ITHACA, NY –Biodegradable composites made entirely from plant materials and developed by Anil Netravali, professor of fiber science and apparel design, Cornell University, will soon be found in commercial products, according to the Cornell Chronicle. The composites are made entirely from plant fiber and a resin derived from soy protein.

TORONTO – Office furniture manufacturer Teknion Corp. announced the results for its first quarter of 2007, which ended February 28. The company reported a loss before taxes of $5.4 million and sales of $151 million compared to a loss of $7.5 million and sales of $134 million in the same period of 2006. Sales in the United States increased 24.9% versus the first quarter of the prior year. Canadian sales declined by 3.5%, and international sales increased 11.8%.

DALLAS – East Teak Fine Hardwoods Inc. announced it is the first North American supplier to offer 100 percent post-consumer recycled teak and rosewood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. East Teak holds its first FSC certification with chain of custody and will be the exclusive distributor of FSC certified recycled teak and rosewood in North America from Brooks Brothers UK Ltd.

OLATHE, KS – Hans Weber Corp. announced the appointment of Brian Hilscher to regional sales manager. His responsibilities include working closely with Weber’s distributor channels as well as direct involvement with customers.

GAITHERSBURG, VA – The Composite Panel Assn. announced the appointment of Curt Alt as vice president of marketing and communications. Alt most recently served as marketing manager for the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Assn. Tom Julia, president of the CPA, said Alt’s responsibilities will include the CPA’s Marketing Committee and Decorative Surfaces Council.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – The National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers has moved to 4651 Sheridan St., Suite 470, Hollywood, FL 33021. NASFM’s phone number remains (954) 983-7300. For more information, visit www.nasfm.org.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR -- White River Hardwoods-Woodworks Inc., a manufacturer of hardwood mouldings and hand-carved architectural woodcarvings, has formed a strategic alliance with Peter Salerno, a New Jersey

LANCASTER, PA – Keystone Wood Specialties has updated its Web site – www.keystonewood.com – mirroring its new color catalog. Product images are clearly displayed and enlargeable; where applicable, each Web page references the corresponding catalog page. The site offers easy access to customer service information and customers can download PDF version order forms.  

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Hermance Machine Co., a distributor of woodworking machinery, announced the promotion of Ian Strouse to general manager. For more information, visit www.hermance.com.

FORT MEYERS, FL – Schmidt Industrial Services announced the hiring of Kraig Schuchardt as a technician. Schurhardt has 12 years of experience in the woodworking industry.