spotter Exhibit and continually changing Traveling Exhibits.
Additional interactive exhibits are under development in Phase 2. Designed as a place for the industry and the community to gather, honor and learn, the facility includes a bar and full-service hospitality kitchen to provide comprehensive food service.