NHFA Presents Sales Education Programs To High Point University

Furniture World Magazine

High Point University is the recipient of three comprehensive sales training programs representing a half century of business education for retailers. National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) presented the documents to the University at the association’s annual meeting Saturday, Oct. 22 during the International Home Furnishings Market here. Dr. Richard Bennington, chairman of the University’s home furnishings and design program, received the gift. Jerry Baer, NHFA’s 2005 president, made the presentation. Baer said, “National Home Furnishings Association is privileged to share this legacy of business education with High Point University. We feel this is especially appropriate because NHFA is a pioneer in bringing business education to professional home furnishings retailers. And, High Point University is a pioneer in formally educating young people to become a vital part of our great industry.” Baer explained that NHFA, founded in 1920, launched its first sales training course in 1928. He said that for almost 30 years, classroom instruction and the printed word dominated the education scene before emerging technology made it possible to bring instruction directly into every retail store. In 1956, retailers were introduced to a comprehensive in-store sales course, “Selling Mrs. America.” Lessons were on film, and a large briefcase contained everything needed to teach the course, including a projector, screen, record player and brochures outlining lessons. “Selling Mrs. America” is one of the three programs presented to the University. Another is “NHFA’s Pathway to Professionalism” produced in 1982. It consists of five video modules. The third is “The Professional Selling Process,” introduced in 1999 with a curriculum contained on 16 audio and video tapes. In concluding the presentation, Baer said, “We are delighted to present High Point University with these historically significant programs. We hope that the students will benefit from them now and into the future.”