FRA Members and many other retailers and importers gathered in High Point, North Carolina on October 14 during the International Furniture Market for an update briefing on the China Wooden Bedroom Case. FRA Counsel and other members urged those who have not contributed to FRA to join in the fight against the duties, and urged current members to contact their Congressional Representatives to convey the damage that the duties will have on their businesses.

William Silverman, FRA Counsel, Lawyer, Hunton & Williams.

Clarence H. Ridley, Chairman of Haverty Furniture Cos. served as moderator during the FRA breifing.

Budd Bugatch, Managing Director for Equity Research said the ramifications of the duties are significant.  He also told the briefing attendees one Chinese company – Tech Lane – failed its audit which may mean a higher tariff rate for most wood bedroom furniture imports from China.

Kenneth Larson, Vice President of Slumberland discussed why the Minnesota-based company joined FRA and said that he believes the duties will have a negative impact on their business and on the industry.

Jeffrey Seaman, President of Rooms To Go stressed the importance of FRA member companies making their views known in Washington. "We have to fight for our customers," he said.

From Left: Keith Koenig, President, City Furniture; Kenneth Larson, Vice President of Slumberland; William Silverman, FRA Counsel; and Clarence H. Ridley, Chairman of Haverty Furniture Cos listen to Jeffrey Seaman, President of Rooms to Go speak to the crowd of over 200 people.

Keith Koenig, President of City Furniture.

Leslie Thompson of Up Country Home and Garden, a small importer who was greatly impacted by the 198% preliminary duties imposed in June 2004.

Doug Franklin, Vice President of Sales at Vineyard Furniture, Int. LLC spoke on their uncertainty over the duties as an importer and distributor from China.

Michael J. Veitenheimer, Vice President and General Counsel, The Bombay Company spoke on current membership initiates and said that "Now" is the time for FRA members to contact their local Congressional Representatives.