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IWF ATTRACTS BUYERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE

Despite lower numbers than past years, the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair was a success. Over the course of the show, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Aug. 20-23, millions of dollars of machinery, supplies and services were purchased — and millions more will be purchased in the next six months.

“It’s tough out there, and we all know it, but even during difficult times a show like IWF can find a way to turn a negative into a positive and propel the industry into new chartered waters for economic growth, stability and expansion,” commented Charles R. (Tommy) Tomkins, IWF 2008 chairman and president of Cresent Fine Furniture Company, based in Gallatin, Tenn.

IWF 2008 started off with $105,000 being awarded in credit vouchers for winning companies to buy products from IWF exhibitors. “The IWF Buyer Bucks was a great way to jump-start the show and provided added incentive for industry professionals to purchase the products they need to succeed and, most importantly, profit in today’s marketplace,” added Tomkins.

Buyers came from 80 countries and all 50 states. With 1,324 exhibiting companies and over 813,000 net sq. ft. of exhibits, IWF ranks No. 2 in the industry worldwide and is the largest show for the industry in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

“WMMA members came into this year’s show with the mind-set to sell machinery, create opportunities and lay the groundwork for future sales. The buyers that came to this year’s show were serious, prepared and ready to purchase products from IWF exhibitors. IWF gave our members the opportunity to not only do business with buyers from the United States but also very qualified international buyers,” added Ken Hutton, executive vice president of the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America.

“Our members came in with conservative expectations for sales and quality of buyers. The buyers that came to this year’s show were serious, qualified and exceeded our members’ expectations in terms of sales and qualified leads,” commented Bill Miller, executive vice president of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association.

“We are still going through the attendance verification process. We know our registration numbers were down compared to our 2006 show, which was one of our best attended shows in our history. Initial counts indicate IWF 2008 had 18,992 buyers, 39,893 total visitors, 1,324 exhibitors and 813,521 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. But IWF 2008 didn’t disappoint in terms of quality buyers. From a qualified buyer and prospects standpoint, IWF 2008 could prove to be one of the best ever,” said Patrick LaFramboise, president and CEO of IWF 2008.

CHALLENGERS AWARD RECOGNIZES INNOVATION

The 2008 Challengers Award winners were announced and recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 20 during IWF. The award, which recognizes advancements in technology or significant contributions to environmental improvements, was given to seven companies. The award also focuses on companies that have distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services or manufacturing technologies.

“Every time we begin the judging process we realize how difficult it is to choose seven winners out of 125 entries,” said Steven Kincaid, IWF Challengers Award Committee member, IWF board memeber and senior vice president of La-Z-Boy Inc., during the award ceremony in Atlanta. “This year’s competition was no different as there were many great products that will benefit our industry.”

Two finishing products — from DUX Area, Inc. and DV-Systems — were included among those recognized.

The 2008 winners of the Challengers Award competition:
• DUX Area, Inc. — DUX advanced Laminar Airflow Technology
• DV-Systems/Delle Vedove USA Inc. — UV-X
• FS Tool Corp./FS Cruing — Aerotech
• Giben Internatioanl SpA — Zero Active Drive Beam Saw
• NAP GLADU — Next G Series Diamond and Carbide Inserts Cutting Tool
• Super Thin Saws — UltraCem-Coated Blades
• WoodEye North America/Innovative Vision AB — Automatic NHLA Grading of Hardwoods

DESIGN EMPHASIS HONORS STUDENTS

Student design work was once again honored at IWF this year with the Design Emphasis competition. Winners were presented during an awards ceremony on Aug. 20

Design Emphasis is acclaimed as the foremost furniture design competition for students and offers design students a unique opportunity to demonstrate their talent and originality before a judging panel of furniture industry designers, manufacturing and retail executives, and members of the trade press who have design-oriented backgrounds.