Woodworking Industry Associations Focus on Members and the Future

Philadelphia, PA — March 19, 2009 — The leaders of three major woodworking industry associations have declared a renewed emphasis on helping their members during today's challenging business climate. As such, the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®), the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association® (WMIA®) and the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America® (WMMA®) have collectively decided to postpone the Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC) until April 2010.

WMMA Executive Vice President Ken Hutton stated, "This is an extraordinary year and we must do everything we can to help our members maneuver through these difficult times. Right now, our resources are fully committed to providing domestic manufacturers of machinery, cutting tools and supplies the support they need to remain profitable and competitive."

WMIA Executive Vice President Bill Miller added, "Despite the registrations we received from our members—as well as members from the other associations—we felt it was in everyone’s best interest to wait until 2010 to present a truly first-class event. We expect, by then, there will be more business opportunities and that WIC will, once again, help participants realize and take advantage of them. There’s no question that the networking opportunities the event provides are outstanding and highly valued by its participants."

"WIC 2010 will likely serve as a very important meeting as the industry looks to the future," stated Angelo Gangone, AWFS Executive Vice President. "In the meantime, we’re encouraging suppliers to the industry to participate in the upcoming AWFS® Fair and benefit from this cost-effective opportunity to get face-to-face with new and prospective customers. We remain hopeful that an economic recovery is on the horizon and want to ensure that our members are well positioned for the turnaround."

The next WIC will be held April 21-24, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey, CA.