GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 2009-21

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1538

A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the memory of the founders of the high point furniture market on the occasion of its one hundreDth anniversary.

Whereas, on March 1, 1909, the first Southern Furniture Market opened in High Point to showcase the products of High Point and North Carolina furniture manufacturers; and

Whereas, due to the quantity, quality, and design of North Carolina furniture manufacturers, it was recognized that there was a need for a southern furniture market to compete with existing markets in Chicago, New York, and other cities; and

Whereas, this first High Point Furniture Market was the culmination of efforts by regional furniture producers and High Point civic leaders, including J.J. Farris, Charles F. Long, and D. Ralph Parker; and

Whereas, the High Point Market has survived the Great Depression, two World Wars, and flourishes today as the premiere international furniture market, and the largest permanent trade show of its kind in the world; and

Whereas, the High Point Market is a unique North Carolina institution, with 180 buildings housing permanent showrooms comprising more than 12,000,000 square feet, with approximately 13,000 jobs related to the Market; and

Whereas, the High Point Market attracts more than 170,000 attendees annually, including many thousands of international visitors, with an economic impact of $1.2 billion to the State; and

Whereas, the High Point Market is the center of the furniture industry cluster in the State, comprised of manufacturers, retailers, showroom owners, furniture designers, interior designers, photographers, and industry publications, with a combined economic impact of $8.94 billion; and

Whereas, the High Point Market should be recognized for 100 years of providing a world showcase for home furnishings and the State of North Carolina itself, and for continuing to be the most significant economic impact event in the State; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of the founders of the High Point Market, including J.J. Farris, Charles F. Long, and D. Ralph Parker, as well as the many men and women who have contributed to the growth and strength of this Market over its 100-year history.

SECTION 2.  The General Assembly commends the High Point Market on its 100^th Anniversary, expresses its commitment to maintain and enhance the High Point Market's worldwide premiere status in the furniture industry, and acknowledges the contributions of the High Point Market over its long history.

SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the High Point Market Authority.

SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 17^th day of June, 2009.

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                                                                         Walter H. Dalton

                                                                         President of the Senate

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                                                                         Joe Hackney

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives