Oral History Interview with Richard Barentine, January 28, 1999. Interview I-0068. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Richard Barentine arrived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, certain that the modest city in the middle of the state held a great deal of potential. In this interview, he describes his effort to nurture that potential, first as a member of the city's Chamber of Commerce, and eventually as CEO of the International Home Furnishing Marketing Association. Barentine took the lead in transforming the Southern Furniture Exposition into the International Home Furnishings Market, a wholesale furniture event of international importance. For most of this interview, Barentine recalls his efforts to shape and expand "the Market," detailing his strategy as it unfolded over a period of years. He also describes his focused leadership style, which emphasizes communication, and reflects on the history of Winston-Salem and North Carolina's furniture trade, which is expanding its global reach. This interview will be useful to researchers interested in Winston-Salem's furniture industry and in business leadership.
Excerpts
Family instills values
Building a career in Winston-Salem
Party politics in North Carolina business
History of furniture industry in North Carolina
Challenges of the late 1970s
Partnerships help Market grow
Consolidation of the International Home Furnishings Market
Consolidation of the International Home Furnishings Market
Four components of the International Home Furnishing Marketing Association's mandate
Coordination of business is essential
Strategies to connect with buyers build loyalty
Relatively modest budget for the International Home Furnishings Marketing Association
Globalizing North Carolina's furniture market
Eroding regional identity, but still some left
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Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
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Subjects
International Home Furnishings Marketing Association
Furniture industry and trade--Societies
Furniture industry and trade--North Carolina--History--20th century
Industries--North Carolina--History--20th century
Trade associations--North Carolina--History--20th century
High Point (N.C.)
Barentine, Richard
Business--History--20th century
Businesspeople--United States--History--20th century
Businesspeople--North Carolina--History--20th century
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