New Website Offers Resources for Students and Job Seeker The Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC) is excited to announce the launch of their industry-wide career awareness campaign, “You Wood.” Developed by several industry trade associations led by AWFS, WMIA, and WMMA, in partnership with Nashville-based INDUSTRIAL Strength Marketing, the WIRC campaign aims to communicate wood industry career pathways and attract new talent. The “You Wood” campaign features a website with career resource information, including profiles of high-demand positions, career quizzes, links to educational resources like schools and scholarships, industry information, and an events calendar. The site will be continually updated, and features will be added, including industry pro spotlights, additional career pathway information, and custom video content. “This campaign is the culmination of over three years of communication, research, and hard work,” says WMMA Chief Executive Officer Fred Stringfellow. “Companies in the industry are still struggling to find skilled workers as they grow to meet demand. We are excited to launch this campaign as a way to increase awareness; and to expand the pool of candidates for our future workforce.” The campaign is geared towards two audiences: high school students and those in their mid-20s to late 30s who are seeking a career change, including military veterans. WIRC conducted a survey of these audiences in early 2020 and found that over 70% of all respondents had no awareness of wood industry careers; however, 23% would consider a career in the wood industry. “We realize how critical it is to increase awareness of our industry and the career opportunities which exist for both students and those seeking a career change where they can utilize skills they’ve already developed in the workplace,” says WMIA President and CEO Larry Hoffer. “It is our objective that the You Wood website will serve as a portal for those unfamiliar with the wood industry to learn more and begin exploration of their wood industry-related career journey.” Officially founded in 2018, the charter members of WIRC agreed to the following goals and identified those influencers who can effectively drive interest in the wood industry as a career path (e.g., parents, teachers, social media, and financial resources):
“We hope that members of the wood industry will embrace this website and use it as their own,” says Adria Salvatore, AWFS Assistant Executive Director, Education. “This site is a step towards a sustainable skilled talent pipeline for our industry. We look forward to continuing the work and expanding opportunities and resources for employers and job seekers.” Find the WIRC You Wood website here: https://youwood.com/ The campaign media will drive to these targeted landing pages based on audience:
Follow the WIRC campaign on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wood-Industry-Careers-102616575144662 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodindustrycareers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodindustrycareers 
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Keystone Wood Specialties founder and CEO Samuel D. Stoltzfus went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 10 at the age of 69. Sam got into woodworking as a young boy. Having grown up the son of an Amish farmer and carpenter, he liked tinkering with wood and mimicking toys that his great-uncle Levi made. In 1972, at the age of 21, he founded his then one-man shop, which he grew to become Keystone Wood Specialties. Sam was a leader in the wood components manufacturing industry for the past 48 years. During his career, he was as a member of KCMA, CMA, and WCMA, and served as a past president of Wood Products Manufacturing Association. In 2006, Sam was honored for his hard work and dedication when he received the woodworking industry’s prestigious Jerry Metz award that recognizes four areas of excellence in manufacturing that its namesake was known for: safety, training, quality, and productivity. Sam fashioned his company in keeping with these principles and Keystone has earned multiple recognitions for safety and employee satisfaction including OSHA’s SHARP certification (2004), “America’s Safest Companies” (2005), Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania (2005), and the PA Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence in 2009. Sam’s Christian faith guided all aspects of his life. He was deeply committed to his employees in providing a great place to work. He felt personally responsible for them and made daily tours through the manufacturing facility to chat with them about their workday and their lives. Sam’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Valerie, sons Tim, Nick and Charles, and seven grandchildren. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.GroffEckenroth.com  Original Saw Company, a leading industrial woodworking machinery manufacturer, has acquired Williams & Hussey Machine Co. an exemplary producer of molders and profile knives.
With a heritage that dates to the 1950's, Williams & Hussey Machine Co. has been an industry leader in the manufacturing of molders and profile knives for over 60 years for the woodworking professional. The business features a strong reputation for producing only the finest woodworking machinery. This is a testament to their workmanship and proficiency. "Williams & Hussey Machine Co. is an iconic brand that shares many similarities with Original Saw Company. These parallels include commitment to American made products and the highest quality production," said Allen Eden, President of Original Saw Company. "By purchasing Williams & Hussey, it drives our future growth and expands our woodworking product offerings. The company’s established brand aligns with our company goals to add industrial rated woodworking equipment to our offerings." Founded in the late 1940's by Thurston Williams and Forrest Hussey, they began their business adventure manufacturing pumps and auto parts. In the mid 1950's Williams & Hussey pivoted and began manufacturing molders. Over the years, other product offerings were introduced, but none stood the test of time like the molder. Today four molder models are produced along with profile knives. Standard knife options are stocked and ready for immediate ship out. Custom knives are created in collaboration with the customer to replicate profiles and encourage creativity. "I am excited to add Williams & Hussey Machine Co. to our portfolio. Through the years, both companies have emphasized customer service and excellence in quality. We are planning for a smooth transition for Williams & Hussey customers, " said Eden . Operations will move during the first week of October from Amherst, New Hampshire, to the Britt, Iowa, headquarters that house Original Saw Company and subsidiaries Jones Machinery and OSC Technologies. Stephen Carter, President and CEO of Williams & Hussey Machine Co. commented, "I am confident our customers will receive the same quality service and products from Original Saw Company, which is also a small, family-owned, American-made company for 30 years. What a great opportunity for the woodworking industry to have two manufacturing companies known for quality and service join forces." About Original Saw Company Located in Britt, Iowa, Original Saw Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer of industrial woodworking equipment. In 1990, Original Saw Company purchased the historic DeWalt division of radial arm saws. Through the years, Original Saw Company diversified its product lines by expanding the radial arm saw models and adding beam saws, cut off saws and material handling solutions. Original Saw Company products are currently sold to home centers, wood workers and many other industries that specialize in cutting wood, metal, and aluminum in North America. For more information, visit www.originalsaw.com today. About Williams & Hussey Machine Co. Williams & Hussey Machine Co. has been manufacturing molders and profile knives for over 60 years for the woodworking professional. It has a steadfast tradition of producing only the finest woodworking machinery is a testament to workmanship and proficiency. During the 1950's Williams & Hussey manufactured and introduced the molder/planer to the woodworking industry. Through the years other product lines have been added, but the molder remains as their focal point. Sales have been concentrated in the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. For more information, visit www.williamsnhussey.com The CMA and its members have enjoyed many virtual “What’s Your Problem?” discussions over the past few months; however, they are going to pause these sessions since the organization is launching an exciting new virtual webinar program.
Since IWF was cancelled, the CMA decided to move forward with their planned educational seminars by transitioning to an online format. Given the amount of content and speakers connected with the organization, the initial series has evolved into an exciting new webinar program to continue throughout the year. The sessions will be held each Wednesday at noon Eastern Time, and then shared online for anyone who is unable to attend the live event. Each presentation will be followed up with a virtual discussion on the same topic, which we are calling “A Closer Look.” This is a focused dialogue about what was previously presented – essentially an online question and answer session, but with more time to review and digest the presentation. For the schedule of upcoming webinars and to register, visit www.cabinetmakers.org/events The webinars are free for members. For non-members interested in participating, the fee is $35 and includes a one-month CMA membership, which can be renewed monthly or converted into an annual membership of $275. Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Although IWF 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19, we still need to recognize the winners of the CMA's annual awards contest. The virtual ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 27 at 7 pm Eastern Time.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the association's awards program began as a means for members to be recognized by their peers. After the first awards were announced, the benefits were clear: the program gave the organization another opportunity to promote excellence in in the industry. Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Sign up today! As all of us navigate this crisis, the CMA wants to ensure that you have access to the tools needed to manage your business through this unprecedented time.
Here's a compilation of relevant resources: The CMA announces the results of their annual election for the organization's leadership team6/18/2020 The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the results of their annual election for the organization’s Board of Directors and the installment of their officers for the next year. The CMA members re-elected Matt Wehner of Cabinet Concepts by Design (Springfield, MO), and Gregory Paolini of Gregory Paolini Designs (Canton, NC) was elected as a new board member. Both of them will serve a three-year term. In addition, the Board has appointed the following officers who will serve in these roles from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021:
The Members-at-Large are Monika Soos of Sofo Kitchens (Maple Ridge, BC), Brian Clancy of Clancy Woodworking (Sherman, CT), and Matt Wehner. Exiting the board is Leland Thomasset of Taghkanic Woodworking (Pawling, NY). The CMA expresses gratitude to Leland for his contributions for the betterment of the association during his six years on the board, including serving as president of the organization. To contact any of the board members of the Cabinet Makers Association, please visit www.cabinetmakers.org/contact About the Cabinet Makers Association Celebrating over 20 years, the Cabinet Makers Association was incorporated in 1998 by a group of custom cabinetmakers who thought the small to mid-size shops needed to network and help each other grow profitably. Currently, CMA membership is made up primarily of 20 or fewer employee operations, with the vast majority of those being 1-5 person shops. For more information, visit www.cabinetmakers.org |
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