The judging panel for the seventh annual Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge has been selected for the annual competition, which highlights achievement in the use of natural wood veneer products.

The industry experts serving as judges for 2011 include: Bill Esler, member of the WoodLINKS USA board of directors and associate publisher for Vance Publishing/Wood Interiors Media Group; Robert Lang, author, professional woodworker and executive editor of Popular Woodworking Magazine; and Keith Yow, a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) Carolinas Chapter and founder of the furniture and cabinetmaking program at Cedar Ridge High School, Hillsborough, NC.

Yow was named WoodLINKS USA teacher of the year in 2006 and his students have successfully participated in many competitions, including AWFS Student Design, IWF Design Emphasis and Skills USA. One of his students, Andrew Prioli, won the grand prize in the 2009 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge.

Competition categories include Cabinetry, Architectural Woodworking, Furniture Specialty Products, Store Fixtures, and Student Design. Entry materials, accepted through June 1, 2011, are available online through veneertech.com or phone (800) 593-5601. Entry forms are also available from Veneer Technologies sales representatives and distributors.

The grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 cash award and the distributor of the veneer for the grand prize winner will receive $2,000 — the salesman will receive $1,000. Winners of each of the six categories receive $1000. Awards will be announced at AWFS Las Vegas, July 20-23.

Past grand prize winners include Wilkie Sanderson, Architectural Woodworking; Kent Townsend Fine Furniture; Paul Schurch, Schurch Woodworking; Gregg Novosad, Divine Design; and Scott Grove, Green Grove Design.

Keith Yow, founder of the furniture and cabinetmaking program at Cedar Ridge High School, Hillsborough, NC is among judges for Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge.