Coble introduces bill to honor High Point Furniture Market

Washington, Apr 12 -

The entire North Carolina delegation – led by its dean, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble – today introduced a bill to recognize the economic importance of the International Home Furnishings Market to High Point and the state. Congressman Coble, who authored the resolution, said with the increasing threat of a furniture market in Las Vegas, it was more important than ever to commemorate what the High Point Market means both economically and culturally to North Carolina.

“It is typical human nature to take things for granted,” Rep. Coble noted, “and I fear that many have done that with the furniture market in High Point. We must not forget what this international gathering means to our region and state. That is why I asked all of my North Carolina colleagues to cosponsor our resolution highlighting the importance of the furniture market, and I am pleased to report that all were eager to sign up.”

Congressman Coble says the title of the House resolution expresses support for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina. The rest of the resolution reads as follows:

“Whereas the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina (commonly known as the "High Point Market") is the largest home furnishings industry trade show of its kind in the world;

Whereas the High Point Market takes place every April and October, and is the largest event in North Carolina, attended by more people for a longer period of time over a larger area than any other event in the State;

Whereas an average of 70,000 manufacturers, exhibitors, sales representatives, retail buyers, interior designers, architects, support personnel, suppliers, and news media attend the High Point Market each April and October;

Whereas people from all 50 States and more than 100 foreign countries attend the High Point Market;

Whereas the High Point Market attracts an average of 2,500 exhibitors from around the world, with international exhibitors constituting more than 10 percent of the exhibitors at the event;

Whereas the exhibits at the High Point Market encompass a wide variety of finished products, including case goods (wood furniture), upholstery, accessories, lighting, bedding, and rugs;

Whereas the High Point Market has more than 11,500,000 square feet of permanent showroom space in more than 180 separate buildings in High Point and Thomasville, North Carolina;

Whereas the High Point Market brings $1,140,000,000 and more than 13,000 jobs to North Carolina annually, and creates a significant, lasting, and positive economic impact on a State in which the manufacturing economy is declining due to offshore production;

Whereas the Federal Government has invested in the High Point Market by providing funding to help meet critical transportation infrastructure needs; and

Whereas the High Point Market is a vital engine for economic growth for North Carolina, especially for the region commonly known as the Piedmont Triad: Now, therefore, be it
that the House of Representatives—

(1) expresses support for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina;

(2) commends those who organize and participate in the International Home Furnishings Market for their contributions to economic growth and vitality in North Carolina; and

(3) recognizes that the International Home Furnishings Market has a positive economic impact on North Carolina and is vital to a region and State adversely affected by a decline in traditional manufacturing.”

Congressman Coble says because it is a House resolution, it will not have to go the Senate for concurrence. He is hopeful that passage of his resolution will occur in the near future once it has been referred to the proper House committee for initial consideration.