TEMPE, AZ - John Park of Scm Group North America assumed the presidency of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) vowiing to take advantage of the improving economy to strengthen the association and grow the International Woodworking Fair (IWF).

Park, most recently vice president of the WMIA, succeeded John Henderson of John Henderson and Company LLC. Henderson will stay on the WMIA Board of Directors in the role of immediate past president.

Park outlined his goals for his two-year term to members attending the Woodworking Industry Conference, the annual joint convention of the WMIA and Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), which includes participation by members of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS).

Park's goals include:

  • Add more valued-based benefits to WMIA members;

  • Continue to strengthen the WMIA's financial position;

  • Work to bring more youths innto the woodworking industry; and

  • Grow the International Woodworking Fair to attract more exhibitors and attendees. At the 2012 Woodworking Industry Conference, WMIA and WMMA announced they had bought out the American Home Furnishings Alliance's (AHFA) interest in the biennial industry event held on even years in Atlanta, GA.

WMIA Pays Tribute to Rothwell
Henderson presented farewell gifts to David Rothwell, who completed his long service with WMIA in completing his two-year term as immediate past president. Rothwell, a long-time member of the WMIA and chairman of IWF 2014, recently retired from Stiles Machinery.

WMIA also welcomed four new members to the board of directors, including, Stan Paszkowski of First Choice Industrial, Jason Neafus of Hoosier Woodworking Machinery, Andreas Muehlbauer of Stiles Machinery, Pascal Doucet of Doucet Machineries and Dave Rakaukas of Colonial Saw. They join Jim Besonen of Wood Machinery Systems, whose term was extended two years; Robert Ghizoni of Omga; Madison Bert of WEIMA North America; and Bob Heskett of West Coast Machinery.

Frank Quis of Quis Machinery, Jason Howell of Weinig USA, Karin John-Dueatschler of GUHDO USA and Jim Scarlett of Scarlett Inc. completed their board terms and were thanked for their service.