Economic resurgence lifts IWF 2004: thousands of woodworkers will descend upon Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center to view products and services from the more than 1,300 companies exhibiting at IWF 2004.

Strong signs of an improving economy are bringing high expectations for this year's International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair. IWF 2004 will be held Aug. 26-29 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

"Home building starts and remodeling are still very strong," says David Rothwell, executive vice president of Stiles Machinery Inc. and 2004 IWF show chairman. "Cabinetry, flooring, windows and our other traditional core elements are expected to carry the momentum even further."

"There's no doubt that our industry is going through some changes right now. Offshore manufacturing may eventually have some effect on attendance, but to date, pre-registered attendance for IWF 2004 is up 7 percent as compared to two years ago," Rothwell adds.

As of early July, more than 10,000 "buyers" had pre registered for IWF 2004. Total attendance for IWF 2002 reached 42,755, which included 24,598 buyers and 18,157 exhibiting attendees representing 1,330 companies.

Already, there are 1,350 exhibiting companies registered for this year's event, more than 250 of which will be at IWF for the first time, says Patrick LaFramboise president and CEO of IWF. All told, these companies will fill more than 830,000 net square feet of space in Buildings A, Band C, as well as the connector concourses, in the Georgia World Congress Center.

Building A will house exhibitors of woodworking supplies, services and upholstery products. Building B will house both machinery exhibitors as well as companies offering supplies, services and upholstery. Building C will be dedicated to machinery. Industry associations and technical schools will be located primarily in the connector concourses.

"We're virtually tied with 2002 in terms of exhibit space, but with more companies--it's the best of both worlds," LaFramboise says.

"IWF has a proven track record of being one of, if not the most productive trade show marketing events in our industry worldwide," says Rothwell. "The success of any show should be measured by several criteria: quality of leads, existing customer contacts, new prospect contacts, sales at the show, potential sales as a result of show contacts and attendance.

"You'll notice attendance was last. Judging a show only by attendance figures is not an accurate method for measuring success," Rothwell continues. "A classic example was IWF 1996, which followed the Olympics by three weeks and at which attendance was down by over 2,000 from our 1994 event. And yet the 1996 event is known as one of the best shows ever --because people bought at the show or shortly afterward."

With the increased threat of offshore manufacturing on the wood-working industry, today more than ever, Rothwell adds, "North American woodworking manufacturers and their suppliers know they need to be more efficient to make a profit and stay in business. The answer for that need for efficiency is technology and we, as suppliers, are developing new technology and improving existing technology every day.

"The United States is still the greatest place in the world for manufacturing--we are committed to that belief," Rothwell says.

Added Purchasing Incentive for Buyers

As an added purchasing incentive, attendees looking for equipment or computer software can still take advantage of the Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, passed by Congress last spring.

"There's never been a better time to invest in equipment, particularly with the recent tax law changes which are making it faster and easier for manufacturers to see a return on investment from machinery purchases," Rothwell says.

The Act allows for bigger tax deductions and faster depreciation of assets; equipment purchased and installed by Dec. 31, 2004 is eligible for up to 50 percent depreciation. It also increases small business expense limits from $25,000 to $100,000, with a phase-out ceiling of $400,000, for qualifying equipment purchased by Dec. 31, 2005.

"This deduction also applies to other manufacturing, office and building improvement equipment," Rothwell adds. "Additional provisions provide accelerated depreciation, giving businesses even more incentive to invest in new equipment; for instance, a first year, 50 percent depreciation bonus for machinery purchased before Dec. 31, 2004."

New Features and Services

With the latest round of expansions and renovations complete at the GWCC, IWF will be able to fully utilize all sections of Building C, including the newly designed auditorium which will house the Challengers Awards ceremony, to be held Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Building C will also house furniture from the 75 Student Design Competition finalists. The furniture will be located in the recently completed lobby area and will be open for viewing throughout the show. New and improved signage will direct attendees not only to these sections, but to other areas of the show, LaFramboise says.

"IWF is constantly working on ways to improve the show and to make it easier and more efficient for everyone who attends," Rothwell adds.

"Construction on the new International Boulevard viaduct is now complete, making it easier for those who walk to and from their downtown hotels to get to the Georgia World Congress Center. MARTA is also offering discounts on multiple day transits to make it less expensive and more attractive for those who want to use public transportation to get to the show." Rothwell says.

Complimentary hotel shuttle buses also will be available to bring attendees to the show. Shuttle stops are scheduled at the Northside Drive Entrance at Building C and at the International Boulevard Entrance between Buildings Band A. Access to the GWCC is also available at Marietta Street and International Boulevard at Building A.

Free GWCC Campus shuttle buses will be in service to ferry attendees from the GWCC's three parking lots to the show entrances. This is the first time this service has been offered, Rothwell says.

"All of this work should help everyone get to where they want to go and have the best possible show experience." Rothwell adds.

Attendees should visit the IWF Connection at www.iwf2004.com for up-to-the-minute show information. including a searchable database of exhibitors and supplies. A copy of the IWF exhibitors' list can also be found on page 73 of this issue. For a sneak peek at nearly 200 of the products on display at IWF, take a look at the Showstoppers, beginning on page 95.

IWF 2004 at a Glance

Dates: August 26-29

Exhibit Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

Exhibitors: More than 1,300 domestic and international manufacturers and distributors of woodworking equipment and supplies.

Seminars: 11 technical seminars covering a wide range of topics.

Challengers Awards: Final judging will take place the day prior to IWF. Awards will be bestowed to the seven winning entries on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 1:30 p.m.

Show Sponsors: American Furniture Manufacturers Assn., Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America and Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn.

More Information: Visit www.iwf2004.com or phone [phone].

Tax Incentive Program Still Available for Woodworking Equipment Purchases

Woodworking machinery buyers can still take advantage of a pair of major tax incentives temporarily put in place to jump start small business investment.

The Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, passed by Congress last spring. permits bigger tax deductions and faster depreciation of assets, including machinery and computer software purchases.

For openers, the legislation accelerates the first-year bonus depreciation from 30 percent to 50 percent for qualified equipment purchased and put into service by Dec. 31, 2004. The economic stimulus package also increases small business expense limits from $25,000 to $100,000 and the phase-out ceiling for this expense deduction has been doubled, from $200,000 to $400,000, for qualifying equipment purchased by Dec. 51, 2005.

A discussion of the tax laws will take place at the IWF seminar, "Equipment Cost Justification Financing, Leasing, New Tax Considerations," scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27.

W&WP Magazine Sponsors One of Eleven Technical Seminars at IWF 2004

Wood & Wood Products will sponsor, "The Benefits and Limitations of Nested Based and Cell Based Applications for the Woodworking Industry" al IWF on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

One of 11 technical sessions at IWF, the program will address how adopting nesting and cell-manufacturing concepts can help wood products manufacturers streamline operations, reduce material handling improve process flow and increase productivity. Speakers include: Keith Comer, engineering project manager for Stevens Ind., Teutopolis, IL; Steve Hardy, engineering department manager, Specialty Fixtures Inc., Lawrenceville, GA; Frank Staltaro Jr. of Domestic Kitchens, Fairfield, CT; and Andy Wilzoch, owner and president of Premiere EuroCase Inc., Denver, CO. Rich Christianson, editorial director of Wood & Wood Products, will serve the moderator.

The cost to attend each session is $30 if pre-registered by July 23 and $40 onsite. A complete seminar schedule follows below. For further information about the show or seminars, phone IWF at [phone] or visit www.iwf2004.com.

Thursday, Aug. 26

10:00-12:00 p.m.: "Improving Productivity on CNC Routers"

Sponsor/Moderator: North Carolina State University, Myron Kelly

Speakers: Andy Matton, CTH Sherrill Occasional; and Tom Wilson, Quality Musical Systems Inc.

1:00-3:00 p.m.: "Get on Board: Powder Coating on Wood Has Arrived"

Sponsor/Moderator: Powder Coating Institute, Gregory Bocchi

Speakers: Chris Merritt, ITW Gema; Mike Welch, Brainerd Technical Design; and Rich Saddler, Herman Miller Inc.

4:00-5:30 p.m.: Troubleshooting & Preventing Problems When Finishing Wood Veneer"

Sponsor/Moderator: Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Assn., Bill Altman

Speakers: David Bailey, Numatic Finishing Corp.; Tom Weaver, Roddis Lumber & Veneer Corp.; and Steve Morse, SJ Morse Corp.

Friday, Aug. 27

9:50-11:30 a.m.: "The Real Effects of Regulations & Legislation on Your Business and Ability to Remain Competitive"

Sponsor/Moderator: AFMA, WMMA, WMIA and KCMA, Dick Titus

Speakers: Gary Mirka, NC State University; and Michael Gilland, Engineering Systems Inc.

12:00-1:30 p.m.: "Laminating and Decorative Overlays"

Sponsor/Moderator: Surface and Panel Magazine, John Aufderhaar

Speakers: Klaus Geocke, designer; and Kenn Busch, Surface and Panel Magazine

4:50-6:00 p.m.: "Equipment Cost Justification--Financing, Leasing, New Tax Considerations"

Sponsor/Moderator: Pittsburg State University; Dave Miles

Speakers: Dave Grubb, Dave Grubb Assoc.; Bob Bell, Independent Leasing Assoc.; John Shurley, Gifford, Hillegass and Ingwersen; and Bill Otott, SunTrust Bank

Saturday, Aug. 28

9:00-11:00 a.m.: "The Benefits and Limitations of Nested-Based and Cell-Based Applications in the Woodworking Industry"

Sponsor/Moderator: Wood & Wood Products Magazine, Rich Christianson

Speakers: Keith Comer, Stevens Ind.; Steve Hardy, Specialty Fixtures Inc.; Frank Staltaro Jr., Domestic Kitchens; and Andy Wilzoch, Premier EuroCase Inc.

12:00-1:30 p.m.: "How Do Small to Medium Size Cabinet and Woodworking Shops Gain Efficiencies"

Sponsor/Moderator: Cabinetmaker Magazine, Will Sampson 

Speakers: Jim McDermott, Awento Inc.; Brad Phelps, Cabinet Makers Assn.; and Adam Rose, Creative Woodworking

2:00-4:00 p.m.: "Integrating Lean Manufacturing into Your Business"

Sponsor/Moderator: Wood Component Manufacturers Assn., Steve Lawser

Speakers: Frank Hammitt, Frank Hammitt & Assoc.; and Chris Crawford, and Rick Lovern, Merillat Ind. Inc.

4:50-6:00 p.m.: "Solid Surface & Quartz Surfacing Fabrication Techniques That will Make You Money"

Sponsor/Moderator: Solid Surface Magazine, Russ Lee

Speakers: Fred Hueston, National. Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trade; Jon Lancto, Solid Surface Products; Kevin Andreas, Andreas Custom Designs; and Keith Layton, Mountain Tops Solid Surface Creations Inc.

'Connectivity' Seminar Offered During IWF

The WINStep Assn. will host a free interactive seminar and panel discussion on the issues and status of the WINStep data transfer protocol. It will take place Saturday, Aug. 28, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in Room C205.

Included will be a preview of Ver. 2.0, scheduled for release by the end of 2004. A panel of industry experts will also discuss how WINStep will affect their business.

For more information, contact Dave Rothwell at Stiles Machinery Inc. ([e-mail]), or Bob Gowen at Pattern Systems International ([e-mail]).

73 Companies, 118 Products Take the Challenge

The competition will be heavy as 118 products, nominated by 73 companies, will compete for the seven Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards to be presented at the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair, Aug. 26-29, in Atlanta, GA.

According to show management, the number of entries, which includes 25 products entered by Delta International Machinery and its affiliated companies, is the most since IWF '92. Thirteen other companies have also entered multiple products, including six by Stiles Machinery and five by the Weinig Group.

The Challengers Awards recognize companies that have distinguished themselves in developing innovative technology, services of manufacturing techniques or have made significant contributions to environmental improvement. The competition challenges IWF exhibiting companies to develop revolutionary, creative, ingenious, forward thinking technology, materials, services or safety devices that advance the industry.

A panel of 10 judges from a broad cross-section of industries will review and analyze each entry. In mid-July, the top 20 entries will be announced as finalists. The names of the finalists will be posted on www.iswonline.com and also listed in the August issue of Wood & Wood Products.

The final judging will take place on the day before the opening of IWF 2004. Awards will be bestowed to seven winning entries during a special ceremony to be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26.

The judges for the 2004 Challengers Awards are: Chairma7n Richard Campbell, Norwalk Furniture Co.; Myron Carlson, Lund Boat Co.; Paul Fetzer, Fetzer's Inc.; Marlin Horst, Premier Custom Built; Steve Jacobs, Cabinet Components; Greg Krodel, MasterBrand Cabinets Inc.; Doug Mock, Mock Woodworking Co.; Michael Moran, Ashley Furniture; Stephen Wellborn, Wellborn Cabinet Inc.; and Doug Williams, Hooker Furniture.

Student Designers Recognized

Student designers will again showcase their talent and originality as they compete for prizes and recognition in this year's Design Emphasis competition. Design Emphasis 2004 will award a total of $14,000 in prize money and the distinctive award sculpture design by renowned artist Robert Longhurst.

Six categories are recognized: Seating, Ready-to-Assemble, Case Goods, Contract, Occasional Furniture and Design Creativity. A prize is also given for the Best of Show.

Entries are judged on design, manufacturing potential, marketability and workmanship. The 75 finalists' furniture pieces will be displayed in a special Design Emphasis area located in the Northside Drive entrance to Building C. Final judging takes place the day prior IWF, and awards will be presented during a special ceremony on Thursday, the first day of IWF.