CHICAGO -- According to Reuters, U.S. office furniture growth slowed again in August, following months of erratic growth that analysts said was a sign that the market is moderating. Reportedly, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Assn. said industry orders rose 3% to $945 million compared to August 2005. According to BIFMA data, July showed a 13% growth versus the same period last year, which followed a 2% growth in June and erratic growth going back to March.

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- Why have more than 750 woodworking professionals – and counting - signed up as Woodworking VIPs (Voices of Industry Professionals)? The reasons for volunteering to serve on the new online research panel for Wood & Wood Products and Custom Woodworking Business are multiple

  POTOMOC FALLS, VA – The Architectural Woodwork Institute Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Phil Duvic, former AWI director of marketing and communications, as executive vice president. Duvic, who spent 25 years in the architectural woodwork industry, joined the AWI staff in 2000. He succeeds Judy Durham, who resigned in July.

COMMERCE, CA -- Exhibitor enrollment is running at a record pace for the 50th anniversary edition of the AWFS Fair, July 18-21, 2007, in Las Vegas.

WINNIPEG, MB -- Palliser Furniture Ltd. announced plans to complete a major shift in its identity, ownership and management style over the coming months.

OAKVILLE, ON – Canadians are expected to spend a little more than $5 billion (Canadian) on office furniture this year, an increase of 5.8% over 2005, according to the Aktrin Furniture Information Center. Aktrin said its projection is based on retail prices and includes recycled furniture.   

BODEGA BAY, CA - The Woodworking Machinery Industry Assn. announced its Innovator, Educator and Commitment to Excellence Through Technology Awards on Sept. 26 at Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa at the association's 19th annual awards dinner honoring woodworking industry leaders.

  BIELEFELD, GERMANY – A budding battle of woodworking supply trade shows, pitting ZOW versus Interzum, "damages the industry" according to the spokesman for ZOW.

RIMINI, ITALY - SCM Group SpA announced Oct. 20 it has acquired the majority shareholding of Delmac SpA of Thiene, Italy, one of SCM’s major competitors. Anbrogio Delachi, president of Delmac, and Alfredo Alurelli, managing director of SCM Group, issued a joint statement about the transaction. The statement did not reveal any financial details about the transaction.

HIGH POINT, NC – According to The Business Journal, orders for new residential furniture fell by 4% in July of this year versus July 2005.