Palmer, who has been integral to World Market Center’s development and rapid leasing success since it first burst on the home furnishings industry scene in 2001, is going into retirement with a great sense of accomplishment and admiration from the industry.

The Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market is happening January 28 to February 1, 2008 at World Market Center's Buildings A, B and Pavilions with temporary exhibitors at the MGM Grand Hotel starting January 29.

World Market Center announced today that Dave Palmer, general manager of World Market Center, will retire following the January 2008 Las Vegas Market. Palmer will continue to serve as a consultant to World Market Center.

At the upcoming Winter Market, World Market Center principals will recognize Palmer with the Vision Award, an annual honor bestowed by World Market Center that recognizes those who manifest a new vision and collaborate in raising the bar for the industry. The first-ever recipient of the honor was Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman in January 2007, who was praised for his vision for downtown Las Vegas and enthusiastic support of World Market Center.

Palmer, who has been integral to World Market Center’s development and rapid leasing success since it first burst on the home furnishings industry scene in 2001, is going into retirement with a great sense of accomplishment and admiration from the industry, World Market Center’s principals, peers and colleagues.

“Dave was the first industry veteran we tapped over six years ago when we originally conceived of this project and needed experienced industry leadership. From the start, we were confident in his ability to contribute greatly to building what has become the most exciting home furnishings market in the world,” said Shawn Samson, co-founder and managing partner of World Market Center.

Jack Kashani, co-founder and managing partner continued, “Dave has been an integral part of the growth and success of World Market Center and we look forward to presenting him with the Vision Award for all of his accomplishments, representing not only his role with World Market Center but for his contributions to the industry. As the first member of the great team at World Market Center, we are grateful for his role in inspiring the industry to be a part of this market. We are also excited that Dave will continue as a consultant to WMC through the coming years as we fulfill our total vision of building the world’s largest trade complex dedicated to home furnishings.”

Palmer, a 40-year veteran of the home furnishings industry, comments on his retirement as general manager of World Market Center, “I am privileged to be a part of such a dynamic project that I know will continue to be an important force for the home furnishings industry. The developers have demonstrated a remarkable vision and have amassed an incredible team of professionals that will continue to ensure World Market Center’s success in the future.”

Palmer added, “Of my four decades in the home furnishings industry, I couldn’t be more pleased to have my career culminate with such an exceptional project. Retiring will allow me to focus on other passions and most importantly on enjoying more time with my family. I also look forward to continuing to provide my best counsel to World Market Center as they create this magnificent international showcase for the industry.”

Before joining World Market Center, Palmer spent four years as Executive Vice President of R.C. Wiley Home Furnishings, one of the nation’s largest furniture retailers. Palmer’s impressive background in the wholesale arena also includes five years as President of the San Francisco Mart.