Business Development Committee

Mission: To provide identified management tools and information to member companies which allow them to better develop their business.

An Overview of Programs and Services

Meaningful Market and Sales Trends and Economic Forecasting (ITR)

WMMA members are better able to make the right decisions at the right time — helping to increase company profitability — by incorporating accurate economic forecasting data and industry information into the business planning process. The WMMA, through its Business Development Committee, provides a series of programs where members can access the most timely economic forecasting data and wood processing industry information.

The Institute for Trend Research (ITR), a professional research firm that accurately analyzes market/economic trends, provides business planning tools that help enable better forecast sales trends for one to five years. ITR has a long history of accurately projecting when trends will change and their reliable forecasting provides you with the information you need to grow and maximize your capital resources. These resources are provided a membership benefit, most at no cost to members:

• Quarterly Economic Forecasting Reports
• Customized Reports
• ITR Representation at the annual Woodworking Industry Conference.

Industry Information Strategic Initiative

WMMA is a leader in providing meaningful woodworking industry information and data to members to help them make decisions for their business. These include:

• Direct Access to Sales Forecasting Tools
• Links to Valuable Statistical Industry and U.S. Government Data
• Other links to useful information for the CEO and the CFO

Strategic Consultation for Website Development (SVM E-Business Solutions)

In order to assist members with a variety of programs and tools to improve their e-business strategies, including online presence, customer service, lead generation, search engine optimization, among others, the committee has established SVM E-Business Solutions as a recommended WMMA service provider of strategic consultation for website development. SVM provides WMMA members with many free, valuable tools:

• A free E-Business Trend Report through WMMA website — Manufacturers Trend Report
• Free Website Analysis — how to improve members website
• Free website planning guide — questions to ask as members build or update website.
• Subsidized or group discounts for SVM consulting and technical support
• Articles on how to increase the number of leads generated by a website.
• Tested SVM services
• Developed online portal of e-business educational materials — articles, webinars, support materials.

WMMA Leasing Program — National City Manufacturing Finance Partnership

The Committee has designated National City Manufacturing Finance to provide members with the manufacturing industry knowledge, funding resources and lease financing expertise to deliver the equipment financing options that members need. By partnering with National City, members receive the following benefits:

• Increased Sales — A leasing relationship with National City helps WMMA Members to sell more equipment. National City is a balance of small company service and big company resources.
• One-Stop-Shopping
• Quick Response
• Dedication to the WMMA Relationship
• Simplified Lease Process
• Flexibility
• Knowing Your Customers

Market Research (Quail Run Business Solutions)

The Committee works to provide meaningful qualitative and quantitative market research information to the members on wood processing market segments, non-wood segments and distribution. Some of these market research studies include:

• Cabinet Manufacturers Report
• Wood Component & Millwork Industry Report,
• The IWF 2008 Buyers' Survey — Planned Attendance, Preferences and Overall Purchasing Intentions

R&D Tax Credit Assistance Program (Black Line Group)

WMMA provides members with R&D Tax Credit information, tools and service which allows them to pursue tax credits if significant and worth time and effort. The Committee has selected Black Line Group, a firm that focuses solely on helping companies take advantage of the R&D Tax Credit. It provides a comprehensive program to the membership. The program offers a discount to members, education and information, through articles and webinars.

Business Planning — Developing a Business Plan

The Committee is dedicated to educating members on the various formal business planning processes and prepare them for strategic planning. Committee-recommended resources help members identify the competitive business models that will work best for their company. The objectives are to identify:

• Usable software to help member companies get started in the planning process and
• Industry consultants to help member companies