Industry bids farewell to High Point Market Authority's Brian Casey

Ray Allegrezza -- Casual Living, 4/20/2011 10:53:38 AM

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Scores of industry members met at the String & Splinter Club here last night for a farewell reception for Brian Casey, who is stepping down April 30 from his job as president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority.

High Point Mayor Becky Smothers, left, and Kevin O’Conner, right, of Samson Marketing were among those bidding farewell to outgoing High Point Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey.High Point Mayor Becky Smothers presented Casey with a key to the city and told him, "We will miss you. You've been good for us."

Teasing Casey, Smothers said, "But we will miss your lovely wife, Michelle, even more," handing her an embroidered High Point blanket. "This is to keep you warm during those cold nights in Cleveland," Smothers told Michelle.

Casey, who has held the Market Authority post since 2006, is leaving to become the general manager of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center, a 465,000-square-foot facility under construction in downtown Cleveland. His responsibilities will include attracting trade show business to the site and recruiting clients to the medical mart, which is owned by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. and is scheduled for completion in fall 2013.

Kevin O'Conner, chairman of the Market Authority, who also heads furniture importer Samson Marketing, also spoke at the Tuesday gathering.

"I would like to thank Brian Casey for the work he has done over the last five years," O'Connor said. "When any of us look back at the work we do, the yardstick for success is always whether or not we made a difference. Brian has clearly made a difference because our market is very different and better than it was five years ago. He has been a tireless advocate for furthering the brand of the High Point Market and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors."

Casey described his tenure at the Market Authority as "one of the best and most significant experiences in my overall professional career. I can only attribute that to the great staff and board, a supportive community, and industry leaders who will continue to keep this market strong."