Furniture Industry Expert Steps Up as ICFA Board Chair

The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) has named Henry J.W. Vanderminden IV as its new board chair.

Vanderminden, whose family has spent more than 100 years manufacturing casual furnishings, currently serves as president of outdoor furniture specialist Telescope Casual Furniture.

Vanderminden attended his first association meeting in 1987, at Casual Market in Chicago. He was fresh out of college and travelling with his father, who served on the board of the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association, a precursor to ICFA, for several decades. Vanderminden immediately saw the benefits of networking with competitors for the industry’s greater good. He eventually expanded his involvement by becoming chair of the board for a two-year term around the turn of the 21st century.

“I learned so much during that first time and am pleased to take this leadership role again, 25 years later,” says Vanderminden. “Now that our membership includes retailers, sales reps, designers, manufacturers and suppliers to the industry, we must consistently develop benefits that add value and generate revenue for all our members. The relocation of Casual Market from Chicago to Atlanta is a perfect example of a powerful business-building strategy the association can provide.”

ICFA’s negotiating power resulted in securing an exhibit venue in Atlanta, featuring modern aesthetic design and almost 30 per cent more space conveniently organized across six floors of the renovated AmericasMart building.

The inaugural Casual Market Atlanta was held in summer 2023.

“Recognizing the value we could offer in Atlanta, most manufacturers chose to lease larger spaces, enjoying the opportunity to showcase more products in a place with a contemporary, professional ambiance,” he says.

For buyers, the prospect of visiting more permanent and temporary exhibitors has increased the attraction of the July and September markets. A travel incentive program featuring subsidies co-developed by ICFA and Andmore, owner of the Casual Market Atlanta venue, increases the appeal.

“Retailers can apply for funding for two hotel rooms for two staff members for two nights, with a third night added if they are an ICFA member. That’s the equivalent of up to $1,500,” says Vanderminden. “If a retailer chooses to join ICFA, they pay the $300 membership fee and immediately receive the full incentive.”

Cost-cutting incentives for manufacturers include discounts for early registration and participation in both markets. Temporary exhibitors committing to both markets receive free product storage between July and September, along with a 50 per cent discount for the second show if they exhibit at the two events.

“Telescope was once a temporary exhibitor at the market,” says Vanderminden. “It is a smart, strategic first step for companies just starting or expanding their product lines.”

The recent hiring of two ICFA staff members, Candy Chase and Jill Schiff, to recruit and manage retail members is another important growth tactic Vanderminden sees bearing fruit during his tenure.

“They will build our membership through a focused personal approach and become valuable resources to all our retail members,” he adds.

Vanderminden says he’s looking forward to building on the many successful decisions of previous ICFA boards and the hard work and dedication of executive director Jackie Hirschhaut and her staff.

“Our strategies for growth will build our membership and expand our influence on the global casual furnishing market.”