The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and West Michigan economic developers recently held their first-ever furniture industry symposium, and supply chain disruptions led the list of concerns.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
Courtesy Trendway
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association launched the BIFMA Compliant product registry to provide clarity in the market about products that meet established industry standards.
The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit trade association BIFMA said Monday that it launched BIFMA Compliant, an industrywide registry of furniture products conforming to BIFMA safety and durability standards.
BIFMA, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developer, worked with members and stakeholders for almost three years to develop and implement this program, which is open to all furniture manufacturers who elect to participate.
Access to view products in the registry is available at BIFMA’s website free of charge.
Grand Rapids Business Journal
Courtesy BIFMA
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association appointed an industry veteran as its new technical director of health and sustainability.
The nonprofit trade association based in Grand Rapids said last week that it selected Steve Kooy, a Grand Rapids resident and furniture industry professional, for the position.
He succeeds Brad Miller, who is retiring after a 26-year tenure as director of sustainability and government affairs. Miller played a major role in developing the e3 sustainability standard and LEVEL certification program, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) said.
In his new role, Kooy will lead BIFMA’s sustainability and environmental health efforts, working with its membership and industry partners to connect and advance the industry’s common interests of long-term sustainability and growth.