Genrich succeeds Parnell at CFMA helm
By Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, January 27, 2003
Anaheim, Calif. — After four years as president of the California Furniture Manufacturers Assn., Larry Parnell of Oakwood Interiors has passed the baton to industry veteran and CFMA Vice President Mike Genrich, most recently with Blackhawk Furniture, who will lead the trade group for the next two years.
Parnell, who served a pair of two-year terms, focused on enhancing the organization's visibility and presence in the industry.
"The CFMA has done a good job of boosting its visibility through our constant participation in and sponsorship of industry events, such as the WHFA (Western Home Furnishings Assn.) Managerial Conference, the San Francisco Mart's Tenant Luncheons and the City of Hope, to name just a few," Parnell said.
He credited CFMA's board as well as individual members for much of the success.
"Our flammability committee, headed by Burt Grimes of Pacific West Furniture, coordinated a massive industry effort to protect the interests of our upholstery manufacturers," Parnell said, "and our board authorized a labor compensation survey to give the industry more information about labor practices.
"While we made great strides in the past four years, there is much work to be done, and I am eager to see what Mike Genrich and our board will continue to achieve during the next two years," he said.
Other newly installed CFMA officers include Vice President Scott Haigh of Fairhcild of California, Secretary Merv Rabin of Moss Studio; and Treasurer Tom Bass of Sandberg Furniture.
Although Genrich currently is not working for a California-based furniture maker, CFMA guidelines state that during a period of job transition, board members may continue to serve until a new job determines the course of action for either the association or the board member.
Genrich said he is eager to move forward but admits that Parnell is leaving big shoes to fill. "And that says something, considering I wear size 15 shoes," Genrich quipped.
He credits Parnell for spearheading CFMA's efforts to conduct the wage survey and to host educational seminars.
"To his credit as a case goods manufacturer, Larry fully supported the CFMA's position on flammability, and also was very adamant in his efforts to put an end to trivial lawsuits against furniture manufacturers and retailers," he said.
Genrich said he will continue to focus on CFMA's mission — "to educate, promote and protect the interests of furniture manufacturers in the state of California."
He noted the board has committed funds to retain an advocate in Sacramento this year.
"The goal is to effect some change in the huge increase in workers' comp rates and benefits," he said. "Considering that premiums have increased 50% to 100% since 1999, and that we believe there is very little competition between carriers, this is a major issue."
CFMA also has formed new committees to monitor legal, environmental, flammability, membership and insurance issues.
Genrich said he intends to follow Parnell's lead in fostering enhanced communication and cooperation with other industry organizations.
During the just-concluded San Francisco market, CFMA initiated a meeting with representatives of the WHFA, the National Home Furnishings Assn., the Home Furnishings Representatives Guild of Southern California, the Home Furnishings Assn. of Northern California, the International Wholesale Furniture Assn. and the Home Furnishings International Assn.
Hosted by the San Francisco Mart, the meeting covered issues of common interest such as flammability legislation and workmen's compensation. "It was time well spent, and we plan to hold additional association forums in the future," Genrich said
"We have our work cut out for us," he said, "but we have a great board, hard-working members and a clear focus. With all of us working together, the plan is to make the CFMA a stronger organization that can do even more for its members."
