Often when we talk about our government relations action team (GRAT) and our advocacy efforts, it is always about works in progress. We focus on those issues that are at hand, and that need a resolution of some sort. Finally, we have the chance to discuss something we worked on
Robert Kennedy proclaimed in a speech many years ago, “There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times.’ ” As current events continue to unfold, it would seem as though we are living in increasingly interesting times. Recent announcements by many auto manufacturers that production lines
Build Back Better Congressional Democrats and the White House spent the last several months of 2021 working to enact President Biden’s signature legislative priority, the Build Back Better Act. This proposed legislative piece is key to advancing the Administration’s economic recovery agenda. The House passed its version before Thanksgiving in
When I look at 2021 through the lens of advocacy, I must tell you that it was a game-changer for our industry and the home furnishings association. That’s something I say on many different levels. First, the sheer volume of issues we weighed in on, the positions we presented, and
The supply chain crisis is nothing new for furniture retailers – it’s been an unfortunate reality for our industry over the last several years, with many inefficiencies exacerbated by the effects of COVID-19. In several instances this year, President Biden has focused on the supply chain, either by Executive Order
I’ve noticed an interesting shift in meetings we’ve had with key staff in Cabinet departments like Commerce and Transportation or with members of Congress. Before I get to that shift, you need to know that we have increased the frequency of the meetings with influencers intentionally. We have got to
Throughout the supply chain crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, HFA’s Government Relations Action Team has been working diligently with our lobbyist in Washington to put forward all the concerns affecting every furniture retailer’s livelihood. The broken supply chain, with its systemic cost increases, is slowing the recovery of our
The HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) recently hosted Federal Maritime Commissioner Rebecca Dye during its regular meeting. Commissioner Dye is currently serving her fourth term and has been a Commissioner since 2002. She is leading the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) effort, Fact-Finding 29, as they examine the supply chain
More Sales = More Returns Do you have a solid returns process? As retailers gear up for peak sales seasons, it’s important not to lose sight of what happens next. Unfortunately, some of the merchandise you sell is going to come back! And increased sales mean increased returns. With more
In the past few years, the terms Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma have been tossed around as companies look for proven methodologies in improving operations and reducing expense. Both approaches have been widely adopted in many industries with impressive results. There are two challenges for a small business owner: first,
5 tips to help you increase your website traffic from Charlotte Shragge, Alliance Partner Manager with Podium. Quick things you
When I started at HFA, the first picture I saw of David Gunn he was wearing a western shirt and
This past summer, Synchrony piloted a new Summer Application Incentive for the month of August. The goal was for HFA
It’s not easy having difficult conversations at work. Tracy Jackson, HFA HR Strategist will help prepare you for these conversations.
Katie Zeitlin, Director of Channel Partnerships with Riskified, offers tips to make sure that you and your customers’ have a smooth
Learn how to protect your business from cyber threats! Cybersecurity is a hot topic in the news lately, and for good reason. Hackers are going
Unsure if your recruitment process is up-to-date? You’re not alone. A lot has changed in the job market over the last few years, and many
