High Point, North Carolina, October 11, 2006 - Brian D. Casey, president of the High Point Market Authority had good news for guests attending the welcome reception in his honor this evening.

In a forum reminiscent of a town meeting, Casey outlined his vision for the High Point Market and spoke about the numerous improvements that will be in evidence to Market-goers in the coming week.

The event was sponsored by Friends of the Furniture Industry, a group comprised of local businesspeople who wished to welcome Casey to the community, demonstrate their support of the Market, and open a dialog between the Authority and the citizens of High Point. 

Among the most stunning revelations, was the announcement of room rate reductions secured by the Market Authority for Spring Market 2007. In August of this year, Casey created a Hotel Task Force to provide strategic advice, feedback, overview and recommendations from the hospitality industry to the Market Authority.

The Hotel Task Force, chaired by Pamela Vargas with Marriott Hotels, is comprised of hoteliers from the Triad area, along with representatives of the Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau and High Point Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

As a result of the Task Force’s meetings, the Market Authority has been able to secure sub-blocks of rooms at discounted rates available until January 31st, 2007.

“The Market Authority used the Task Force to validate the concept of this program,” Casey related. “The Market Authority then proceeded to contact hotels on an individual basis to solicit the most favorable rates. Indeed, we will be able to offer Market-goers room rates as low as $59.”

Beginning November 6, Market-goers will be able to book these rooms through the Market Authority’s website, www.highpointmarket.org. Noted Casey, “With rate reductions of 22 percent on average, and some as high as 41 percent, some restrictions and minimum stays will apply. However, we expect these rooms to book very quickly and will be urging Market attendees to market their plans now to join us for Spring Market, March 26th through April 1st, 2007.”

Casey also reported, “This is just the first phase of our program, and we’ll be adding new hotels to the mix as we move forward. Obviously, we will be promoting these hotels above others who choose not to work with the Market. I applaud all the members of the Task Force for helping to improve our overall housing situation and ultimately, the guest experience here at Market. As we move ahead, we expect to formulate additional programs through the Task Force, such as best practices, improved service levels and other innovative ideas.”