Being reappointed as the Board Member in charge of the Wood Flooring Group of EdilegnoArredo within FederlegnoArredo is a source of great pride for me. More importantly, it is a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm and a clear awareness of the work that lies ahead. As in my previous term, I renew my commitment to dedicate all my energy to the Group, with even greater determination, if possible, to achieve new goals for the benefit of the entire sector.
Alongside this reappointment, I am also pleased to share some personal news: I have been appointed Vice President of EdilegnoArredo. I take on this role with a strong sense of responsibility and see it as an important opportunity to support all member companies within our Association. I am convinced that this dual role will allow me to further strengthen the dialogue between businesses, institutions, and trade associations, while promoting even more effectively the values of quality, innovation, and sustainability that have always distinguished our industry.
I firmly believe that EdilegnoArredo should continue to strengthen its role and gain even greater recognition, both among its members and throughout the industry. Within FederlegnoArredo, the Association represents a unique wealth of expertise, relationships, and representative capacity, often working behind the scenes to achieve tangible results in support of member companies. For this reason, it is essential to continue enhancing its work and improving communication so that members become increasingly aware of the activities carried out, the services available to them, and the opportunities offered. An Association—and a Federation—that is increasingly authoritative, inclusive, and close to the needs of businesses will be a decisive factor in meeting future challenges and strengthening the credibility and competitiveness of the entire wood and furniture supply chain.
First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank all the members who have once again placed their trust in me, as well as the FederlegnoArredo Secretariat. My special thanks go to President Andrea Bazzichetto, who strongly supported my reappointment. I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to him on his confirmation as President of the Association for the next four-year term. I am confident that we will continue working together with determination for the benefit of the entire sector.
The past six years—two of which extended beyond the normal term of office due to the Covid-19 emergency—have been particularly intense. We have faced unprecedented challenges, from the pandemic to difficult economic and market conditions, further complicated by geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and sanctions, while never ceasing to work towards providing concrete support to companies in our industry.
Among the achievements I am most proud of is undoubtedly the publication of the Technical Manual for Wood Flooring, a project that required more than two years of work and the contribution of numerous industry professionals. Today, it stands as a unique reference across Europe and an essential technical resource for the entire supply chain.
Over these years, we have also achieved important results thanks to our constant presence and the significant personal time invested in institutional and political working groups to defend the interests of companies in our sector. One example is the postponement of the implementation of the EUDR Regulation, a concrete achievement made possible through our collective commitment and the representation work carried out by FederlegnoArredo.
However, our work does not stop here. We already have many initiatives planned for the coming months, all aimed at providing increasingly practical and valuable services to our member companies. Among the first projects to be launched will be the Register of Consultants, a new resource designed to connect businesses with qualified professionals and trusted experts capable of supporting them on the technical and regulatory issues affecting our industry.
I would also like to thank all the members who have believed in the value of the Wood Flooring Group and extend a warm welcome to the companies that have recently joined us. I sincerely hope that many others will recognize how important it is to become part of our Association. Today more than ever, working together means being stronger, tackling market challenges collectively, and protecting a sector that embodies outstanding expertise, quality, and tradition.
Wood flooring is our core business. It is the product that represents our work, our culture, and our passion. That is why we must continue to promote, protect, and enhance it with determination, while addressing the challenges and competitive pressures facing our sector.
Another priority that I consider fundamental is generational renewal. Our industry needs young entrepreneurs and professionals who can bring fresh ideas, modern skills, and a forward-looking vision capable of interpreting the evolving market. We must create the conditions that allow the next generation to play a leading role in the future growth of our sector.
With this objective in mind, starting in September we will launch a new series of regular meetings dedicated exclusively to wood flooring. Now that the Technical Manual for Wood Flooring has been completed and published, we will be able to devote even greater energy to technical, regulatory, and strategic discussions, creating regular opportunities to exchange knowledge, address critical issues, and develop new opportunities for our companies together.
The work accomplished so far provides us with a strong foundation, but there is still much to be done. Achieving the objectives ahead will require not only the experience and passion of those who already contribute to the activities of the Group, but also the time and commitment needed to turn our many planned initiatives into concrete results.
I will continue to dedicate my experience, my passion, my time, and my commitment to defending an industry that I deeply care about and in which I have worked for many years.
Only by remaining united, involving an ever-growing number of companies, and encouraging greater active participation from our members will we be able to successfully face the challenges ahead and ensure that wood flooring receives the recognition it deserves in both the Italian and international markets. I am convinced that a cohesive, proactive, and increasingly engaged Group will represent the interests of the entire supply chain with even greater strength, transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities for growth.
Renza Altoè Garbelotto
Vice President, EdilegnoArredo
Board Member in Charge, Wood Flooring Group
