NAI Piedmont Triad Sees Opportunity in Tough Economic Times

In a down economy, many companies feel that they just can't invest in marketing. In fact, this is exactly the time to do so!

I have been working with NAI Piedmont Triad, the Triad's largest independent commercial real estate firm, for two years now. We helped them last year launch their new name and organization. They are doing exactly what I wish all companies would do at this time and that is find creative and effective ways to stay in front of their clients. They have been very receptive to our advice and I am confident that when the economy turns around, they will reap the benefits of the investment they are making now in marketing themselves. Read more about them at http://www.naipt.com/.

Fighting to Find a Cure at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center

For the last three years, I've been honored to chair the Citizen's Advisory Council (CAC) at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center (DCCC). This is the oldest volunteer Board at the Cancer Center, and my father chaired it in the late 1980's. My brother died of leukemia in 1983 at the age of twenty-five, and fighting back against this dreadful disease has really become my family's mission. So I'm especially honored to be involved with this organization. Our commitment to the DCCC is why The Harris Partners makes a contribution each year in honor of each of our clients and partners.

Our fall meeting was today, and I always come back from these meetings with such hope that we will be able to turn cancer into a chronic disease one day. Already, such progress has been made and those at Duke who lead this fight are truly heroes.

Today, my great friend, Josh Sommer, spoke to our group. Josh was diagnosed in 2006 with chordoma, a rare from of bone cancer. He was a freshman at Duke at the time. Following successful surgery, he and his mother founded The Chordoma Foundation. In just two years, their accomplishments have been nothing short of amazing. You can read more about Josh and his great work at http://www.chordomafoundation.org/.

International Casual Furnishings Association is Launched!

I just got back from a week in Chicago where I attended the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Mart in the Merchandise Mart. This is the world's largest trade show where manufacturers and retailers see what's new in the outdoor furniture industry.

I've been working with the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), which is the trade association whose goal is to create a community of professionals dedicated to supporting and enhancing members’ ability to succeed in today’s global market. The ICFA is a new organization, formed in January 2008, which encompasses both manufacturers and retailers in the outdoor industry. Its predecessor, the Summer and Casual Furnishings Manufacturers Association (SCFMA) only represented manufacturers.

So for the first time, the ICFA established a strong presence at this market and initiated a new membership drive, encouraging those in the industry to join this new inclusive group. Despite the difficult economic situation, the market was successful, and the ICFA is well on its way toward growing and promoting the use of outdoor furnishings worldwide.

Check out the trade show booth we designed in the Image Gallery.