Supplier Division Benefits are Enhanced by New Alliance

The American Furniture Manufacturers Association officially changed its name to the American Home Furnishings Alliance during the 2004 Annual Meeting in Sea Island, Georgia, in November. In addition, the organization approved broader membership criteria allowing U.S.-based companies that have no domestic furniture manufacturing facilities to become members.

The move to broaden the membership base will benefit Supplier Division members, who will now have the opportunity to reach a wider range of companies through AHFA activities.

The changes did not impact Supplier Division membership criteria. The division remains open to any company that supplies goods or services to AHFA manufacturer members worldwide.

“The new organization reflects our continued focus on assisting U.S.-based manufacturers and suppliers but also recognizes the new business models many of our members have adopted in recent years,” said CEO Andy Counts following the historic membership vote.

Previously, to be eligible for AFMA membership, a company was required to have a manufacturing facility within the United States. The new Alliance eliminates that requirement and welcomes any company incorporated in the United States that manufactures or imports home furnishings products for wholesale distribution in the United States.

“The benefits of these changes to our Supplier Division partners can be summed up in three key words,” states Brent Burton, executive director of the Suppliers Division. “Unity, access and influence.”

AHFA is more dedicated than ever to promoting industry unity through powerful business partnerships between manufacturers and their suppliers. Fewer, more highly focused educational meetings will enable supplier members to network with key manufacturing personnel, as well as to stay informed and participate in discussions of key industry issues.

As an organization, AHFA is dedicated to delivering its supplier members with access to opportunities for expanding their businesses. Although face-to-face networking at educational programs will continue to provide one component of this access, online communications are becoming increasingly important.

“The online Suppliers on Demand newsletter continues to grow, as more and more supplier members take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly to key manufacturing personnel with information about new products and services,” states Burton.

Finally, AHFA will step up its efforts to influence the outcome of issues that impact the industry. A professionally staffed Washington, D.C. office will continue providing a voice for manufacturers and suppliers on legislative and regulatory issues. Our High Point-based environmental, information technology and logistics experts will remain at the forefront of standards development. And AHFA will wield its group buying power to influence new value-added programs and services, such as group container rates and fuel card programs.

“The diverse membership of the Suppliers Division will continue to play a key role in the new Alliance, providing information, expertise and support in a variety of critical areas,” Burton says. “And, as our membership grows, AHFA will return to its supplier members an unprecedented level of service and support.”

AHFA Celebrates 100 Years

The American Home Furnishings Alliance is celebrating 100 years of service to the home furnishings industry in 2005. Supplier members have been partners in that service for 41 years.

AHFA traces its history back to the North Carolina Case Workers Association, formed in 1905 with the help of James T. Ryan, who served as its director for 54 years. Soon after its formation, manufacturers outside North Carolina began to join the NCCWA, and in 1911 the name was changed to the Southern Furniture Manufacturers Association to more accurately reflect the growing membership.

Throughout its early years, the purpose of the SFMA was to disseminate the newest management and technical information to members and to act as a watchdog against burdensome regulatory requirements and government intervention.

In 1928, a similar organization was formed in Chicago to provide these services to furniture manufacturers in the north. Although much of the residential furniture production shifted to the south after the Depression, Chicago remained the home of the largest furniture market, held each January at the American Furniture Mart.

During World War II, when all raw materials used for furniture were in short supply, SFMA representation in Washington was successful in keeping furniture plants from closing altogether. Many converted operations to make bunk beds, ammunition boxes and other equipment needed in the war effort.

During the 1950s, the thrust of the SFMA’s efforts was on government controls affecting prices, materials and labor. At the same time, the industry experienced an upturn in sales, which brought about development of the marketing division. The 60s saw continued sales growth within the industry – and a corresponding expansion in the association’s services. Two new divisions, Industrial Relations and Traffic/Transportation, were formed. The association held an increasing number of meetings and seminars. Ryan retired in 1965 and the association established the James T. Ryan Award, now known as the Distinguished Service Award, in his honor in 1966.

Meanwhile, NAFM was also expanding in the north, establishing the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association in 1959, and organizing an associate member division for suppliers in 1964. Later, when NAFM and SFMA merged in 1984 to form the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, the SCFMA and Suppliers Division would become key components in the new organization.

As AHFA begins a new century, our growing Suppliers Division membership helps ensure that we will have a vibrant future of service and leadership ahead!