(LAS VEGAS) April 12, 2005 – Officials with World Market CenterSM announced today that they have employed Tim Branscome, a seasoned industry veteran, to lead their international team as Director of International Business Development.
In his new position, Branscome will develop strategic partnerships with major European trade fairs, international trade associations and foreign governments. Branscome will also play an integral role in World Market Center’s pursuit of international companies who do not currently have U.S. showrooms as well as the overall goal of becoming a truly global market center that connects buyers and sellers from around the world.
Branscome will be based in London and will manage World Market Center’s international business development from the company’s London office, utilizing his extensive contacts throughout Europe and Asia.
“We are fortunate to have Tim Branscome join the World Market CenterSM team. He is extremely well versed in the international home furnishings industry and will be a valuable resource as we build our global partnerships,” said Dave Palmer, General Manager for World Market CenterSM. “We are very committed to our goal of becoming a true international marketplace, and Tim is a proven leader in building the type of programs that support our overall vision.”
Branscome has a unique background spanning 20 years including leadership roles with the home furnishings sector in international trade, marketing and logistics with a specialization in new market entry. Before joining Las Vegas MarketSM, Branscome served as the International Trade Director for the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce, based in Europe, where he was responsible for organizing trade events for the home furnishings industry and developing export marketing strategies for USA furnishings suppliers. He has organized trade events in 22 countries across Europe, Asia and Middle East. He also worked as the Director of International Development for United Business Media Plc., a London based business-to-business trade fair and publishing company. Additionally, Branscome has served in important international development roles with Hafele Gmbh, Ashley Furniture Inc, John Kelly Furniture Designs Inc. and The British Furniture Manufacturers Association.
Branscome, a native of North Carolina, has spent the last 12 years living in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom and is fluent in German and English. He is an Economics Graduate from Guilford College and has completed international studies at the University of Vienna Austria and the Goethe Institute in Germany.
“I’m very excited to have joined this unique and visionary organization,” said Branscome. “World Market Center’s management has reached the decision to be a true global market early in the process. WMC intends to create an international home furnishings market in the U.S. presenting the most diversified selection of product available to buyers at a single venue. It is refreshing to work with a market as focused on the buying experience as they are on leasing exhibition space. My background and capabilities are uniquely suited to engage key players in the international community to participate in Las Vegas Market, which will enhance the offering of WMC and create a following of more buyers from around the world. “
Las Vegas MarketSM is the country’s largest new home furnishings venue and will hold its first Market in Las Vegas from July 25-29, 2005. The debut event will encompass nearly 2.5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space.
Branscome’s announcement comes just days after news that World Market CenterSM has plans for an expanded campus comprising 12 million square feet of permanent and temporary showrooms, dedicated to all segments of the home furnishings industry. The original plan consisted of 7.5 million square feet of showrooms. The new, multi-phase development plan calls for the buildings to be constructed in eight phases on a sprawling 57-acre campus in the heart of Las Vegas, with a completion date of 2015.
Phase One of the campus is nearing completion, which will open to tenants in May followed by the first Las Vegas Market SM to be held July 25-29, 2005.
Buyers can register for July Market by calling 888-WMC-SHOW (888-962-7469) or visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.
###
International