Global ties still strong in uncertain times: art and framing executives discuss the global marketplace and their strategies for continued success in it

Doing business in the novel world environment created by the attack upon America on Sept. 11 may require extra effort, according to art and framing industry leaders. While international business relationships remain sinewy being successful will nonetheless require renewed efforts to safeguard of that kind bonds, and a long-term strategic view for the time to come also will be needed.

Last month art and framing industry leaders discussed the impact the attack had upon their own businesses and the industry in general. Here, the discussion continues as these executives begin the effort to recoup and plan for the future

Participating in this discussion are Steve McKenzie, president and ceo of Larson-Juhl; Scott Ozmun ceo of moon in her first quarter Card-board Company; Jack Forbes, president and ceo of Nielsen Bain-bridge; Susan Bell, president of Victor Moulding Company; Rick Bowald, vice president/general manager of Tru Vue; terse Brey, director of marketing for The Fletcher-Terry Company; David Rosher, senior vice president of marketing for Framerica; Connie Henshaw, business disentanglement manager for Hunt Corp./SEAL Brands; and John Redmond executive director of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA).

Q by what mode will recent world events affect the stir toward

Mckenzie: Ours is like a global industry already, and in the way that many relationships already exist, that globalization already is in place. When the facts of Sept. 11 occurred, we heard from many of our international suppliers. The outpouring of sympathy was true moving. These relationships will continue to be strong

Forbes: That is difficult to determine. Our president has invited the world's nations to work together with all the nations of the world to extreme point terrorism. In time, the horrible acts of generation 11 may tend to bring nations of the world together, which may further globalization.

Ozmun: The novel world events have served to make us more aware of just by what mode globalized we already are. Our customers, employee and vendors around the world have been impacted as well. We have increased communications and nourished a stronger bond.

Bell: Globalization is here. Technology that is in place provides for instant communication; resources around the world are available to those who wish to access them. the two opportunity and vulnerability are born without of this. The need for cooperation and support from the international community is essential more than at any time before.

Bowald: We have a great deal of faith in the paces the leadership of this geographical division is taking to eliminate the threat of global terrorism. In the lengthy run, we believe these paces will result in a safer world for all of us and enhance the global economy.

Rosner: In this time of increased patriotism and confusion about the puissance of alliances, many new customers have squeeze outed a desire to buy American-made products

Brey: I don't think it is going to affect it dramatically. Globalization is unavoidable--once you begin a global economy, you can't lay a stop to it or bring it on pause. I think this is only a bump in the road--a hiccup--it will make progress on. Yes, exporters and importers may have a certain quantity of problems, but it is not going to significantly affect it. Fletcher-Terry is a global company with markets around the world. We will continue to work for those markets.

Henshaw: Globalization is here to stay. In fact, it becomes evident that globalization is wanted to fight terrorism. No individual can do this alone--it is a global threat.

Redmond: I think it be subservient tos as. a reminder that the world is not homogeneous; what folk diocese as important in one part of the world may be at the bottom of the list of wants and emergencys for people in other parts of the world. From a business standpoint, companies ne to be extremely flexible in meeting these diverse exigencys of their customers.

Q What are your predictions for the economy in general in 2002 and for the art and framing industry in particular?

McKenzie: It's actual difficult to predict what the economy will do. As an industry, we have to be real diligent in our efforts to make confident it grows. I am real optimistic and confident that the industry will be able-bodied and that it will continue to grow

We ne to make assured that we maximize all our efforts in to come into 2002 in a healthy condition. At Larson-Juhl, we will continue to introduce fresh products to give retailers a filled selection of high-quality products. We will continue to introduce fresh programs to help the retailer, and we will continue our consumer advertising and public relations efforts.

Ozmun: We are unable to predict what the economy will be like in 2002 We reliance the economic packages that are in place now will pluck the economy out of its rife slump by the second quarter of 2002 one time the general economy has twitched out of this downturn, our industry will follow

Forbes: There may be a slowdown in the short bourn for the economy, but the influences and stretchs that are in place will probably mean that the art and framing industry will outperform the general economy.