WHFA announed that theWestern Home Furnishings Association’s Board of Directors and representatives from various manufacturers and industry service providers met in Portland, OR earlier this month to create a strategic plan for the Association as well as create a vision for the future. The event was a first for a retail association in the industry and was successful in creating an open dialogue with each facet of the industry.
The Board of Directors and 15 industry business leaders participated in a session which included a SWOT analysis of the Association and industry and eventually lead into a visioning exercise. Participants continued their conversations over dinner and it was apparent that everyone was on the same page for the future of the industry.
“I was very encouraged by what we were able to accomplish in a short period of time,” said Eric Mawyer, V.P. Training, Guardian Protection Products. “I think the passion and emotion displayed in the room that afternoon told me clearly that no one has given up in this economy, and they are still willing to work hard to do what’s necessary to improve not only business but how we go about getting that business.”
The next day, the Board of Directors met again to further review the Association’s strengths and weaknesses and developed a strategic direction for the organization. Under this strategy, several goals and objectives for the Association were created by the Board of Directors to be accomplished over the next five years. “We are very excited to have formulated the framework that will enable WHFA to grow by creating unquestioned value for members and industry partners,” said Sharron Bradley, WHFA executive director. “We look forward to more discussion and idea generation from our board and partners as we implement our plan.”
The inclusion of industry manufacturers and service providers was such a great success, that WHFA is looking into incorporating the idea into future Board Meetings. Manufacturers, service providers and retailers left the meeting feeling a new sense of hope and support. “It appeared to me that for some in that room just getting to talk about all that’s going on with others from their industry was almost healing in nature because they were able to walk away reminded that they are not the only one struggling and together we can make a difference,” Mawyer added.
The next WHFA Board meeting will be held during the Winter Las Vegas Market in February.
About the WHFA and NHFA
The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) is the largest affiliate of the NHFA, representing more than 1,000 independent home furnishings retailers in more than 2,400 stores in 12 western states.