We’re looking for a few good people.

Our committees include the Education Committee, chaired by Chris Hofmann of Colonial Saw. The Education Committee helps refine eligibility criteria and reviews all applications for Educational Foundation scholarships. They are beginning to work on open house programs around the country to help high school students understand the job opportunities that exist within the industry. The Committee also partners with the Wood Technology Industry Institute (WTII) to oversee the Wood Industry Boot Camp and the training for service technicians.

Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for June 2019.  These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main 

For a number of years, the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association’s (WMIA) Educational Foundation has awarded scholarships to those who want to study, and eventually pursue a career in, wood technology, machinery, and related fields. To date, the Foundation has provided nearly $450,000 to assist talented students with furthering their educational and career goals.

During this year’s Woodworking Industry Conference, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees selected eight students to receive a total of $13,500 in scholarships. The Foundation also continued its scholarship endowment program (SEP) this year, in which it provided a fixed amount of scholarship funds to several schools, and the schools determined how many scholarships to award, and in what amounts. Four schools—Pittsburg State University, the New England School of Architectural Woodworking, Seattle Central College, and the École Nationale du Meuble et de L’Ébénisterie (ENME)—participated in the program, awarding a total of $16,500 in scholarships to 11 students.

Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for May 2019.  These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main

“Blum, Inc. has named Shannon Lafferty its new president and CEO, effective July 1. Lafferty succeeds Karl Rudisser, who has worked for Blum, Inc. since its inception in 1977, and has served as president and CEO since 1988.

Blum states Lafferty was chosen after a thorough and deliberate selection process, following Rudisser’s announcement of plans to retire several years ago. ‘Shannon has a solid understanding of our industry, our culture and our values. I have no doubt he’s the right person to take Blum into its next chapter,’ said Rudisser.”

“Timesavers LLC has named Robert Tate as regional sales manager. In his new role, Tate will expand engagement with key dealers to support Timesavers and Dubois product lines for the woodworking industry.

Tate will be based in Greenville, South Carolina, and will focus on developing key markets in the Southeast.

Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for April 2019. These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main – https://www.woodproducts.sbio.vt.edu/housing-report/casa-2019-04a-april-main.pdf

Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for March 2019. These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main – https://www.woodproducts.sbio.vt.edu/housing-report/casa-2019-03a-march-main.pdf

A New Chairman’s Welcome

I’d like to thank everyone for their support and their vote of confidence in electing me WMIA’s new chairman of the board along with a great group of officers and directors.

FAIRFAX, VA – During the 2019 Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC) in Amelia Island, FL, the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) elected a new slate of officers to lead the Association for the next two years. Jim Besonen, president of Wood Machinery Systems, Inc., Minnetonka, MN, was elected Chairman of the Board at the Association’s Annual Member Meeting on Wednesday, April 3.

“I am proud to serve as chairman for the next two years,” Besonen said. “WMIA has had many excellent leaders preceding me which have grown our membership significantly and increased the services we offer our members. It is truly an honor to follow in their footsteps. The wood products industry is expanding, machinery and tooling sales are strong, and the IWF show continues to grow. This is a great time to be in the woodworking industry.”

“Doucet Machineries Inc., the designer and manufacturer of machinery for the secondary wood processing industry, celebrated its 45th anniversary in early April. The celebration took place during an event held on its premises in its Quebec location. Gilles Doucet, founder and Danny Pelletier, CEO spoke to the nearly one hundred employees gathered for this occasion.

The organizing committee for Doucet’s events announced various activities to be held over the next year and are planning a big surprise to be revealed at the next Christmas party.”

April 19, 2019
Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for February 2019. These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main – https://www.woodproducts.sbio.vt.edu/housing-report/casa-2019-02a-february-main.pdf

“The Festool 2019 road show will be at the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs on Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

To read the full article, visit Woodworking Network.

“Bacci America held an open house in March to present its new U.S. headquarters. Woodworkers and dealers had the opportunity to see the latest in CNC multi-axis machining. Machines catering to small shops and high production facilities were on display. The group’s latest solution focuses on cabinet door manufacturing and machining using CNC routing and sanding combination machines.”

To read the full article and to view pictures from the event, visit Woodworking Network.

Virginia Tech – U.S. Forest Service has published its housing market commentaries for January 2019. These commentaries contain in-depth data and comments on the U.S. housing market.

Part 1: Main – https://www.woodproducts.sbio.vt.edu/housing-report/casa-2018-11a-november-main.pdf

“The International Woodworking Fair has announced the appointment of Brian Donahue, president of Safety Speed Manufacturing, as the 2020 IWF Chairman.

IWF 2020 will take place August 25-28, 2020 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Steven McNeilly has been named as new sales manager for Cefla Finishing North America.

Biesse just announced that Randy Jamison has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing in North America. He previously held positions in the company as Vice President of Sales for the Wood Division and as Brand Manager for Selco Panel Saws, Biesse America and Canada. His more than 25 years of industry experience and insights into Biesse’s success in North America will greatly assist the company’s Wood, Advanced Materials, Glass and Stone Divisions in their sales, distribution and marketing strategies as they build a cohesive vision and offer customers ongoing technology leadership.

WMIA is sad to announce the passing of John Besonen on Wednesday, January 23, in Mesa, AZ, at age 82.