Commerce Announces Acting Director Of International Trade Division

Furniture World Magazine

North Carolina State Commerce Secretary Rick Carlisle announced today that Bill Fenn of High Point will head the Department's International Trade Division as Acting Director. "Bill has served in numerous roles within our department over the last several years, and I am confident that he will lend his wisdom and years of experience to the International Trade Division, " said Carlisle. "We are very pleased to have him with us, even if only on a short term basis." Beginning in 1993, Fenn served as Director of the North Carolina Furniture Export Office until Gov. Jim Hunt appointed him Chairman of the newly established North Carolina Home Furnishings Export Council in June 1995. Prior to that, Fenn worked in various capacities for LADD Furniture Industries in High Point. Fenn has worked in the home furnishings industry for over 30 years, and has held top management positions for companies such as Stanley Furniture Company, Thomasville Furniture Industries, and Armstrong Cork Company. Fenn will be one of the delegates participating in Gov. Hunt's mission trip to China. Starting Nov. 7, Hunt will lead a delegation of business, education and government leaders from across the state on a 10 economic and cultural mission to China to boost exports, open economic development ties and fight for job opportunities for North Carolinians. The International Trade Division is committed to providing North Carolina companies seeking to expand overseas with a variety of programs established to help them succeed in the world market. The Commerce Department currently operates foreign offices in Dusseldorf, Germany; London, England; Tokyo, Japan; Wan Chai, Hong Kong; and Mexico City, Mexico.