Check Out IHFRA's Webinar with Adam Glazer Pt.1
The team at IHFRA wants to thank the scores of members who signed up and attended part one of our two-part Webinar series presented with Adam Glazer and the members of his law firm of Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell and Glazer, LLC , our legal counsel. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Adam was joined by two of his associates, Andrew Bell and Matt Tyrell, who shared a wealth of knowledge and answered a host of questions regarding health and safety issues for traveling reps, applying for PPP loan forgiveness, changing tax laws and many other things.
In case you missed it, or simply just want to watch it again, you can access the video online from your computer, smart phone or tablet here:
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv8EICxWP-Q
We had several attendees submit questions in advance of the webinar and we’ve got the answers to your questions here:
Webinar Questions for Adam with Disclaimer
Curious about what people are saying about the webinar? Here are a few quotes from attendees:
- “Lots of great information on many current and concerning topis. Looking forward to the November Webinar” ~ Tommy Coughlin
- “Informative, educational and right on point. Time well spent.” ~ Ray Isser, IHFRA past president
- “I received pertinent information from 3 talented lawyers that would have cost me a lot of money had I consulted with them on my own. The subjects they covered were geared to my business as a 1099 and a small business owner. My membership dues to IHFRA have more than paid for themselves this year. I am looking forward to the next set of topics they will be presenting in November.” ~ Wendy Buzzard, President of Creative Visions Midwest
- “I thought the webinar was great. Lots of great information that was time sensitive, especially the information regarding the pandemic. I’ve been in the industry over 40 years and still learned lots from this webinar. I can’t wait till the second webinar in November.” Tommy Leflein, past president, IHFRA.
BREAKING NEWS!
High Point Market Authority Expands Fall 2020 Market Dates
HIGH POINT, N.C., May 21, 2020 — In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the High Point Market Authority is expanding the Fall Market dates in an effort to spread out attendance and account for expected reduced capacity requirements for showrooms and buildings. Fall Market will now take place over 9 days from October 13 – 21, 2020.
In an effort to control the flow of attendees, buyers and industry members will be asked to select one of three, 3-day periods during the 9-day Market as their primary attendance dates during the online registration process. Domestic buyers and industry members have been divided into two regions based on the home state of their company headquarters. The regions breakdown was developed in partnership with the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) to be sensitive to sales reps and typical regional territories. Those in Region A will be permitted to register for either Period I or II. Those in Region B will be permitted to register for either Period II or III.
The states breakdown for each region and the dates included in each period are outlined on the High Point Market website on the COVID-19 Updates page, www.highpointmarket.org/covid-19-updates. International buyers and media will be allowed to select from any of the three periods. Students passes will only be available during Period III. For all attendees, showroom appointments will be highly encouraged.
“We anticipate less restrictive guidelines for large gatherings this fall, but the need for increased safety measures will still exist. Although we have over 11 million square feet spread over 13 city blocks, likely allowing us to have upwards of 50,000 attendees on any given day, we want to be overly cautious and stay below that maximum each day so all guests feel safe and comfortable attending and visiting their favorite showrooms,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority.
Additional health and safety measures will also be in effect, such as increased sanitation and cleaning efforts, social distancing requirements, and enhanced medical services in an effort to create a safe and welcoming environment. Further details will be shared as plans develop.
“The safety and well-being of our stakeholders, industry members, and state and local citizens remain paramount,” commented Conley. “Our robust safety and security measures are being expanded to specifically address COVID-19, per guidelines shared by the CDC and local medical authorities. We remain in contact with our state and local health officials, and we will continue to engage with them over these next few months, updating our response plan as needed.”
To maintain fairness and ensure attendees adhere to the attendance periods, the Market Authority is working with buildings to enforce a “no early entry” policy, wherein buyers are not permitted to access the buildings nor showrooms prior to the opening day of Market on October 13. The Market Authority is also working with exhibitors, encouraging them to hold all product commitments until the close of Market after all regions have had a chance to attend and view product.
“The Market Authority staff and board of directors developed and reviewed several alternatives for Fall Market that were adaptive enough to accommodate enhanced safety precautions while still meeting the needs of our industry, state, and local community,” commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the High Point Market Authority’s board of directors and president of Otto & Moore. “This expanded and staggered plan was unanimously accepted by our board as the premier preference, given its ability to provide buyers with attendance flexibility while keeping safety as the top priority through a controlled flow.”
“High Point Market has been a staple in this community for well over a century now, and the impact of the spring cancellation was far-reaching for both our citizens and our local businesses. We welcome the return of this economic driver this fall, recognizing the boost will be much needed for business owners, while also keeping safety top of mind. We are already working closely with the Market Authority team as well as the proper medical authorities to ensure the safety of our citizens as well as the Market guests who will be visiting our great city this October,” commented City of High Point Mayor Jay Wagner.
Registration for Fall Market will open in mid-July at www.highpointmarket.org, at which time registrants will be able to select their primary attendance dates from the outlined periods. Pre- registration will be highly encouraged, although some modified on-site registration will likely be available.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority, www.highpointmarket.org, is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find the High Point Market anywhere online, and follow on social media using the hashtag #hpmkt.
High Point Market Authority
164 Main Street Suite 700
High Point, NC 27262
P: 336.869.1000
F: 336.869.6999
highpointmarket.org
Contact: Ashley D. Grigg
Director of Marketing and Communications
ashley@highpointmarket.org
336.888.3236
US Re-opening: Find out what your state is doing
Dozens of states have announced plans to relax social distancing restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus – but few have yet to enact major changes.
Georgia has become a high-profile outlier after it set in motion aggressive plans to ease stay-at-home restrictions over the objection of some local officials and even President Donald Trump. Gov. Brian Kemp announced that gyms, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, massage therapists were among the businesses could reopen Friday. Restrictions on in-person religious services, restaurants and theaters were all also being relaxed.
But most states have favored a slower, more gradual approach. Many announced in recent days a framework for reopening, often with tentative dates or benchmarks where restrictions may be relaxed.
At the same time, a number of states are also making small moves to roll back the most severe restrictions. More states are again allowing elective surgeries. Some construction projects will resume. And plans to reopen parks and beaches are becoming more common.
Headline: Advisor HR Secures PPP benefits for its IHFRA Partners
Advisor HR Secures PPP benefits for its IHFRA Partners using the Advisorirep.com Business Services
(IHFRA members who use the Advisor IREP program for business services including payroll, HR, compliance, health benefits, retirement planning, and business insurances received the PPP.)
While we all know times are incredibly tough, there is light at the end of the tunnel and no, it is not a train!
We recently received an update from Matt Monroe, VP Business Development at Advisor HR. As you know, applying for the PPP program has been an uphill battle for many small businesses and independent contractors.
However, Advisor HR went the extra mile to make sure that all of the IHFRA members using their AdvisorIREP.com services are now set to partake of the Paycheck Protection Program.
What follows are the key points of Matt’s letter to us:
I wanted to update you on some current events that Advisor HR has accomplished for IHFRA members with the IHFRA www.advisorirep.com business service programs.
Advisor HR has worked for weeks to help clients keep employees paid. This is also true with all the IHFRA members using our AdvisorIREP.com services.
Hours of work and the dedication of the Advisor HR team have given us the ability to establish the Paycheck Protection Program for ALL IHFRA Members who are using Advisor IREP business services. This is a great win. Our team sent emails and phoned every IHFRA member with the news yesterday and on April 24, 2020 about how it will work. All members participating with AdvisoiREP.com were paid on April 24 and will be paid in May 2020 the PPP.
It was my pleasure to call several of those members. I can tell you that every one of them was very happy that we had accomplished this for them. They were all very thankful that all their benefits and payroll was being covered by the plan (up to the maximums allowed) for two months.
Matt went on to point out that this unique program can only get even stronger as more IHFRA members participate in the Advisor IREP program. Even if you want to keep your current health insurance, Advisor HR can add you to the program and help you with payroll, HR, compliance, administration of all employee areas and more.
If you currently are not enrolled in the Advisor HR IREP program and would like more information, contact Matt Monroe at
Matt Monroe
Vice President of Business Development
8712 Lindholm Drive Suite 210
Huntersville, NC 28078
www.advisorirep.com – email us from the contact page.
Note: All PPP funding has been complete for IHFRA members who are using Advisorirep.com
Thanks and remember that together, we will move forward!
Ray Allegrezza
Breaking News...some states allow furniture stores to re-open!!!
South Carolina to Reopen Some Businesses Immediately, Georgia Plans the Same for Later in the Week
Two southern states are beginning the process of reopening their economy as soon as today, while the country continues to battle the coronavirus.
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster announced at a Monday press conference that certain businesses in the state would be allowed to reopen, cancelling the restrictions he made two weeks ago in an attempt to fight the spread of the coronavirus. He said beaches may open, depending on guidance from local jurisdictions.
Clothing stores, furniture stores, clothing good stores and florist shops are among the places that the governor said would allowed to be open as of 5:00 p.m. today. He tasked those businesses with maintaining social distancing measures within the stores.
READ MORE
VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Join IDS for our Virtual Educational Series! All webinars will be hosted on Zoom, and you must register using the links below.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH, 4:00 - 5:15 PM EST
Presenter: Nancy Ganzekaufer
Topic: What You Can do Now to Stay Focused and Keep Your Business Active
THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenter: Brad Clinard
Topic: Financial Design and Navigating Times of Uncertainty
In this webinar, Brad will provide an overview of how Financial Design can empower you as a successful interior designer. His passion is helping designers work towards viewing money as an abundant resource that can be approachable and even fun. However, with the challenges we are facing, he will also share some insight on navigating uncertainty and provide insight about potential impacts of the coronavirus including the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. He will be sharing a resource for IDS members to gain clarity on their investments and provide thoughts on how to survive an economic recession.
REGISTER HERE
TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenter: Debra Scarpa
Topic: 7 Digital Changes to Help Your Business Survive and Be Better Than Before
In this webinar, Home Designer Marketing will uncover 7 action items for you to move your business online and survive during this crisis. Including: online meeting software tips, messaging in social media posts, ideas for building up your content calendar, live videos, file storage and project sharing, and how to audit your online presence. We’ll also include a couple of workbooks to take with you to help get you started. Our hope for this webinar is for you to leave with at least 1 thing you can do immediately to help your business survive and be better than it was before.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenter: Michelle Lynne
Topic: Managing Your Players From a Distance
TUESDAY, APRIL 14TH, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenters: Jenna Gaidusek, Sarah Durnez and Kelly Fridline
Topic: eDesign 101
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15TH, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenter: Traci Connell
Topic: How To Get Back Up When Life Knocks You Down
THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH, 1:00 - 2:15 PM EST
Presenter: Yian Quach
Topic: Website Essentials to Survive an Economic Recession as an Interior Designer
In a down economy, there are fewer projects to go around. Are you doing enough to set yourself apart? In this webinar, Yian Quach will demonstrate several specific ways to elevate your website so you can attract more of your ideal clients. Since 2015, Yian has helped over 100 interior designers from those just starting out to award-winning designers published in Architectural Digest, Luxe, and more.
REGISTER HERE
IHFRA members, contact your elected leaders now
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Meet IHFRA's New Executive Committee President, John Pinion IV
At our recent Board of Directors meeting held earlier this month, Jonathan Schulman passed the baton of President of the Executive Committee to incoming President John Pinion IV. While most members are familiar with John, we thought this brief Q&A with him would acquaint him to new members and also cast light on his vision for his presidency as well as his outlook on the coronavirus and the impact it may have on our industry
- Q: I am sure most members are familiar with you, but for the sake of our new members, give us a snapshot of you, your background and your history in the business.
JP: I have grown up in the industry. My father has been in retail, manufacturing, and now works with me as a representative. I graduated from the University of Texas School of Law and have an MBA from Thunderbird, School of Global Management. However, my first love is the furniture business. I have been on the road since 1998 and currently represent Winners Only and Lloyd Flanders.
- Q: As President of the Executive Committee here at IHFRA, tell us what your role is, what your vision is for your year in office.
JP: My role is to be a voice for representatives and oversee in conjunction with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors that their organization IHFRA is run well. Last week, my vision was to get key membership, education, and industry partnership initiatives started. All with the grand goal of making things better for representatives. This week, we are having to adapt to a world with the coronavirus. The IHFRA Office has gone remote, we are working on bettering our communication options with the introduction of a text program, social media communication plan, reworking the website, and promoting an affordable digital education program. Also, a lot of time has been spent speaking with representatives and others in the industry about how the industry and their world is changing.
- Q: You stepped into the role as IHFRA’s President of the EC just as the coronavirus broke out. How is the virus impacting your business and the business of reps in general?
JP: A lot of territories are shut down. Many stores are closed, and manufacturers are not shipping. As more states and localities enact "shutdowns" this trend will continue in the upcoming week. Many representatives will lose significant revenue, just like our stores and manufacturers. We all share the pain.
- Q: What are you doing to minimize the impact of the virus and what advice do you have for fellow reps?
JP: This is a tough and uncertain time, and a lot of people in our community are hurting. I wish I had all the answers. My only answer is to work down a priority list.
1st - Focus on you and your loved ones. These shutdowns will not last forever. Every storm runs out of the rain. However, while we are in the storm. Quarantine and stay healthy. You will be of no use to family or the industry if you are ill or worse. If you do not have six months' worth of savings, start to prioritize your spending and work with lenders for forbearance, extensions, and even forgiveness. Be proactive in taking care of you.
2nd - Lose the order pad. Reach out to your accounts and manufacturers and ask how you can help. This crisis will be temporary. But people will forever remember how treated them during this episode in our shared history.
- Q: What can IHFRA do for our members during these challenging times?
JP: In my dreams last night, I wished that IHFRA had a big piggy bank to distribute money from. Unfortunately, that is not a reality. We will be ramping up IHFRA communications of representative best practices as they deal with challenges brought on by the coronavirus. Also, if there are any government programs that help the self-employed and small businesses - we will be bringing those to light. Also, we have a dedicated IHFRA office that is open to helping in any way that we can.
- Q: IHFRA recently offered members a robust education program. Can you give us an update on the program along with any updates?
JP: We have offered an education course Sales Velocity Academy with celebrity educator Victor Antonio. Normally the course is $29.99 a month, IHFRA members can get it for $9.99 a month. I have spent two hours a week on the course for the past two months. It is a phenomenal course that truly gets you thinking about your sales process and how best to improve. Victor Antonio offers a better course than most as he focuses on credibility, honesty, and relationships as opposed to quick transactions. We are currently working on a Day of Education where members can take a few courses on us to sample the program. It is a good distraction and a way to improve your skillset from home. Stay tuned for more details.
- Q: While none of us have a crystal ball, do you see the business model changing as a result of the coronavirus? If so, how?
JP: Representatives are the glue between manufacturers and retailers. When the shutdowns are over and business resumes. Many dealers will be behind on their invoices (understandably). And our business will likely be slowed, as Americans as a whole recover from lost income. It will be up to representatives to work with manufacturers and retailers to find a path so that both can do business again. It will take some creative thinking and flexibility. If we do our job well, more stores and manufacturers will survive this pandemic.
I also see business being more digitally prepared. I think representatives, manufacturers, and representatives will be more digitally prepared for events where markets and store visits cannot happen. That has already been a focus on week one of my IHFRA Presidency, making IHFRA more digitally prepared to communicate to our membership.
- Q: What is your outlook for the remainder of the year?
JP: The hope is in our resilience and sense of community. We are a resilient industry. Our industry has overcome so much. We are a big family. We hate to see our stores, manufacturers, and fellow representatives in a bad place. I believe in a few years from now, the new people in the industry will have no idea what we have been through and gone through to repair and restore our industry. We will create our success story. As that is what representatives do best - create results in the face of adversity.
- Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our members?
JP: I serve you. As does everyone on the IHFRA staff, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. Reach out to us at any time. We are here for you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President.
How UPS is Responding to COVID-19
Important Updates
How we’re responding to COVID-19
From the outset, UPS has maintained delivery services except where limited by government restrictions. We have also worked in partnership with governments around the world to obtain exceptions that allow our shipments to continue in restricted areas. Further, we have actively supported customers and partners by providing in-kind transport of more than 4 million masks and other medical supplies to mainland China to address the outbreak.
For the complete article, click here.
Spring Market Postponed Until June
Spring 2020 High Point Market Postponed
Updated: 03/12/2020 6pm ET
HIGH POINT, N.C., March 12, 2020 — The High Point Market Authority has been closely monitoring the ongoing and rapidly-evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, staying in constant contact with local and state public health officials and elected officials. Heeding the public guidance offered by NC Governor Roy Cooper, and in the interest of the health and safety of our stakeholders, industry members, and local citizens, the High Point Market Authority has decided to postpone this year’s Spring Market, scheduled for April 25-29, until a later date in early June, should conditions improve.
“The decision was difficult, as any change in date could have tremendous economic repercussions on our industry and community, as well as the countless small businesses whose livelihoods rely on High Point Market, but underscores our shared concern and well-being of the citizens in our community and our industry partners,” commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the High Point Market Authority’s board of directors and president of Otto & Moore.
High Point Market has been a staple of the North Carolina economy since 1909. Throughout its long-standing history, cancellation has only occurred once when the 1942 markets were cancelled due to World War II.
“Our board of directors will continue to monitor the situation, and we will remain in communication with the proper medical and elected officials,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Our aim is to have a decision in early May as to if Market can occur, given the uncertainties of this rapidly evolving situation.”
For the time being, online registration will be postponed, with the plan to reopen once the new plan has been put in place.
https://www.highpointmarket.org/