BUSINESS BRIEFING

By Travis Centers, Barrett Trade and Finance Group (BTFG), export finance specialist will assist you in taking your products and business global. Questions? Please contact Travis at tcenters@btfg.com.

In 2011, the US National Export Initiative, increasing demand in South America, and low US interest rates presents US woodworking equipment manufacturers with a great opportunity to expand their presence into global markets.

In the wood processing industry's major growth markets, manufacturers not only must contend with the risk of entering an unknown market with unknown buyers, but also must maintain their competitiveness against international competitors.

In order to minimize these risks, a manufacturer must consider three key factors: sales channel, export finance, and terms of sales. In a perfect world, you would want to work with local sales agents and distributors, provide competitive financing relative to international competitors & local banks, and at the very least get paid at shipment. Details.

US Import and Export Woodworking Equipment Trade Statistics

January — December 2010 Review

The following is a summary of major trends of US exports and imports for the January - December 2010 period. Statistics are reported for all woodworking equipment and its three component parts: machines, cutting tools and, accessories and parts.

(WMMA members: to view detailed tables on US imports and exports of machinery, cutting tools and parts and accessories, by country visit www.wmma.org/members/imports_exports_acces.cfm. You will need your user name and password. If you don't have one or forgot it, contact WMMA Headquarters at 323-215-0330 or email wmma@wmma.org.)

Harold Zassenhaus, WMMA, is available to provide US export and import data on specific product categories. For more information, contact him at (301) 652 0693; or email hzassenhaus@wmma.org.

Total Woodworking Equipment Trade

Exports of woodworking equipment (machinery, cutting tools and parts and accessories) rebounded from 2010 performance to increase 12% to $255 million. The top 10 customers were Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Colombia, Russia, China, United Kingdom, Chile and Japan. Canada still accounts for over 1/3 of all exports and together, the top ten markets accounted for 72% of total exports. All but Mexico recorded positive growth with Colombia, UK and Chile recording triple digit gains. Other particularly impressive growth markets were Poland, New Zealand, Malaysia, India and Taiwan.

US exports to Canada dropped by 6% and its share of total US woodworking equipment exports fell to 30%, continuing a long term trend of diversification. Exports to Mexico, still out 2nd largest market, rebounded from a relatively poor 2007. Shipments rose 25% to $55 million or 13% of the total but still were less than the $66 million recorded in 2006.

China, once our 3rd largest market, has dropped to 6th behind Russia. US shipments dropped 32%.

Imports continued the decline first registered back in 2007. In 2010 imports dropped 17% to $780 million compared to 2009's $942 million.

Our top ten supplier nations were China, Canada, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, France and Austria in that order. Together, the top 10 accounted for 94% of imports.

Although not surprising it is worth noting that China is now the largest supplier to the US of machines, cutting tools and parts. Still, the large majority of Chinese imports continue to be small commercial products like mitre saws, scroll saws, band saws, etc. valued at under $1,000.

US Wood Products Trade Update

The following is a summary of major trends of US exports and imports for the January - December 2010 period. Statistics are reported for all wood products.

(WMMA members: to view detailed tables on US imports and exports of machinery, cutting tools and parts and accessories, by country visit www.wmma.org/members/imports_exports_acces.cfm. You will need your user name and password. If you don't have one or forgot it, contact WMMA Headquarters at 323-215-0330 or email wmma@wmma.org.)

Harold Zassenhaus, WMMA, is available to provide US export and import data on specific product categories. For more information, contact him at (301) 652 0693; or email hzassenhaus@wmma.org.

To the surprise of few, wood product (furniture and other wood products) imports rebounded in 2010 to increase 19% to $18.2 billion. China, the dominant supplier, continues to increase market share, mostly at the expense of Canada and other traditional suppliers. China now controls over 37% of the market for all types of wood product imports.

The top ten supplier nations in order of dollar value are China, Canada, Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil, Italy and Chile. Together they account for 90% of the import market.

US Wood Furniture Imports Grow

Wood furniture imports grew 18% over 2009 almost reaching $13 million. The top ten suppliers, shown below accounted for 93% of imports.

• China continues to be the dominant supplier supplying $1 of every $2 imported. Although it faces higher labor wages; higher health and pension costs; buyer and supplier decisions to diversify supply an appreciating currency vs. the US dollar and new curbs on imports the country still manages to capture the pocketbooks of most US furniture buyers.
• Among all other nations, China ranks:
  • 1st in shipments of wood furniture to the US;
  • 2nd in wood bedroom furniture (behind Vietnam)
  • 1st in wood frame upholstered furniture
  • 1st in wood furniture parts
  • 1st in wood chairs
  • 2nd in wood office furniture (behind Canada)
  • 1st in wood kitchen cabinets
  • 1st in wood kitchen furniture other than cabinets
  • 1st in wood chair parts
  • 1st in other wood furniture, not elsewhere classified
• Vietnam continues to make bedroom suites for the US market (over $930 million worth) and is capturing market share for other wood furniture products as well. Much of Vietnam's bedroom success is due to the US ITC ruling against China. And, as a matter of fact much of the Vietnam capacity is controlled by Chinese interests.
• While about 60% of furniture comes from 3 countries the remaining 60% or some $5.5 billion is coming from fast changing mix of countries. Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and India are taking market share from others. As the US economy continues to recover, there is little reason for this to change over the next 3-5 years pointing to decent markets for WMMA members.
• Canada's influence continues to fade. Although it recorded a modest increase in 2010, it now ranks 3rd in importance.

Wood Furniture Exports Grow

US wood furniture producers are became increasingly competitive in 2010 thanks, in part to a dropping dollar. Exports increased 14% to $1.7 billion. Although more than 66% of exports were shipped to Canada, exports to a number of other markets increased to include China (over 100%), Mexico and parts of the Middle East and Central America.

Petro/energy dollars probably accounted for shipments to the Middle East and will surely continue in today's environment. However, in countries where the middle class is growing, like China and Russia US furniture is finding a welcome market.

Other Wood Products

US imports of other wood products (including rough wood, joinery, moldings, flooring, doors but excluding logs, engineered wood panels and veneers) faired well in 2010, even though the US continued to experience a housing downturn. As the table below indicates imports of wood products other than furniture increased 21% to about $5.3 billion.

Canada continues to supply the vast majority of non furniture wood products with 71% of the US market.

The following provides a breakdown by product. For those wanting more detail, to include country of origin, please contact Harold Zassenhaus.

PUBLIC POLICY

Tax Reform Moving Up the Priority Ladder, by John Satagaj, email@jsatlaw.com

There has been a lot of "chatter" in Washington about tax reform and proponents are beginning to lay down some "markers" for what they hope to accomplish.

The equation to determine what would be good for our industry is a complicated one and you really have to know your effective rate of taxation to get a good handle on what makes sense for us. Your effective rate of taxation is tax paid divided by adjusted gross income. We talk about marginal rates of taxation which are the rates on the tax table, but for the most part, businesses pay at a lower effective tax rate than the marginal rates.

Examples of specialized deductions and credits that lower the effective tax rate for some of you are the Research and Development Credit and the Domestic Production Activity Income Deduction. The Direct Expensing Allowance and the current 100 percent depreciation bonus are examples of tax code provisions that lower the effective rate for your customers.

The first question is: are you a C Corporation or an S Corporation? C Corporations pay taxes on corporate rate schedule. S Corporation shareholders, like sole proprietors and partners, pay taxes on their business income on the personal rate schedule. Those three entities are called "pass through" businesses.

C corporations are taxed at statutory rates ranging from 15 percent (for taxable income up to $50,000); 25 percent (for taxable income above $50,000 but not exceeding $75,000); 34 percent (for taxable income above $75,000 but not exceeding $10,000,000); and to 35 percent (for taxable income over $10,000,000). The benefit of graduated rates below 34 percent is phased out for corporations with taxable income between $100,000 and $335,000, and the benefit of the 34 percent rate is phased out for corporations with taxable income in excess of $15,000,000. Corporate long-term capital gains are taxed at the same rates as corporate ordinary income. Thus, the maximum tax rate for corporate net long-term capital gains is 35 percent.

In addition to the regular corporate tax, the Code provides for an additional tax paid by the corporation at the top individual rate, imposed on certain corporate earnings that are not distributed to shareholders. An "accumulated earnings tax" can be imposed on certain earnings in excess of $250,000 accumulated beyond the reasonable needs of the business.

For S Corporations, under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) the top individual marginal income tax rate was reduced to 35 percent. It was scheduled to return to its pre-EGTRRA level of 39.6 percent in 2011, but the reduction was extended for two years.

Under the current structure, married individuals filing joint returns for 2010 tax year, if their income is:

• Not over $16,700, they will pay 10 percent of the taxable income;
• Over $16,700 but not over $67,900 they will pay $1,670 plus 15 percent of the excess over $16,700;
• Over $67,900 but not over $137,050 they will pay $9,350 plus 25 percent of the excess over $67,900;
• Over $137,050 but not over $208,850 they will pay $26,637.50 plus 28 percent of the excess over $137,050;
• Over $208,850 but not over $372,950 they will pay $46,741.50 plus 33 percent of the excess over $208,850;
• Over $372,950 they will pay $100,894.50 plus 35 percent of the excess over $372,950

One of the big differences in addition to the rate is the fact that C Corporations transfer most of their income to owners in the form of dividends. The dividends are not deductible by the corporation and are taxable income to the individual. Currently and temporarily, dividends received by a non-corporate shareholder from corporations generally are taxed at the same rates that apply to net capital gain. Thus, dividends received by an individual, estate, or trust are taxed at rates of zero and 15 percent. This treatment applies to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, dividends received by a non-corporate shareholder are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income.

One of the first proposals out of the gate is a bill, the "Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act, S. 727 , by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Dan Coats (R-IN). For individuals, the Wyden-Coats bill reduces the number of individual tax brackets from the current six to three: 15 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent and eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax completely. The Wyden-Coats bill reduces the top corporate tax rate and replaces the existing six corporate rates and eight brackets with a single flat rate of 24 percent.

Small businesses with gross annual receipts of up to $1 million will be able to permanently expense all equipment and inventory costs in a single year. (This is probably a little too small for our purposes.)

Of course, the Senators eliminate many deductions and credits to pay for the lower rates.

Individual Tax Credits, Deductions and Exclusions from Income Repealed

• Exclusion of income earned abroad by U.S. citizens
• Exclusion of certain allowances for Federal employees abroad
• Exclusion of employee meals and lodging
• Exclusion of benefits under cafeteria plans
• Exclusion of miscellaneous fringe benefits
• Exclusion of employee awards
• Exclusion of income earned by voluntary employees' beneficiary associations
• Exclusion of premiums on group term life insurance, accident and disability insurance
• Deferral of interest on savings bonds
• Deduction for moving expenses
• Miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2-percent floor

Corporate Tax Credits, Deductions and Exclusions from Income Repealed

• Inventory property sales source rule exception
• Deferral of Active Income for controlled foreign corporations
• Reduced rates on first $10 million of corporate taxable income
• Deferral of Active Financing Income
• Deferral of gain on non-dealer installment sales
• Special tax rate for nuclear decommissioning reserve fund
• Exception from net operating loss limitations for corporations in bankruptcy proceeding
• Excess of percentage over cost depletion for fuels
• Deferral of gain from disposition of electric transmission property to implement FERC policy
• Completed contract rules
• Tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs
• Depreciation of equipment in excess of alternative minimum tax depreciation
• Lower of cost or market valuation method for inventory
• Deduction for punitive damages
• Section 199 production activity deduction
• Advance refunding of 503(c)(3) and governmental bonds

It is a long list. Will it add up to tax reform? Time to think about crunching the numbers and see if it works for you.

INDUSTRIAL DUST

New Rules Are A Response to Fires, Explosions Traced to Combustible Dust

Federal regulators are drawing up new standards for handling industrial and wood dust following a series of fires and explosions related to combustible dust.

The Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America wants to make industrial and wood products companies aware of the new regulations and of the need to handle combustible dust safely.

WMMA's Industrial Dust Task Force has been following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on the new rules since October 2009. OSHA is currently reviewing all the comments from the various stakeholder meetings held in 2009 and 2010.

The goal is to ensure that companies follow proper dust collection procedures. "In reality, wood dust lingers, and when you take an air gun and blow off the work surface that just suspends it in the air and causes dispersion, which is not a good thing," says Jamison Scott, chairman of the Industrial Dust Task Force. "The dust settles on beams and in crevices, and above hung ceilings, potentially creating fuel for an explosion.

"Optimally dust must be collected via a properly designed and installed dust collection system, along with a hanging air filtration unit to pick up any fine airborne dust and a vacuum to collect stray dust that has settled on surfaces."

OSHA is modeling its new rules on the voluntary standards of the National Fire Protection Association, which are widely used by local fire marshals and building inspectors. NFPA is currently reviewing its standards as well.

The issue took on added urgency after a 2008 explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Georgia killed 14 people and injured 38 others. Investigators determined the explosion was fueled by large concentrations of combustible sugar dust. More than 350 such explosions have occurred in the United States since 1980.

In February, Georgia Congressman John Barrow introduced the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act, which if passed into law would require the Secretary of Labor to issue an interim occupational safety and health standard regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes.

Scott said the WMMA fully supports efforts to protect workers against the dangers of combustible dust. However, the organization is encouraging OSHA to avoid creating new economic hardships for woodworking companies and small manufacturers.

"If companies can't afford to meet the regulations, then we will not have accomplished what we wanted and the worker does not get protected," said Scott, vice president of Air Handling Systems in Woodbridge, Conn.

The WMMA is also concerned about an NFPA proposal to consolidate dust standards among five different industries, because woodworking shops could lose special exemptions related to the small size of many of their workplaces.

The organization also is encouraging OSHA to ensure any new regulations are comprehensive, definitive, realistic and easy to understand and apply.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

The Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America® (WMMA®), a trade association of U.S. manufacturers of woodworking machinery, cutting tools, and supplies, today announced the availability of American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard, Safety Requirements for Woodworking Machinery Safety Requirements, O1.1-2009. It revises O1.1-2004.

This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards Committee O1. The ANSI O1.1-2009 is an "umbrella" standard under which the committee is currently developing several machine-specific safety standards. The safety standard for fixed angle jump saws has been completed and is available.

WMMA serves as the secretariat of the Accredited Standards Committee O1 and together they comprise the consensus body which develops standards for the safe design, installation and use of woodworking and accessory equipment used in industrial and commercial applications, having a total connected power of 3.7kw (5hp) or greater, or having 3-phase wiring. Details.

WIC 2011 — May 4-6, 2011

WIC 2011 - Listen To Your Customer & Change Your Business
WIC 2011 to Host Industry Forums

Want to learn what really is trending in the major sectors of the woodworking industry? Want to learn about what your peers and customers are looking to improve their businesses and where the biggest bottlenecks are on the plant floor? Want to know what the future holds for the wood industry in the next decade and beyond? Then the Woodworking Industry Conference is the place for you.

Set for May 4-6 at the Marco Island Marriott Beach & Spa in Marco Island, FLA, the annual WIC is the place to be, according to Mark Chappell, president of one of the WIC sponsors, the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America.

"This is the ideal opportunity for getting a true handle on where our industry is right now and where it's going," says Chappell. "There's no substitute for face-to-face communication and networking with our peers and customers. And that's what WIC is all about."

The center point of WIC will be forum discussions featuring manufacturing leaders from the major industry sectors — furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork - who will offer their views on the major challenges they face and how they solve problems in their own manufacturing facilities. Details.

Peter Perez Will Brief WMMA Members at WIC

Peter Perez, Harold Zassenhaus, Kevin Gluba
Photo by: J. Stuart Harris

Peter Perez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing, US Department of Commerce and past president of WMMA, confer during the Secretary's reception for the President's National Export Initiative (NEI). DAS Perez will be briefing WMMA members at the WIC.

WMMA Members Return from FIMMA

l-r: Norm Murray, U-C Coatings; Jerry Kavalheim, Kval; Richard Comer, CR Onsrud; Jorge Alejandro, MultiCam; Greg Larson, Timesavers; Luis Parrales, Woodmizer; Mike Serwa, Vortex; Allen Turk, PDS; Fatima Saint Clair, Business Development Liaison; Bernard Veltze, Business Development Liaison; Note: Matt Harris, TigerStop; and Darriel Miller, Woodmizer not pictured.

Ten WMMA members traveled to Brazil in March to attend FIMMA, March 21-25, the largest woodworking equipment trade fair in South America. The manufacturers are all members of the Mercosur Consortium, a partnership formed last year within the membership of the WMMA.

It marked the third trip to the region by consortium members, who pool their funds to pay for trade shows, advertising and a business development liaison. The Mercosur bloc includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Other South American countries are associate members.

"Economic growth in the region is tremendous, but it's difficult for small U.S. companies to take on the risks and complications of engaging in foreign markets," said Allen Turk, chairman of the Mercosur Consortium. "The idea is to syndicate and spread the costs."

A record 43,800 people attended the fair, which hosted 440 business meetings resulting in an estimated $6.55 million in new business, according to the trade fair website.

Turk said the WMMA members made new contacts and landed new business, including his own company, Precision Drive Systems LLC of North Carolina. "We found a partner in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and signed an exclusive distributorship agreement," Turk said, adding that his company has shipped more than $36,000 worth of products into Brazil in the last nine months.

Several other consortium members — including TigerStop, KVAL Inc., Mereen-Johnson Machine Co. and Vortex — have entered into talks with potential new distributors they contacted at the trade show

"Companies in the Mercosur region need to ramp up production from handmade items to automation," Turk said. "They want to be able to make components of a quality that's suitable for export on a global basis, and they have to have computerized machine tools to do that."

The Mercosur Consortium has received $67,000 in matching funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Market Development Cooperator Program. The consortium is planning to attend a trade show in Argentina July 5-8, and its members already are advertising in a regional trade magazine.

For more information on the Mercosur Consortium, contact Allen Turk, PDS, 704 922 5261, aturk@pdscolombo.com.

Continued Growth ... Creeping Inflation

Hardwood production continues to be greater than a year ago, with 1st quarter production hovering at about 75% of 2007's peaks. Costs associated with that production are also increasing. Virtually all raw material costs are rising; so then are the prices of most products. We all know what is happening to the price of oil, but too many cost increases are due to the misguided use of food crops (esp. corn) to produce inefficient fuels. This is a significant factor in higher food prices, world-wide, as well as increased prices of plant- and animal-based raw materials.

The past fifteen months have seen growing and visible improvements in the economy as we clawed our way back from the depths of the recession. Now that "all boats" are beginning to rise with the tide (with the lagging exception of housing), inflationary pressures will grow incrementally along with the economy. The low value of our U.S. dollar will help our exports, but hurts our national purchasing power and makes imports (esp. oil) more expensive for us. As long as our government spends more than it takes in, we will be on a long, winding road to fiscal ruination. But, just as no nation can tax itself into prosperity, neither can we solely slash spending to make everything right. I'll pay some more taxes if the government will rein in the myriad of entitlement programs to fiscally responsible levels. It is definitely time to have representatives who adhere to Responsibility being coordinate with Authority.

ANCHORSEAL Index 3/2011
We Are in this thing together

The ANCHORSEAL Index of Hardwood Production reflects the gallons of hardwood end sealer products sold each month to be used in the production of quality hardwoods.

The 12 month comparison (12/12) is a measure of the past year's hardwood production, compared to the year previous.

The 3/12 compares the most recent 3 months end sealer purchases with the same 3 months of the previous year, giving a prediction of hardwood production during the next 45-90 days.

WMMA and WMIA March on Capitol Hill

In February, 12 WMMA and 4 WMIA members went to DC to visit with their representatives to discuss existing and pending legislation and regulations directly affecting their bottom line. Together they met with 29 Congressmen, Senators and/or their staffs on issues ranging from needed business tax reform; enacting the Manufacturing Reinvestment Account legislation; increasing and making permanent direct expensing; pending OSHA industrial wood dust limits; enacting a simpler Research and Development tax credit for small business; retraction of the law dictating increased need for Form 1099's and; maintaining the bonus depreciation.

Each participant was armed with background papers and their own unique story to tell. For those interested in learning more about the above issues from the WMMA perspective please contact Harold Zassenhaus, WMMA, 301 652 0693, hzassenhaus@wmma.org for copies of the "one pagers" outlining the issues and how it affects the small woodworking concern.

The event kicked off with a dinner at which U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing, Peter Perez addressed the group and answered questions regarding the administration's priorities for the manufacturing sector. Top on the list were job creation and increasing U.S. exports. DAS Perez has been active in Obama's National Export Initiative and has been touring the U.S. touting the resources available to assist U.S. manufacturers interested in exporting

After a breakfast briefing from John Satagaj, WMMA National Affairs counsel, participants made their way to the Hill for their appointments. Satagaj reminded all of why the timing of the event was excellent. "The 112th Congress has an extraordinarily large freshman class and with a change in the majority in the House, it is an exceptionally great opportunity to get in on the ground floor before the Members of Congress become wise to the ways of Washington.

'With a Republican majority in the House, it was a great time to identify new champions for causes of interest to us like tort reform and reasonable regulations. At the same time, it was an opportunity to convince Democrat members to be receptive to new compromises. With a Democratic majority in the Senate and a Democrat in the White House, it is important to reach out to everybody.

'WMMA has demonstrated time and time again, that you do not have to be the biggest player on the block to be effective. Persistence and credibility go a long way with Members of Congress. If they and their staffs can put a face to the local job created, it helps a lot. The Fly-in bridges the gap. But, it is not the only way one can accomplish that task. Getting a Representative or Senator to visit your operation and see what it means to the local economy, makes you more than an email address to them."

Headway was made on the Manufacturing Reinvestment Accountant (MRA). Frank Kobilsek, Black Bros. and chair of the WMMA Public Policy Committee, Jamie Scott of Air Handling Systems and Laurel Didier, Vance Publishing, met with Rep. Manzullo (R-IL), a co-sponsor MRA legislation. He not only was glad to see the manufacturing community had endorsed the concept but urged others to come to the Hill, meet with their reps and convince them to sign on. "Our job is never done", said Kobilsek. "This is an exciting time for member involvement. If you can't get to the Hill, solicit your Congressperson when he/she is in state to meet with you, preferably at your plant."

On the Senate side Jamie Scott met with Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT). The Senator was convinced of the MRA merits and will be drafting a compatible bill to introduce MRA legislation. "We really have a unique opportunity to support USA manufacturing" said Scott. "Republicans, Democrats and the Administration are pushing USA jobs and USA manufacturing. Now is the time to engage your representatives."

On another issue, Mark Craig of Giben and a WMIA member was pleased with his visits. He met with newly elected Rep. Woodall (R-GA) and the staff of Senator Chambliss (R-GA) and their response to his questions on direct expensing were positive. "While direct expensing is safe until 2012, they assured me," he said, "that it will be an important topic by next year and will be a high priority to extend it." Regarding the MRA, it was something the Senator from GA was not familiar with. His office found the concept very interesting and the office claimed it could be something it would support.

Mark Chappell, President, WMMA and long time participant in the DC Fly-Ins summed it up. "The Woodworking Industry Public Policy Fly-In is a once a year event when all of us in the industry approach our representatives on the Hill with issues near and dear to our businesses. But don't rely totally on the Fly-in. There is work to do in your community. Ask your representatives to your plant. Let them appreciate the work being done in the USA and ask for their legislative support on issues of importance to you."

WoodLINKS USA: Creating a skilled workforce for the industry

In the face of a critical shortage of skilled personnel entering the wood manufacturing industry, WoodLINKS USA was established as a partnership between industry and education. WoodLINKS USA is an industry driven, secondary and post-secondary woodworking partnership program, helping to build and maintain a strong, skilled workforce so that U.S. manufacturers can remain competitive in today's challenging economic environment. Learn More.

EPA Overregulation

Every day, American manufacturers do their part to improve the environment. Manufacturers develop new technologies to promote energy efficiency; reduce waste and recycle materials; and focus on sustainable production practices. U.S. manufacturing is the leader in creating innovative solutions to advance renewable and alternative energy and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction technology.

At a time when the U.S. and global economies are under extreme pressure, policymakers should look very cautiously at new government programs to expand environmental rules or impose entirely new regulatory regimes. The NAM represents the best interests of manufacturers on a variety of environmental issues, including air and water quality regulations, EPA and state environmental justice procedures, sustainability practices, hazardous waste disposal policies, chemical security and management and E-waste programs.

Manufacturers are troubled by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) aggressive agenda and the significant impact its regulations will have on manufacturing in the United States. The EPA's actions will add new burdens and restrictions, increase costs, destroy jobs and undermine U.S. manufacturers' ability to compete in the global marketplace.

Click Here for the NAM's Complete Official Policy Position on Environment

INTERNATIONAL WOODWORKING FAIR

IWF 2012 has the Power to CONNECT

The power to connect you to buyers, 365 days of the year.

Are you a supplier? You need to connect with the International Woodworking Fair 2012. Are you a manufacturer? You need to be here. IWF is the connecting point for the industry. As an Exhibitor at IWF 2012 your company will be showcased both at the show and at IWFatlanta.com.

IWF 2012 starts NOW with E-blasts, Community, Videos, Mobility and the Website, then culminates in 4 days of Face-2-Face, Education, Networking and more buyers than you will find anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.

IWF is where the material processing and design industry comes together to solve problems and find solutions, where you can share ideas with old friends and new and where you can connect and reconnect with your customers.

Online and In Person
IWF connects you to your supply chain.

Are you looking for the products and ideas to improve your business and increase your profits? IWF 2012 is the tradeshow to go to source for products, ideas, and new ways to improve your company — 24/7/365. With newsletters, web updates, videos and industry microsites, IWF is your source for the products, solutions and services you use in your business. Search for thousands of products from hundreds of suppliers on-line with the IWF product search. IWF provides you up-to-date information and global news that you want to know to keep your business current. You can network with suppliers and peers online before, during and after IWF 2012 at www.IWFatlanta.com.

When you attend IWF 2012, you'll meet with the industry's technology experts who will work with you to ensure your company has the best opportunity to profit in today's marketplace. You will be able to test, compare and evaluate the latest technology from all over the world. Meet face-2-face with your suppliers, and network with new contacts for your company — both vendors and customers.

All the time, all at one place — IWF 2012. Join one of IWF's communities or subscribe to the I-Channel, the industry newsletter from IWF and start making your connections today.

IWF 2012 will be held in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center, August 22-25, 2010.

MEMBER NEWS

Veneer Services, founded in 2000 in Indiana, deals in new and used veneer machinery and also manufacture and represent other manufacturers.

Veneer's key product lines include veneer splicing machines, splicing machines and pane production machines.

Veneer feels that with constant improvement of their products, yields the most advanced machines available and that their low overhead and low cost structure allow them to give better pricing. In fact, their mission is to advance the veneer and panel industry with higher quality machines that operate at the lowest cost per unit.

Visit Veneer Services® website: http://www.veneerservices.com

MEMBER PROFILE

DBS started business in 1987 with the goal in mind to support the local cabinetmaker, small furniture and store fixture companies with the labor intensive, manufacturing burden of drawer making. This goal exceeded expectations over the years and has taken DBS to the four corners of the United States including Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.

To serve the shorter lead times that woodworking customers face today, DBS offers quick manufacturing turnaround. Orders placed by 12:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, will be shipped from the DBS facility within five business days on most configurations. DBS offers direct and drop shipments and works with several freight companies to provide customers with the most cost effective and efficient delivery.

With two manufacturing facilities located in Orange, California and in Grand Prairie, Texas, the company has increased in size and capacity over the years serving their customers needs every day. Armed with an experienced work force, the most recent technology in place and the right equipment, DBS continues to help customers with the ever increasing demands of the markets they serve.

DBS is dedicated to supporting their customers with quality products, quick delivery, saving manufacturing time and achieving higher profits for their customers by meeting expectations. Customers can order an infinite number of custom configurations — any width, depth, height, and /or material and know that the order will be manufactured to specification. DBS has built their business and reputation on their commitment of delivering on their promises, on time and anywhere. They are dedicated to providing every drawer in every job for every customer.